FLY FIRST

Start your pilot journey where it matters most - in the air

Skyborne’s Fly First programme is a unique pathway that puts you in the cockpit from day one. Begin your training in sunny Vero Beach, Florida, building real flight experience before progressing through structured training phases, with flexibility around when you begin each stage.

This approach gives you control over your training, your timeline, and your investment, while still delivering the quality and airline focus Skyborne is known for.

Register your interest to get started.

Key Features

The benefits of training at Skyborne include:

Airline placement

Key airline relationships and expert support to kickstart your career

WORLD CLASS FACILITIES

State-of-the-art training facilities and year-round flying weather out in Florida

Expert instruction

Trained by world-class, Skyborne instructors

Fleet

Train on our large, standardised, optimal training aircraft and advanced training simulators

Regular Intakes

Frequent course start dates, offering greater flexibility for all phases

Wellbeing support

Professional support and resources to protect your mental wellbeing

Course Breakdown and price

£67,900

You will be expected to pay for your course in the following instalments.

The schedule is as follows:

PAYMENTAMOUNTDUE DATE
1£15,000To secure course place (Non Refundable Deposit)
2£26,45030 days prior to course start date
3£26,45030 days after course start date
Total£67,900 
timeline

The Skyborne Fly First programme is completed at our fair-weather base in Vero Beach, Florida. With over 350 days of flying weather! Phase one of this programme includes the following stages:

Stage 1 – FAA Private - VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
10 weeks
Stage 1 – FAA Private - VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
Stage 2 – FAA Instrument Rating - VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
7 weeks
Stage 2 – FAA Instrument Rating - VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
Stage 3 – Structured Hour Building - Vero beach, Florida
6 weeks
Stage 3 – Structured Hour Building - Vero beach, Florida
Stage 4 – UK CAA PPL Conversion - Vero Beach, Florida
1 week
Stage 4 – UK CAA PPL Conversion - Vero Beach, Florida
Stage 5 – UK CAA MEP Class Rating - Vero Beach, Florida
2 weeks
Stage 5 – UK CAA MEP Class Rating - Vero Beach, Florida
Stage 6 – Advanced UPRT - VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
0.5 weeks
Stage 6 – Advanced UPRT - VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

assessment PROCESS

We review all online applications and subject to you meeting our entry criteria, you will be invited to complete our initial web based assessment process. This is a series of online psychometric, numeracy and aptitude tests.

We use AON aptitude testing to help you gain a clear understanding of your suitability and potential for flight training before you begin.

There is no pass or fail with the Fly First assessment. Instead, the results allow you to make an informed decision about whether to continue your flight training journey.

On completion of the assessments you will be to attend an online review with Skyborne. This involves a series of non-technical activities and an interview. During your training with Skyborne, we help you develop the core skills, knowledge and attitude to become an effective commercial pilot.

Unlike most flight training organisations, we do not charge for the assessment process.

Course Requirements

First, you must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the training course and hold a valid passport that allows for the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK.

You must have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) to apply, three of the five GCSEs need to be in Math, English and Science. If you have studied outside of the UK, please see UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) for guidance on equivalent academic qualifications. Some airlines may insist on higher qualifications, such as A-Levels.

You must be fluent in English – both written and spoken. As a guide, you must be proficient enough to achieve ICAO Level 4 or IELTS Level 5.5 (academic).

A current and valid unrestricted UK CAA Class 1 Medical Certificate and FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate is required before the commencement of training.

Airline testimonials

Where our Graduates go

We are committed to forming partnerships with the world’s most reputable and trusted airlines to enable us to assist and support aspiring pilots in securing their dream jobs. With a focus on quality and commitment to the best training standards, which sets us apart from most other training organisations. Regardless of the route you take with Skyborne, you will graduate well prepared and recognised by the airline industry.

 

further questions?

STAGE 1 - FAA Private Pilot

During this initial stage of flight training, you’ll gain a strong foundation in core piloting skills, aircraft handling, navigation, and safety to achieve your FAA Private Pilot Certificate. 

This approach not only develops your confidence and competence in the cockpit, but ensures you efficiently accumulate the required hours to progress smoothly into more advanced stages of your pilot training journey. 

STAGE 2 - FAA INSTRUMENT rating

In this stage you’ll develop the advanced capability to fly entirely by reference to instruments, mastering key skills such as navigation, precision approaches, and safe operation in low-visibility conditions.

This stage equips you to confidently and competently manage an aircraft in all weather scenarios using professional instrument flight procedures, significantly expanding your operational capability and readiness for real-world flying environments.

STAGE 3 - STRUCTURED HOUR BUILDING

During this supervised flight time, you will build experience, confidence the total hours required for further commercial training, including pilot in command and cross country flights training.

STAGE 4 – UK CAA PPL Conversion

The next step is where your FAA qualifications are converted into a UK licence, meeting Civil Aviation Authority standards and requirements.

The goal is simple: full UK CAA compliance so you can fly legally and confidently in the UK.

STAGE 5 - UK CAA MULTI-ENGINE PISTON (MEP) CLASS RATING

This stage is designed to thoroughly prepare you for progressing onto your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and the Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CBIR) in the UK. It ensures you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to meet advanced training standards, setting you up for a smooth and successful transition into professional pilot training.

Stage 1 – Basic Instrument Flight Module - uk

During the Basic Instrument Flight Module stage, you will build the foundational skills required for instrument flying by learning to control and navigate the aircraft using instruments as your primary reference. 

You will develop core competencies in instrument awareness, basic radio navigation, aircraft handling in limited visibility conditions, and maintaining accurate flight profiles without external visual cues. 

This training provides an essential introduction to instrument procedures and prepares you for more advanced IFR and professional flight training.

Stage 2 – Competency Based Instrument Rating (CBIR) - uk

During the Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CBIR) stage, you will develop the skills required to fly safely and confidently under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), allowing you to operate in reduced visibility and challenging weather conditions.

You will learn advanced instrument flying techniques, radio navigation, instrument approaches, airways procedures, and cockpit workload management, all while building the precision and situational awareness expected of professional pilots.

This stage is designed to enhance your ability to operate accurately and safely using aircraft instruments as your primary reference.

*Current Syllabus hours are based on minimum requirements, any additional hours required would be charged per hour

Stage 3 – COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENCE (CPL) - uk

During the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) stage, you will transition from private flying to professional, airline-standard operations. You will develop the precision, consistency, and decision-making skills required for commercial aviation through advanced flight training and real-world scenario practice.

Stage 4 – APS MCC - uk

This final stage will see you complete 40-hours of enhanced multi-crew training to airline pilot standards (APS MCC) on either our Boeing 737 MAX simulator or Airbus A320 simulator.

You will spend the first week in ground school, learning about air law, airline operations, multi-crew procedures, plus technical training. Once this part is complete you will spend the remaining 2 weeks in the simulator, progressively developing jet handling techniques and multi-crew skills. This ensures you will be fully prepared to commence type rating and line training with the airline.

UK

Pilot Training for UK

US

Pilot Training for US

IN

Pilot Training for IN

What Happens Next ?

Commercial airline Programme

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CFI / CFII / MEII

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Leave with Pilot License

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What Happens Next ?

Commercial airline Programme

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CFI / CFII / MEII

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Leave with Pilot License

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What Happens Next ?

Commercial airline Programme

Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean tristique risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere. (15w)

CFI / CFII / MEII

Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean tristique risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere. (15w)

Leave with Pilot License

Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean tristique risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere. (15w)

What Happens Next ?

Commercial airline Programme

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CFI / CFII / MEII

Odio morbi quis commodo odio aenean tristique risus nec feugiat in fermentum posuere. (15w)

Leave with Pilot License

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