Foundation Degree Programme with Commercial Pilot Training
Kingston University and EPTA Bournemouth offer a unique course designed to provide commercial pilot training as part of a degree programme. Students will obtain a recognised UK Foundation Degree and qualify for a full frozen Air Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL) - the licence required to fly a modern airliner.
With one extra year, it is also possible to top up the foundation course and complete a BSc (Hons) in Aviation Studies. This innovative programme provides students with the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge of the operations and management of the air transport industry, while also benefiting from the practical skills and theoretical knowledge derived from pilot training.
The main educational aims of the programme are to:
- Provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills to evaluate and analyse working systems and different approaches to problem solving - enabling the students to communicate information in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Develop in students a firm foundation of specialised knowledge of the basic theory required by all pilots.
- Give students the opportunity to apply management theory in the airline and airport context.
- Allow students to develop a range of generic, academic and industry-related skills necessary for a successful career in the airline and airport industry.
- Provide an integrated suite of flight training modules with a range of exit points.
The key features of the course are as follows:
- All students can learn to fly.
- Various pilots’ licences can be obtained while on the programme.
- Opportunity to progress to Commercial Pilot’s Licence with Instrument Rating and Multi-Crew Cooperation Certificate (frozen ATPL), subject to aptitude and medical clearance.
- Programme of academic modules delivered by Kingston University’s Faculty of Engineering.
- Pilot theory and practical flight training delivered by Cabair’s European Pilot Training Academy (EPTA) - one of the UK’s foremost providers of commercial pilot training courses.
- Opportunity to undertake flight training at Cabair’s training facilities in the UK or Florida, USA.
- Acquisition of specialist knowledge in the area of airline and airport operations.
- Opportunities to participate in a wide range of UK educational visits.
- Use of real life case studies to support interactive teaching and learning programmes.
- Option to top up your foundation course with a one-year BSc (Hons) in Aviation Studies.
- Option to apply for place on Cabair Sponsored Flight Instructor Programme where you can receive Part or Fully funded FI training followed by work as an FI at a Cabair Flying School for a fixed term of 18 months or more.
- Career support and guidance throughout the course.
Fact Sheets on this course
Commercial Pilot Training
One of the main areas covered by this programme is the piloting of large commercial jet aircraft and the use of their associated equipment and systems. In order to perform this function you will need to know how the various aircraft systems work and interact, you will also need the basic and specialist hand skills necessary to complete the tasks, and a thorough knowledge of the regulations under which you must operate. The profession is strictly regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The theoretical part of the degree syllabus will be delivered at the European Pilot Training Academy (EPTA) at Bournemouth International Airport.
All practical flying training and appropriate pilot licences will be achieved through training at Cabair’s various training centres located in the UK and Florida (USA). The later modules, particularly the instrument flying on multi-engine aircraft, will be delivered either with EPTA at Bournemouth, or at another UK Cabair Flying School, such as Cranfield or Wycombe, depending on availability.
The following licences and ratings can be integrated into the foundation programme:
- Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL)
- Multi-engine Class Rating (MECR)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Multi-Crew Co-operation Course (MCC)
Further options
Upon attaining your professional pilot qualifications through this degree course, other possibilities may present themselves, such as the option to qualify as a Flight Instructor. Candidates may have the opportunity to enter a unique FI Programme which will culminate in employment at a Cabair Flying School in the UK or abroad.
Becoming part of Europe’s largest independent group of flying schools and aviation companies is certainly a positive step for a flying career.
For further information download the Fact Sheet by clicking the link at the top of this column.
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