Last weekend we ran our final open afternoon of the summer. These events were organised with the sole aim of informing aspiring pilots everything they need to know about life as a pilot. 

After the most unimaginable 18 months, Heather is able to put aside any negativity and continue to pour her energy into her love of aviation. Most have needed to demonstrate a level of resilience during the pandemic, but Heather has had to switch ATOs and persevere despite extreme upheaval.
This interview will inspire you, as it has us, to trust in yourself and focus on your long-term goals not matter what life throws in your way.

We caught up with Jake last year to see how he was finding the training amidst the pandemic. He is enrolled on our Integrated Flight Deck Programme and is on target to complete his training this year. 

When did you start your training and what stage are you at now?

When I enrolled, we started with three weeks foundation which is kind of basic theory of what you do in ground school. After foundation theory you then go straight into ground school. FTA extended the ground school from 6 months to 9 months after I enrolled, so I should hopefully be finished by December 2021. Having finished ground school, I’m now flying and currently in the final phase which includes your CPL skills test and IR (instrument rating). 

Jordy's interest in flight training blossomed as a result of his involvement in the cadets from a young age.

We spoke to George earlier this year. At the time he was midway through phase three of our integrated programme (so lots of solo navigation flights).

He's now on his final phase of flight training. We asked whether flight school has been what he expected and what he’s enjoyed most about the experience.

Data recently supplied by the UK Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that the number of people who were issued a commercial pilot’s licence in 2020, was 71% lower, just 262, compared with 906 in 2011. The picture for PPL licences was also very low, falling to almost half the 2011 total.  

All those that enrol on our 2021 Flight Deck Programme will have the option to complete training for either a CAA licence, an EASA licence, or both, all included in the standard course fee (£87,950).

Earlier this year we launched the perfect training package for those who have already started their flight training. If you have already completed your PPL, Night Rating and built sufficient hours, you can enrol with FTA and complete the entirety of your commercial flight training. 

We were delighted to welcome our new FDP students on 21 June. It really is a fantastic time of year to start. With covid-19 cases and hospitalisations on the decrease, our students can enjoy the closest thing to a 'normal' training experience that's been possible for over 12 months. 

Our classes are small, and students are socially distanced in lessons, and flight operations. With theoretical instruction delivered onsite, students can enjoy interactive classes with in-person student engagement and create friendships that will last a lifetime. 

With our June enrolment complete we now look to our September start date which is 20th of the month. September has always been the most popular month to enrol on our integrated course. Students have spent the last 13 years in class, like to make the most of their summer holidays. Read on for our ‘top five reasons to enrol on our FDP’ this year:

We interview Dan who is a modular student at FTA and has trained throughout the pandemic. In addition to the following interview, we also have a video interview of Dan which you can watch here.