Brighton-based flight school FTA has been approved to train for both UK CAA and EASA commercial pilot’s licenses and ratings.

“This will come as good news to UK-based students who are required to complete acclimatization flying and the IR skill test in an EU member state for the issue of an EASA license,” said a statement from FTA.

“With the world in the grips of a pandemic, sourcing and travelling to flight schools abroad could understandably prove quite unsettling for some, however the proximity of EU airspace to FTA’s base at Brighton City Airport has made completing the acclimatization flying and IR skill test in EU airspace straightforward, without ever spending a night away from British soil.”

FTA Head of Training, Phil Jones, said, “We have continually strived to put all necessary measures in place to see our students – past and present – navigate this unprecedented situation. I genuinely feel that we have always offered the best advice we can and have stayed in close communication with our students throughout. I am pleased that we could continue with our training with options for our students in place.”

The school has confirmed that students who enroll on the 2021 Integrated Flight Deck Program will have the option to complete training for both a UK CAA and EASA issued license (simultaneously) – all included within the course price of £87,950.

Students who want to obtain both a UK CAA and EASA pilot’s license will need to complete a UK CAA and EASA issued Class 1 medical (completed in a single assessment), an additional IR skill test, and sit ATPL exams with both the UK CAA and EASA (under Austro Control), also in the UK.

Completing two sets of ATPL exams may seem challenging, but the syllabus is currently identical and students learn the full extent of each subject area, so the exams will be almost identical. In fact, at present, questions for both syllabuses are drawn from the same question-bank.

FTA advises all 2021 students to complete their Class 1 medical at Centerline Aviation Medical Services. Based in London, the examination center is able to issue both UK CAA and EASA Class One initial certificates and renewals/revalidations.

Sean Jacob, FTA managing director, said, “The training team at FTA worked hard to ensure that when the UK left the EU, we would continue to offer the best possible solution for commercial pilot training. Our students will have the opportunity to complete their training under both UK CAA and EASA approvals and secure the broadest range of opportunities upon completion.”

Anyone who starts training with FTA will be offered the opportunity to choose between UK CAA, EASA (or both) to complete their training.