Becoming an airline pilot
Dreaming of becoming an airline pilot? Find out about our classroom-based and distance learning courses!
Ab Initio training
The Ab Initio airline pilot training is a complete modular programme designed to train pilots from beginner level right through to obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). This type of training covers all the aspects needed to become a professional pilot, including theoretical courses on navigation, meteorology, aviation regulations and aircraft mechanics, as well as practical flying hours.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Le PPL (Private Pilot Licence) is a licence that allows the holder to fly an aircraft privately, without remuneration. It is an internationally recognised certification that authorises its holder to fly as pilot-in-command on light aircraft, generally for non-commercial flights. To obtain the PPL, candidates must undergo theoretical and practical training, pass examinations and accumulate a certain number of flying hours. The PPL is often a first step for those wishing to pursue a career in aviation.
ATPL Theory + FCL 055
The theoretical ATPL training (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) is a key step towards becoming an airline pilot. It is designed to provide student pilots with the theoretical knowledge needed to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, which is required to hold the position of captain on commercial aircraft. The theoretical ATPL is an intensive programme that can be taken in a modular or integrated way.
Night Rating (QVN)
The QVN (Night Rating) is an additional qualification for pilots holding a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), enabling them to fly at night. This qualification is essential for flying in night conditions, as night flying involves specific challenges, such as orientation in the dark and piloting mainly by instruments. To obtain the NVQ, pilots must undergo practical training that includes a certain number of hours of night flying under the supervision of an instructor.
Ripening
Ripening refers to the phase during which a pilot accumulates additional flying hours after obtaining a basic licence, such as the PPL (Private Pilot Licence). This phase is crucial for gaining practical experience, improving flying skills and preparing for more advanced qualifications, such as the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Instrument Rating (IR). Maturation allows pilots to develop their skills in a variety of flying conditions and to better master the management of complex or unexpected situations.
Single-Engine Instrument Rating (IRSE)
The Instrument Rating (IR) enables pilots to fly solely by reference to on-board instruments, without external visual reference, which is essential in adverse weather conditions (IMC - Instrument Meteorological Conditions). This qualification is necessary to navigate according to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and to fly safely in reduced visibility environments.
Commercial Pilot Licence + Multi-Engine Rating (CPL-ME)
The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is a certification that allows pilots to fly for remuneration, opening the door to a professional career in aviation. Unlike the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), which authorises only personal or unpaid flights, the CPL allows holders to work as commercial pilots, particularly in passenger and freight transport, aerial work and other commercial missions.
ME (Multi-Engine) training, or Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) qualification, is an additional certification for pilots wishing to fly multi-engine aircraft. This training is required for pilots who hold a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and who wish to operate multi-engined aircraft, whether for private or commercial flights.
Instrument Rating (IRME)
The Instrument Rating (IR) enables pilots to fly solely by reference to on-board instruments, without external visual reference, which is essential in adverse weather conditions (IMC - Instrument Meteorological Conditions). This qualification is necessary to navigate according to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and to fly safely in reduced visibility environments.
Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT)
The A-UPRT training (Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training) is an advanced aviation training course designed to prepare pilots to recognise, prevent and recover an aircraft from abnormal loss-of-control situations, known as upsets. This training, which has become compulsory to obtain the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), is essential to enhance flight safety by teaching pilots how to react appropriately to unexpected situations, such as an excessive bank, an abnormally low speed or a steep dive.
Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training
The MCC training (Multi-Crew Cooperation) is a compulsory programme for pilots preparing to work as part of a multi-pilot crew, generally on airliners or commercial transport aircraft. It is designed to improve cooperation, communication and coordination between crew members. Here is an overview of this training, with a focus on the variants APS MCC and YCW.
Airbus A320 qualification
Fly Provence is one of the few schools in France to have the simulator FNPT II MCC (Flight Navigation Procedure Trainer II Multi-Crew Cooperation)! This is a flight simulation device used to train pilots, specifically for Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) training on A320 aircraft.
The FNPT II is an intermediate-level flight simulator that enables pilots to practise navigation manoeuvres, aircraft systems management and emergency procedures in a controlled environment. It provides a realistic simulation of flight conditions, without the need for a real aircraft.
Training on this simulator focuses on collaboration between crew members, reinforcing communication and crew resource management (CRM) skills. Pilots can work together to manage flight operations, respond to emergency scenarios, and practice A320-specific procedures, while developing situational awareness and crew decision-making skills.
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Frequently asked questions
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