Leading Edge Aviation launches 16 funded pilot training courses

Sixteen places are available for a mostly funded combined airline pilot and flight instructor training course on offer from Leading Edge Aviation, an Approved Training Organisation based at London Oxford Airport.

The scheme will subsidise up to 82% of a frozen Air Transport Pilot’s Licence (fATPL) and Flight Instructor (FI) course to candidates from the UK and EU for a dual UK CAA and EASA licence.

It’s the third time LEA has offered such a scheme and this year there are two entry routes:

• Integrated fATPL for students with little or no flying experience: Successful applicants contribute £30,000, an 80% reduction in the standard fee of £147,000 for the full course including accommodation
• Modular fATPL (PPL Holders): Candidates with an existing Private Pilot Licence pay £25,000, an 82% saving on total programme costs of £140,840.

The programme includes a Flight Instructor Rating and graduates will go directly into a guaranteed three-year paid role as a Flight Instructor at the company’s campus in Alhama de Murcia, Spain.

Leading Edge CEO and co-founder Andy McFarlane said, “Financial barriers too often prevent talented individuals from entering the aviation industry. With this programme, we aim to make the pathway more accessible and sustainable.”

Candidate requirements

To be eligible for the 16 funded spots, applicants must:

• Be aged 17 or over at the time of application
• Hold five lower secondary qualifications at Grade 4 (C) or above, or European equivalents
• Hold a Class 1 Medical (UK CAA & EASA Denmark-assigned) and pass a DBS/GSAT check
• Demonstrate English proficiency at ICAO Level 4 or higher.

Key dates

The application window is brief. Applications open Friday 13 February 2026, and close on Saturday 28 February 2026. Assessments will take place across March, April and May, with successful candidates notified by Monday 1 June 2026.

Apply here