ATPL Modular Route, which school to use
Joined: Aug 2022
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 240
Likes: 152
From: Edinburgh
VA Airline training is excellent, I did my APS-MCC (whitetail) there and thoroughly enjoyed it, learned a lot, and felt it gave me an edge (or certainly more confidence) in sim assessments... it is however more than you (regulatorily) need and you do pay a bit more for that (although entirely worth it if you ask me!).
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: UK
They won't, but you have to pay £9k-ish as an enrollment fee. So, once you've started, you can't get that back if you leave. You can't enroll in fast track, do some modules, then go somewhere else, unless you're happy to treat £9k as a sunk cost...

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 31
From: UK
Have certainly heard good things about VA. I think there is a general feeling that the APS MCC is the final box ticking exercise that needs to be completed before applying for one's first job, and that's all it is. Students approaching the APS MCC stage are often knackered, broke and just want to get it over and done with, seeking the quickest and cheapest option. A word to the wise, therefore. Andy O'Shea, former head of training at Ryanair, who was instrumental in getting the basic MCC/JOC upgraded to the APS MCC, said that prior to the new course Ryanair was rejecting over 50% of applicants for not being sufficiently prepared. The APS MCC is one of the most important aspects of one's training programme and should be approached as such, so don't short change yourselves by simply opting for the cheapest option available.
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Derby
VA used to offer the APS MCC as part of the Ryanair mentored programme but I see this is no longer the case.
If you are hoping to get a job with Ryanair, doesn’t it put you at a disadvantage versus their current mentored scheme providers?
If you are hoping to get a job with Ryanair, doesn’t it put you at a disadvantage versus their current mentored scheme providers?
Joined: Aug 2022
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 240
Likes: 152
From: Edinburgh
Not in my personal experience.
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: united kingdom
UK modular flying school- help needed
I know this is off topic but basically I’m looking at a few different flying schools in the UK that do the modular route which can take me to the first officer role. I’ve got a few open days next month but I’ve not seen that much reviews from these flying schools on here:
Ravenair in Liverpool, Aeros, Stapleford and GoFlyOxford.
if anyone has information on here and their personal reviews of these flying schools please let me know.
thank you
Ravenair in Liverpool, Aeros, Stapleford and GoFlyOxford.
if anyone has information on here and their personal reviews of these flying schools please let me know.
thank you
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: united kingdom
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: united kingdom
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
UK modular schools feedback 2025
Hello all,
I will soon be done with the ATPL exams and will have flown the hours necessary to start the CPL MEP IR. I'm in the process of looking for schools that offer dual UK CAA / EASA licence and I am considering the following:
- Stapleford
- Aeros
- Aviation Southwest
- AFTA (Ireland)
- ACS (Scotland)
Anybody have any current or recent experience with any of the above that can give some feedback?
Thanks in advance.
I will soon be done with the ATPL exams and will have flown the hours necessary to start the CPL MEP IR. I'm in the process of looking for schools that offer dual UK CAA / EASA licence and I am considering the following:
- Stapleford
- Aeros
- Aviation Southwest
- AFTA (Ireland)
- ACS (Scotland)
Anybody have any current or recent experience with any of the above that can give some feedback?
Thanks in advance.

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: Scotland
Thing to remember is an EASA IR Skills Test needs to be flown in EASA airspace, a UK IR Test in UK airspace. Ask the school how they do it, CPL and MEP can usually be done as a dual test the IR can't really.
Have you looked at the British Aerobatic Academy? They can offer both as well.
Have you looked at the British Aerobatic Academy? They can offer both as well.

Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 4
From: Bristol, England
@Edington, that isn't strictly true. The requirement for the IR test to be flown in EASA airspace only applies to ATOs that are approved to operate outside EASA airspace. The UK rules mirror the EASA rules. Thus a UK-based ATO with both UK and EASA approvals must test for the EASA IR in EASA airspace but the UK test can be flown in any airspace. It can, in theory, be one single test conducted in EASA airspace (provided the examiner holds both authorisations). Good point, though, different ATOs cope with this in different ways and setting up a single test for both licences can be challenging. It is often easier (but more expensive) to fly two tests.
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: UK
Aeros flight training (UK)
Hi guys I’m trying to find a decent school that offers a modular scheme for me to get my ppl then hopefully my cpl as I plan on working full time while trying to do my training.
Ive recently came across Aeros flight training and I was wondering if any of you could give me your opinion on them.
Cheers!
Ive recently came across Aeros flight training and I was wondering if any of you could give me your opinion on them.
Cheers!
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow
Would have been good to get some replies on this. I'm also looking at Aeros as an option.
Hi guys I’m trying to find a decent school that offers a modular scheme for me to get my ppl then hopefully my cpl as I plan on working full time while trying to do my training.
Ive recently came across Aeros flight training and I was wondering if any of you could give me your opinion on them.
Cheers!
Ive recently came across Aeros flight training and I was wondering if any of you could give me your opinion on them.
Cheers!
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Birmingham
Likewise, I would have liked to have seen more on this, as I am considering this school as well. I may have a friend from work who is in touch with someone he believes is training here. If i get any more Ill let you know.






