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Image courtesy of Skyborne
- Skyborne operates pilot training academies in the UK, Florida, and India.
- The comprehensive training program costs $136,000 and spans 70 weeks.
- Business Insider interviewed staff and students to explore the experience of becoming a commercial pilot.
Located at Gloucestershire Airport in southwest England, Skyborne is a prominent pilot training academy. This year, it has nine intakes with 20 cadets each for its Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) program priced at £105,500 ($136,000).
Founded in 2018, Skyborne completed its UK base construction by April 2019. Shortly after this milestone, the aviation sector faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic.
Carla Booth, Skyborne’s commercial director, shared with Business Insider: “We recognized early on that we needed to expand because we anticipated a swift recovery; airlines had significantly reduced their pilot workforce.”
The academy also established an additional site in Vero Beach, Florida. Here, UK cadets spend six months of their training while also catering to US pilots through a partnership with Delta Air Lines.
“Airlines are actively seeking new pilots,” Booth noted as she described how demand for trained professionals is surging.
A report from management consulting firm Oliver Wyman indicates that North America currently faces a shortage of around 17,000 pilots due to factors like early retirements. The global deficit could reach nearly 80,000 by the year 2032.
A significant boost came when Skyborne was chosen as the UK hub for British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy program which covers training expenses for up to 200 cadets. According to Booth, this course attracts about 40,000 applicants annually.
Image courtesy of British Airways
Experiencing Life at Skyborne
Upon starting their courses at Skybourne Academy located near Cheltenham accommodations are provided for new cadets. Before classes commence each intake is welcomed by previous students over drinks at local pubs.
A recent tour revealed strong camaraderie among trainees within hallways and lounges where bulletin boards showcased various clubs including running groups and other extracurricular activities available for participation.
The lounge area offers views into one hangar where maintenance teams work diligently on eight light aircraft stationed inside.
Vicky Harriss who oversees operational delivery emphasizes that fostering relationships between trainees and engineers or air traffic controllers is crucial from day one: “We prioritize breaking down barriers early on.”
Trainee Libby Roebuck aged twenty-one began her journey post-high school working as cabin crew member with TUI Airways during summer following pandemic restrictions lifting.
Her childhood experiences flying helicopters alongside her father ignited her passion for aviation despite counselors often suggesting alternative career paths such as cabin crew or military service instead:“That just fueled my determination even more,” Roebuck expressed regarding pursuing piloting aspirations amidst industry gender disparities—only twelve percent female representation exists among ATPL course participants while women constitute merely five percent globally according International Civil Aviation Organization statistics!
Training Structure: Ground School & Flight Simulators
The initial phase consists of six months filled with rigorous academic coursework characterized by limited breaks—just two seven-day intervals throughout! Roebuck recounted long days beginning around seven AM extending until eleven PM along with additional weekend study hours totaling twelve more weekly! “What you invest directly correlates back into your success,” she remarked.
Customer service modules incorporate role-playing exercises simulating real-life scenarios reflecting growing recognition within airlines regarding importance placed upon these skills today compared previous eras according Harriss’ insights.
Following ground school completion students transition southward towards sunny Florida engaging single-engine flight instruction utilizing Piper PA-28 aircraft before returning homeward bound towards often overcast skies undertaking multi-engine flight lessons commencing first via simulators featuring twin-engine Diamond DA42 models learning essential techniques managing engine failures mid-flight!
Additionally included are specialized courses focusing on Upset Prevention Recovery Training aimed equipping future aviators handling unexpected situations such stalls spirals dives effectively ensuring safety protocols adhered too!
Final weeks culminate preparing candidates functioning collaboratively within multi-pilot crews gaining familiarity operating larger jets utilizing Boeing737 Max simulators mimicking authentic airline environments encountered daily once employed thereafter typically requiring another eight-week type-specific orientation conducted post-hire!
Booth expressed fulfillment derived witnessing trainee transformations throughout eighteen-month duration stating “Supporting them landing first jobs remains incredibly gratifying.”
Social media platforms highlight successful placements achieved across various airlines including British Airways easyJet TUI Jet2 etc.!
Roebuck eagerly anticipates upcoming interview opportunities awaiting potential position serving first officer aboard Airbus A320!
