FAQ's | ACS Flight Training

Frequently asked Questions

Would you like to become a pilot and have some specific questions?

We have put together some FAQs to address any questions you may have. We hope these give you the confidence to get started with your training, or perhaps prompt you to contact us about anything else.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PPL?

On average students take around 3 months to complete the 45 hours of flight training towards the Private Pilots Licence (PPL). However some students can complete the PPL in as little a 6 weeks if training full time and as long as 2 years on a part time basis.

WHERE DO I LIVE WHEN I TRAIN WITH ACS?

ACS can assist and help you find student accommodation near the training school at Perth Airport. There is a selection of accommodation options including shared accommodation, bed and breakfasts and local hotels – the operations team at ACS can seek the best option for you. Many students on our full time programs begin by living at the Perth Skylodge which is on the Airport campus and a short walk from our main entrance. Please contact us if you’d like to find out more about accommodation options whilst studying at ACS.

WHAT DOES A MEDICAL INVOLVE AND HOW DO I GET MINE?

Initial Class 1 Medical examinations are conducted at London Gatwick, London Heathrow or Birmingham but can be renewed by local Aero Medical Examiners (AME). For full information and bookings, please visit the CAA website.

To commence the Private Pilots Licence (Fast Track ATPL course Module 1) students would require a minimum level class 2 Medical prior to solo flight. This can be conducted by our local Aero Medical Examiner at Perth Airport. Please contact us for more information.

WHERE IS PERTH AIRPORT?

Our training school is situated just 3 miles north east of Perth in Scotland with superb road, rail and bus links to Perth City, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The airport has 3 runways and various additional facilities and companies are onsite, including the Scottish Aeroclub, Air Service Training and a local restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Established in 1936, the airport is home to the UK’s oldest Aero club and Aircraft maintenance Training college. The airport is steeped in history and has a diverse client base that also includes the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance and aircraft engineering support services.

CAN I CONTINUE WORKING ALONG SIDE MY FLIGHT TRAINING?

The ACS Fast Track ATPL modular course offers flexibility whilst you study, allowing you to set the pace. This allows you to spread the financial expenditure over a period of time that suits you, fitting around work commitments. Many students choose to work part time in an aviation related position to boost their CV and knowledge of the aviation industry. Read more about ACS Fast Track Modular course here

DOES THE FAST TRACK ATPL COURSE FEE INCLUDE ACCOMMODATION COSTS?

The ACS Flight Training course fees do not include accommodation costs. We do not offer student accommodation however our sales and operations teams have a list of local accommodation, and can provide assistance with sourcing places to stay in the Perth or Scone areas.

DO I NEED A UNIVERSITY DEGREE TO BECOME AN AIRLINE PILOT?

Whilst holding a degree was common place amongst airline pilots in the past, it is becoming more and more common to see students going straight from high school into flight training. With the recent increase in tuition fees it seems this trend will further increase in the coming years.

DO YOU HAVE CONNECTIONS WITH AIRLINES TO HELP ME GET A JOB AFTER TRAINING?

We do not tend to have links with specific airlines, instead focusing on supporting our students to be best placed for career development within the industry. This is why former students fly for 20+ different airlines across the world, ranging from private jet companies to flag carrier airlines.

I ALREADY HAVE MY PPL AND SOME HOURS – WILL I GET A DISCOUNT ON THE COURSE?

If enrolling onto the Fast Track modular course with a PPL, you can use these hours towards the total time requirement for issue of the frozen ATPL. The actual number of hours credited will depend on when these hours where logged and if your licence and Rating is still valid. The actual number of credited hours would be at the discretion of the Head of Training. If you already have your PPL and some flying hours and would like to know exactly how much your course will cost, contact our enrolment team who will be able to advise as per your specific situation.

HOW LONG DOES THE MODULAR ROUTE TAKE?

ACS Flight Training offers full time ATPL modular courses. Our full time Fast Track ATPL Course allows you to go from little or no flying experience to a “Frozen ATPL” in approximately 18 months.

At ACS we recognise that not everyone can complete their training full-time. Our modular courses enable students to complete training around their lifestyle or other commitments. We do however recommend that the professional courses (MEP, MEIR and CPL modules - 5,6 and 7 are conducted on a full time basis. Modular pilot courses can also be taken as and when desired, (as long as course pre-requisites are met). From zero experience to holding a frozen ATPL, the training would take around 18-36 months to complete on a part time basis. This of course depends on your pace and commitments in addition to your study

DO YOU OFFER FULL TIME PPL GROUND SCHOOL COURSES

We offer full-time PPL Ground School courses to help private pilots achieve the highest standard in their PPL exams. This is a 5 day course with the exams being taken after each tuition day or the morning after the relevant subject. Our courses are delivered by talented and enthusiastic instructors, with a wealth of experience, who will make sure they work with you to get through your exams.

CAN I VISIT ACS BEFORE MAKING A DECISION?

We strongly recommend visiting the school at Perth Airport for a tour, meet the instructors and discuss the course syllabus to see whether the school is right for you. We offer tours by appointment every week. Just contact us to schedule the tour.

ARE PPL EXAMINATIONS ONLINE?

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Private Pilot Licence (PPL) examinations are all completed online, you will be required to register with the CAA exam portal prior to commencing flight training. Please contact our operations team for support.

I’M FROM EUROPE – CAN I STUDY AT ACS

ACS Flight Training is able to accept students from across the EU, dependent on individual circumstances and documentation. If you are coming to study from overseas, it is important to follow the correct immigration procedures; having the right documentation will prevent any issues international students may have gaining entry to the UK. Please note that all overseas ACS students must have English language competence of Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference Languages (CEFR) or Level 4 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation).

DO I REQUIRE A LEVELS OR A DEGREE?

There are no pre-requisites to enrol on any of the ACS courses. You are not required to have A Levels or a degree to study at ACS. However, any form of further education, including A Levels and a degree, are a bonus.

DOES MY AGE MATTER?

Students can enrol on the EASA Private Pilots Licence at age 14 although cannot fly solo until 16 and the licence cannot be issued by the CAA until aged 17. The minimum age for for the Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) issue is 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit.

WHAT ARE THE FINANCE OPTIONS?

We offer a discounted package price for the Private Pilot Licence course which can be paid in two installments, alternatively you can opt for our PAYG option and pay on the day of each lesson. Flight training finance is available from Lendwise.

DO YOU OFFER SUPPORT IN GAINING AIRLINE EMPLOYMENT?

Our experienced team offer guidance throughout your training, we also have an independent mentor scheme to support you each step of the way. We highly recommend Flight Deck Wingman for advice and support on airline applications, interview and group exercises.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?

Access to large fleet of aircraft
Discounted Perth Airport landing fees
Discounted Perth Airport Touch and Go’s
Access to the student library & lounge
Free car parking
Inclusive of Liability insurance
Online booking system
Exclusive rate with Airport Skylodge
Scottish Aero Club membership
Free headset hire

WHAT ARE THE PLANNED DURATIONS OF THE COMMERCIAL FLIGHT TRAINING COURSES?

Multi Engine Piston Rating - 2 weeks
Multi Engine Instrument Rating - 10 weeks
Commercial Pilots Licence - 3 weeks

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE PRE-ENTRY ASSESSMENT?

The pre-entry assessment is required for the Fast Track Course and all commercial flight training courses. Thie involves a simulator session at Perth Airport, an online test and a skype interview.

HOW CAN MY PLACE ON A COMMERCIAL COURSE BE SECURED?

Places on commercial flight training courses can be secured by completing an online booking form and paying a £500 non-refundable enrolment fee. The fee for each course is due 7 days before commencing training.

WHAT DAYS AND TIMES ARE THE COMMERCIAL FLIGHT TRAINING COURSES?

Commercial flight training courses are conducted 7 days per week around the opening hours of Perth Airport.

IS THERE A STUDENT UNIFORM FOR COMMERCIAL COURSES?

ACS Flight Training will provide 2 shirts, a tie and epaulettes free of charge and you are expected to supply your own black trousers and shoes etc. Additional uniform may be purchased from reception.

ARE LANDING AND APPROACH FEES INCLUDED IN COMMERCIAL TRAINING COURSE RATES?

All landing and approach fees are included in the course rates. Approach fees associated with flight tests will be re-charged to students.

Car Parking

All customers and employees must park in Car Park 1. This is the 2nd turning on the right when you drive up Spitfire Avenue towards the control tower and there is a new walkway built from Car Park 1 to the ACS Aviation facility.

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