Training fees for aspiring commercial pilots can be huge, with some of the most costly courses ranging up to £125,000. Currently there is no widely available method for people in the UK to help fund their training. We propose that the Government provide a funding scheme for future pilots.
The current lack of a pilot loan scheme means that pilots from the UK are at a competitive disadvantage compared to those from other countries, e.g some Scandinavian countries, where a scheme is provided.
BALPA, representing over 75% of UK pilots, recently voiced concerns on this matter, stating that pilot training should be more accessible (http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/airline-pilots-rich-cost-training-poor-students-industry-warn-british-airline-pilots-association-a7899886.html#r3z-addoor)
An important point is that some schemes incrementally repay a large percentage (up to 60%) of the fee back on completion of training.