Skyborne FLY FIRST
frequently asked questions
You will find much of the information you need about the Skyborne Fly First programme within these pages. However, we have answered some frequently asked questions below. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the button at the bottom of the page.
- FLY FIRST phase 1 faqs - before you apply
Applications are currently open for the Fly First programme.
Contact one of our Flight Training Advisors who will help you with any queries you have and send you the application link for the course you are interested in.
You can contact the team on +44 (0) 1452 937020 or complete the contact form online.
Yes it is. It differs from an integrated course of training as it is far more flexible and adaptable to the individual.
It is a flexible option that allows you to adapt to your life circumstances.
If you wish to apply for the Skyborne Fly First programme, you will be required to complete the skill assessment as part of the application process. This consists of an online aptitude test and an interview with our recruitment team, following successful completion of these two elements you will be offered a place at Skyborne! For more information on the Skyborne Selection Process, view our guide.
18 months from the assessment date.
If you are close to the parameters, you will be offered feedback and an opportunity to reapply.
Yes, prior to course commencement a selection summary report is shared with you.
Providing you meet the criteria, you are able to apply at anytime from the age of 17, but must be at least 18 years old on the day your course starts.
The entry criteria for this course is five x GCSE’s, grade 4 or above, including Maths, Science and English Language. If applying from outside the UK, please see UK NARIC for guidance on equivalent academic qualifications.
From a regulatory perspective, it is not a requirement to have A-Levels or a degree (or equivalent); however, it is important to note that some airlines may stipulate this for their programmes or at point of placement. This varies from airline to airline and they will often stipulate a minimum grade, rather than specific subjects.
Prior to commencement of training, a current and valid unrestricted UK CAA Class 1 Medical Certificate and FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate is required.
You do not need these certificates in order to apply.
There are four places in the UK where you can obtain a UK CAA Class 1 Medical, these are:
- Heathrow
- Gatwick
- London
- Birmingham
Contact details can be found through the UK CAA website.
The FAA Class 1 Medical can be done at any approved FAA Aero Medical Facilities.
No, you will be required to book and pay for your medicals.
Failing a UK CAA medical can feel like the end of the road, especially if you were aiming for an airline career. But in reality, aviation is a huge industry, and there are still many paths open depending on your health, interests, and the type of medical you failed.
You can still:
• Work in airline/airport operations → flight dispatch, scheduling, crew control, ground operations.
• Teach and train → theory, simulator, or ground school instructing.
• Move into an aviation support role → safety, compliance, aviation management, or regulatory work.
To find out more about instructing and support roles available at Skyborne, visit our careers site.
We have monthly start dates throughout the year.
No, we have put in place a manageable payment plan so you can spread out the payments.
The Transport Security Agency (TSA) application and related fees are not included in your course fees. You will be required to organise your own visa.
No, accommodation is not included, however we have partnered with Collegiate Housing Services (CHS) who specialize in placing students in off-campus residencies in Vero Beach.
CHS work closely with our trainees to determine your best option.
You can find out more information here: https://www.housingservices.com/skyborne-air/vero-beach/
No, you will need to arrange and pay for your flights.
Our US colleagues have put together some useful campus tour videos to show you what the campus is like in Florida, you can view these here.
- fly first phase 1 FAQs - after you apply
You will return with a FAA PPL, FAA Instrument Rating, a UK PPL with night qualification and a Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) class rating.
Distance learning for your CAA theoretical knowledge exams can be undertaken whilst in flight training in Vero Beach, and in fact we would recommend this, but you will need to have successfully passed all of your CAA exams before starting your IR and CPL course in the UK.
Your chosen distance learning provider will organise exam sittings at one of the UK CAA exam centres.
If you haven’t started your distance learning for the CPL or ATPL theoretical exams, this would be a good time to contact one of the distance learning providers in the UK and start studying for the theoretical knowledge exams.
We would suggest that you start studying whilst you are in the USA in order to minimise the time from completing the flying course at Vero Beach and being able to start your UK Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilots Licence training back in the UK.
Once you have completed phase 1 of the Fly First Programme, you may continue with Skyborne on Phase 2. Please see the FAQs below for this course.
Remember you will need to have passed all of your CAA theoretical exams before commencing the training in the UK.
Yes, you will need to have passed the UK CAA CPL or ATPL theoretical exams before moving on to the IR and CPL course in the UK.
Yes of course, it would be the logical progression with the added benefit of the same career path assistance that our integrated students have.
For those who have completed Phase 1 of Fly First with Skyborne, we have created a Phase 2 which include CPL and IR. You can find information about this phase on the Fly First pages, we have also provided some FAQs below for this phase.
You do, however, have complete freedom to continue with a training organisation of your choice.
Yes. APS MCC is included within Phase 2 of this course which you can enrol on providing you have completed Phase 1 of the Fly First Programme. You can find out more information here. We have both Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320 simulators for use during this phase.
The programme is designed so that you benefit from a concentrated course of training to achieve the requirements to commence a UK IR and CPL course.
Any breaks in training can lead to skill fade, and could lead to you requiring extra training to pass flight tests. It is our recommendation that you undertake the course in one continuous period, however, we can be flexible to a degree.
Yes. We have strong relationships with several airlines in the industry. We have successfully placed many trainees via these connections, the list of which is growing. This benefit will be unlocked once you complete both phases of the Fly First programme.
Yes. We have a dedicated team of Skyborne trained Mental Health First Aiders in both the UK and US. They can also point students in the direction of any additional external resources that can assist and all support is offered in full confidence. In addition, in partnership with Red Umbrella, students can also access professional peer support from commercial pilots that are also trained therapists. “Care Coins” can be allocated or purchased as required to access professional support via the My Airspace platform. Also available free of charge on the platform are Mindfulness sessions conducted by one of the pilot peers for students to access. To find out more about our relationship with Red Umbrella, click here.
You will get practical support with CV and application writing, as well as assessment preparation, including simulator assessment, if required during phase 2 of the course.
Our impressive fleet is made up of over 60 Piper single and multi-engine aircraft which you will fly during your training. With Piper’s excellent reputation as a leading producer of training aircraft and with a manufacturing site right here in Vero Beach, having a Piper Fleet is the obvious choice for Skyborne with unmatched durability and reliability.
- FLY FIRST phase 2 faqs
No, you will be required to successfully complete Phase 1 of the Fly First Programme to be eligible to apply for Phase 2.
You assessment results are valid for 18 months. Providing you commence Phase 2 within this period, you will not need to repeat the skills assessment. If you commence Phase 2 after the 18 month period expires, you may need to resit the skills assessment depending on the length of time that has lapsed. This will be discussed with you when you are ready to begin Phase 2.
You will need the same medicals that are required for the first phase of the programme. These are a current and valid unrestricted UK CAA Class 1 Medical Certificate and FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate.
You not need these certificates in order to apply but are required before your training starts.
Yes, phase 2 requires an upfront payment of the full course cost.
No, accommodation is not included, however we can support you with finding accommodation near our academy.
