Goal: airline pilot
Road to the cockpit
I am 13, and flying has been my passion for about 2 years. I want to be an airline pilot. Here is my plan step by step, with the prices. It is a work in progress.
- 14Simulator
- 14–15Glider
- 17PPL
- ~19Final exams
- 21–24Airline
From the simulator to the airline
- age 14
Now: the simulator
I fly the A320 on VATSIM and learn the procedures. My flights are in the logbook.
- age 14–15
First glider flights
I am allowed to fly a glider solo from 14. Before any big spending I get my eyes and ears checked. Aeroplane training (LAPL) can start at 15 at some schools.[8]
ask the club - age 15
Gymnázium (high school)
Four years. Maths, physics and English are the base for the 14 ATPL exams. In English I aim for at least ICAO level 4, better 5.
free - age 16
Glider licence (SPL)
From 16 I can get a glider licence and fly an aeroplane solo.
ask the club - age 17
Class 1 medical and PPL
First the full Class 1 medical (valid 12 months; the PPL itself needs only Class 2), then the private pilot licence PPL(A) from 17: about 100 hours of theory, at least 45 flight hours, a radiotelephone certificate and an exam with a Transport Authority examiner.[1][2][8]
≈ €9–13k - age ~19
Maturita and the cadet application
After my final exams I apply to an airline cadet programme. Strong maths and my PPL experience help in their selection. I choose the path (below) only once I know how the medical went.
- age 19–24
ATPL, type rating and hours
ATPL theory is done during training, not earlier. Then a type rating (for example the A320) and building hours.[3]
type rating ≈ €11–35k - age 21–24
The job and building hours
If all goes well I fly short-haul European routes, log 1,500 hours and repay the training from my salary. This only applies if I get into a programme.
- age 24+
Optional: a major airline
If it goes well I would like to try a major airline and long-haul flights. It is a dream, not a plan.
Four routes to the cockpit
Airline cadet programme
Some airlines and their academies finance the training and I pay it back from my salary. It is usually not a job guarantee and not every programme is open to Slovaks. I will check the rules when I am 18.[4][7]
University (UNIZA Žilina)
A three-year bachelor. I get a degree even if the medical fails. Theory is free, the student pays for flying.[5]
Modular
One licence at a time, as I can pay for them. The slowest, but no debt.
Most applicants do not become airline pilots. That is why I have fallbacks: a degree, other aviation jobs and other careers. Prices are estimates in today's euros and will rise by 2032.
Thank you for helping
My family and friends help with the cost of flying. Thank you. The account details are not shown here yet.
Gifts are voluntary. They are not a loan or an investment and nothing is given in return.
Sources and notes on prices (8)
- EASA: medical certificates, FAQ: https://www.easa.europa.eu/the-agency/faqs/medical
- EU Regulation 1178/2011, Part-FCL: minimum ages (UK-retained copy, to be checked on EUR-Lex): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2011/1178/annex/I/data.xht
- Part-FCL, FCL.515: the 14 ATPL theory subjects (same copy): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2011/1178/annex/I/data.xht
- Wizz Air Pilot Academy: cost, repayment and eligible countries (as an example of an airline cadet programme): https://careers.wizzair.com/go/Pilot-Academy/5382601
- UNIZA Žilina: bachelor entry leaflet 2027/28: https://fpedas.uniza.sk/images/prijimacie_konanie/FPEDAS_BC_2027_2028_infoletak.pdf
- Integrated ATPL price at Flying Academy (Brno), September 2025 intake, from a search result, to be confirmed
- European Flight Academy (Lufthansa Group): entry, cost and repayment: https://www.lufthansa-aviation-training.com/en/web/european-flight-academy/faq
- Jets Fly (flying school): LAPL and PPL requirements and course content, read 2026-11-05: https://jetsfly.sk/letecka-skola/
Prices are rounded estimates from the sources above, without guarantee. I will confirm real prices with each provider.