things you should know as a parent
useful information for parents or guardians
1. Credibility
From our unique educational approach to our world-class facilities, we are radically redefining every aspect of pilot training. Our dynamic, engaging, and welcoming environment brings out the best in every pilot who walks through our doors.
We have excellent relationships with a number of leading airlines who have the seen the quality of the Skyborne Training Courses and graduates for themselves, which is why many airlines continue to use Skyborne to support their recruitment needs.
2. Standards
During training, Skyborne monitors technical and non-technical performance via a Trainee Review Board process. Our experienced Team comes from a variety of aviation backgrounds and are the best at what they do. Having such an incredible team means we can support our trainees to achieve the best results, arming them with the greatest career opportunities upon graduation.
3. Funding
Deciding to pursue Skyborne’s Integrated ATPL Programme offers an all-inclusive price, yet still requires a substantial investment. We recommend speaking to a Skyborne Flight Training Advisor who can provide information about our partnerships with independent organisations.
Trainees that join our BSc Degree (HONS) in partnership with University of West London are able to access student finance. The loan amount is dependent on house-hold income however, we do have some trainees that have been able to access over £40,000 of student finance.
4. Success
5. Safety
Trainee safety is our number one priority. Our tried and tested methods and the use of the very latest technology ensures that each and every trainee is fully equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to help them to learn and fly in a safe and purpose-built environment. Our hands-on teaching principles delivered by our expert instructors gives our trainees the confidence they require on the ground that they can carry with them in the skies.
6. Maintenance
At our facilities both here in the UK at Gloucestershire Airport, and in the U.S at our Vero Beach, Florida location, we have an approved in-house fleet maintenance team, made up of highly trained and experienced technicians who ensure all aircraft are maintained to the highest standards.
Having our own in-house maintenance teams means we don’t have to rely on external companies to maintain our fleet, giving us control of our maintenance schedule and our flying programme to avoid delays and keeping our trainees on track.
7. Airline placement career progression and support
Skyborne has a team of experienced and professional recruiters whose role is to support graduates through airline selection and placement. Each Skyborne graduate is encouraged to create as many airline placement opportunities as possible with our support. Our Graduate Services Team will be on hand to ensure students are well prepared for assessments that they will need to face.
With our strong airline partnerships and relationships, we will also provide opportunities unavailable to other Flight Schools or the general public by recommending our graduates directly.
8. Alumni program
Once training at Skyborne is complete, we continue to provide ongoing support through our Alumni platform. Allowing past trainees to remain connected both professionally and socially throughout their onward career. The global Skyborne graduate community use this platform to reconnect with former training classmates and engage with the Skyborne team. It is also a great opportunity for our graduates to share their successes and experiences with those in the same shoes.
The platform also provides ongoing access to independent, confidential well-being support through our Red Umbrella partnership. A service that can be accessed at any time and for any reason, both professional and personal, and is available at Skyborne’s preferential rate.
9. Home away from home
For many of our trainees, we appreciate that this may be their first time away from home, and as a parent or guardian this may be a concern for you. To reassure you, all our staff and instructors support all of our trainees at every stage of their course and understand the pressures that being away from home alongside flight training can bring. Supporting our trainees with their mental wellbeing is top on our list of priorities. We have dedicated members of staff who have been trained in Mental Health First Aid by Red Umbrella (our partner mental health provider) to provide support as and when it is needed.
In the UK, our accommodation is just a short drive to Gloucestershire airport. In the US we have on-site accommodation. In both locations our trainees are surrounded by those in the same situation as them. On a daily basis, we witness the bond that our trainees create with each other, quickly making friends for life and developing a genuine support network.
10. Qualifications
We often get asked the question around whether a trainee should attend University prior to attending a flight school and whether this is necessary.
A degree is not a compulsory requirement to become an airline pilot. However, with our Integrated ATPL course, trainees can combine flight training with a BSc (Hons) degree in Aviation Management from the University of West London. Studying for this University degree alongside flight training provides a distinct advantage over peers and means trainees graduate better prepared for airline operations, equipped with the necessary management and business skills to support their onward career.
The remote training requires additional study to complete six modules during the Integrated ATPL course, and is completed at the end of each training phase.
11. induction
When a new trainee embarks on their journey with Skyborne, they, along with their parents and/or guardians/guests are welcomed to an induction morning on their first day after they have settled into their accommodation. A chance to meet their fellow trainees and some of the team that will be supporting them on their journey. Here is some feedback from parents of one of our trainees, encouraging parents to come along.
“We just wanted to drop you a quick email to say ‘Thank You’.
Our Son, Noah, started his training with yourselves last week.
After dropping Noah off on Sunday and having to leave him, we had been a little reluctant to come back on Monday to join him for the induction morning. We both however, felt that Monday was excellent. It was a really good opportunity to meet the other trainees, chat with some of the other parents/guests, meet some of the instructors, and to join everyone on the start of their new adventure. This for Noah is something he has always wanted to do, and although he is so very excited, he has also been very nervous, and aware he is one of the younger trainees coming straight from his A levels. Seeing him with everyone, and listening to the mornings introductions was really great, and it was a special treat to see him receive his epaulettes. Coming to this introduction is something we would encourage other parents/guests to do as it was so reassuring for us that Noah has made the right decision choosing Skyborne.
Thank you for inviting us to join with you, and for looking after us and Noah so well. He has had a really good week, albeit a tiring one.”
Further Questions
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, one of our knowledgeable Flight Training Advisors would be happy to discuss these further with you. Please get in touch through our online contact form and we will reach out. We can also book bespoke academy tours if required.
