Research and analysis

Addressing the cost of pilot training

Explores solutions to finance as a barrier to entering the pilot profession in the UK.

Documents

Options for addressing the cost of pilot training

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Options for addressing the cost of pilot training: quantification methodology (appendix A)

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Options for addressing the cost of pilot training: research questionnaire (appendix B)

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Options for addressing the cost of pilot training: topic guide for stakeholder interviews (appendix C)

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Options for addressing the cost of pilot training: pilot funding matrix (appendix D)

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Details

This independent research into current pilot funding models considers the options available to address finance as a barrier to entering the pilot profession in the UK and how to prevent potential future shortages of pilots.

Industry and government engaged to:

  • establish the current funding models for prospective pilots
  • assess the level of demand for commercial airline pilots likely to exist in the coming years
  • identify a range of alternative methods for funding pilot training and evaluate these methods to determine their viability for use in the UK
  • identify potential policy options to:

    • remove barriers to accessing a career as a pilot
    • increase social mobility and diversity in the sector, making a career as a pilot more accessible to all members of the community and helping fill potential future skills gaps

The quantitative analysis undertaken is largely based on industry forecasts and data. As such, the results contained within the research represent the levels of pilot demand implied by these industry forecasts rather than any forecasts of future demand by the Department for Transport (DfT).

This research was conducted by SYSTRA and Northpoint on behalf of DfT. The analysis in the appendices and recommendations represent their assessments informed, in part, by industry engagement.

Updates to this page

Published 31 May 2023

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