Just to make CRYSTAL CLEAR here, remember to print off this thread, SO when the TAX MAN asks, and he will ask be sure of that, you can say" But according to this thread on PPrune and Aslan1982 and 767200ER, you do not have to pay VAT on your training costs". That should do.
OR you can check with the TAX Authorities yourselves just in case.
But of course you know sooooooooo much better than a experienced jet jockey, or a a bloody good accountant or anybody else involved in this industry and might just might know blah blah blah blah blah blah etc....
Hope you like prison food, kiddies