Career opportunities

Career opportunities after your training at E-Flight Academy

✈️ Your future as a pilot starts here

Studies show that aviation will grow rapidly over the next 10 to 20 years. This is driven by new forms of aviation and the retirement of pilots, alongside projected growth of nearly 100%. The aviation sector is therefore crying out for new talent. After successfully completing our Zero to Hero course, you'll be at the start of a promising career. Whether you dream of flying commercial aircraft, private jets, cargo planes, teaching, or even pursuing a military career, the options are endless.

1. What comes after Zero to Hero?

Congratulations! You now have the theory and practical skills under your belt. But what comes next?

✅ Keep your Frozen ATPL up to date

You now hold a Frozen ATPL: you have passed all the theory exams and hold a CPL licence, but to obtain your ATPL, you need to build up flight hours in a multi-pilot airline environment to qualify as a captain (this is when you actually need an ATPL licence). If you do not want to work as a pilot in the airline industry, you do not need an ATPL licence.

➡️ Keep your medical certificates valid
➡️ Stay involved in the cockpit, for example as an instructor or CPL pilot in a commercial flight operation

✈️ Build up your flight hours

Some options:

  • Flight instructor: Start teaching right away (possibly while still completing Zero to Hero!)

  • Business aviation / private jets: Charter companies offer plenty of opportunities to fly

  • Regional cargo and passenger airlines: Often more accessible than major airlines

🧑✈️ Apply for jobs in professional aviation

Once you have logged enough hours, you can move on to major airlines. E-Flight has partnership agreements with AIS Flight Academy, Corendon, KLM, and other organizations to help E-Flight-trained pilots smoothly transition to the flight operation of their choice.

Prepare for:

  • Simulator assessments

  • Psychological tests

  • Technical interviews

2. Finances and Practical Planning

A career in aviation requires an investment, but with the right preparation, it remains achievable. Costs to keep in mind

3. Expand your network and visibility

👥 Join our E-Flight Community and professional associations such as the VNV (Dutch Airline Pilots Association) and others
📱 Use LinkedIn and networking events to make connections

4. The market: pilot shortage as an opportunity

📉 The shortage in numbers (Netherlands):

  • ±4,500 active pilots

  • 287 airlines with an AOC

  • Annual shortage: approx. 250 commercial pilots

  • Growth expected across all segments: passenger, cargo, business

🌍 Why is there such a shortage?

  • An aging workforce: many pilots will retire in the coming years

  • Growing demand: air traffic is increasing worldwide, including regionally

  • New aircraft: modern, sustainable fleets need well-trained, flexible pilots

5. Endless career paths—literally and figuratively

Your training at E-Flight is your ticket to a world of possibilities:

  • Commercial aviation (First Officer → Captain)

  • Business aviation (private jets, VIPs in the sky)

  • Instructor

  • Air force or defense-related flying

  • Cargo & special missions

✈️ Ready for takeoff?

E-Flight Academy offers you more than just training: it gives you a flying start in aviation. With a growing market, smart networking opportunities and the right guidance, opportunities are yours for the taking.