frequently asked questions

You must:
• hold 6 GSCEs grade A-C or 5-9 including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualification.

• be fluent in English (and, if applicable, an ICAO Level 4 on completion of training). For non-native English speakers, you will need a certificate proving you have achieved International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 4.5 overall, with no less than 4.5 in any individual area (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking). This must be the Academic test, not General Training.

• Hold a valid passport with the unrestricted right to work and live in the UK.

• Be between 1.57m (5’2”) and 1.90m (6’3”) tall. Height is accurately determined during the assessment process. If you are taller than 1.90m, you may submit an application, but may be required to undergo a functionality test.

• Be able to hold unrestricted medicals including; UK CAA Class 1, EASA Class 1 and FAA Class 3.

• Produce a criminal record check (CRC) basic disclosure certificate before training can commence.

There is a lot that you can do to help prepare for your assessment process. Firstly, research is key. It is important that you understand the role of a commercial pilot with Ryanair and the responsibilities involved. It is also important that you can demonstrate your motivation towards this career and why you believe you are suitable for this exciting opportunity.

Aptitude testing is an area that also can be prepared for. Skyborne use AON online testing and practice assessments can be accessed at the following link to give you practice questions, as well as hints and tips. https://assessment.aon.com/en-us/prepare-your-assessment

Consider the non technical aspects also; team work and leadership, among others. These are all key qualities necessary to be successful as a commercial pilot.

If you are close to the parameters, you will be offered feedback and an opportunity to reapply. 

18 months from the assessment date. 

Prior to commencement of training, a current and valid unrestricted UK CAA Class 1, EASA Class 1 and FAA Class 3 are required.

There are only three places in the UK where you can obtain a UK CAA Class 1 Medical, these are:

• Heathrow
• Gatwick
• London
• Birmingham

and can be found through the UK CAA website. 

The FAA Class 3 Medical can be done at any approved FAA Aero Medical Facilities. 

No, you can apply and start training with zero flight experience, however we suggest a 30-minute flight lesson in advance.

If you have completed or partially completed your PPL then you are still eligible for the programme. Please note that there will be no alleviation on the number of hours that you have to complete. If you have started your ATPL Theoretical Knowledge exams then you are considered over qualified for this opportunity.

Yes as long as you have the right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship

If you know the exam board you took your exams through, you can obtain this information online. If you don’t know the exam board, the school you attended may be able to assist.

For further information, visit https://www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate

If you are successful, your start date will be confirmed with you by one of our Flight Training Advisors. We have regular course start dates throughout the year. 

Yes – Ryanair trainees will receive a conditional job offer upon enrolment and are eligible for a bonded B737 type rating with no up-front cost! Graduates from the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy, not only get a guaranteed final assessment but also have an exclusive fast-tracked recruitment process and will always be given preference during initial selection. In addition to that, programme graduates will enjoy a distinct advantage at the actual interview and assessment stage as they will be taught using Ryanair procedures and will get exposure to their safety culture and operational philosophy from day one of the programme. Trainees will also be tutored directly by the Ryanair pilot recruitment team before attending their final assessment.

Ryanair has selected Skyborne Airline Academy as the only UK approved training partner for the Future Flyer Academy. 

You can find details of the course footprint on the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy pages on this site. 

Yes, as part of the Ryanair agreement, all trainees will be accommodated by Skyborne, working and living alongside other Ryanair trainees and Skyborne Integrated ATPL trainees.

Yes. Accommodation is included for the entirety of your training in the cost of the course on a self-catered basis. You will therefore need to budget for living expenses for the duration of the course and we would recommend £10,000 as being an adequate amount for this.

You can find full details about the training locations on the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy pages on this site. 

No, this is included within the pricing. 

No, as a full-time training course, you will be expected to attend Ground School phases in person.

Within the course footprint there are scheduled blocks of time off during your training. We ask that you limit your engagements during training. We understand things happen in life where you may need to take time off so we will be as flexible as possible.

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.

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.