Zero to Hero: This is how you become a commercial pilot at E-Flight Academy!
Become a Pilot with Our Modular ATPL Program
At E-Flight Academy, we often get the question: "Can I become a commercial pilot with you? And what are the steps involved?" The answer is absolutely 'Yes'! And for the steps to take, we've created this page for you.
In September, an ATPL class for full-time students will also start. Limited availability!
Modular ATPL
A Modular ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) is a flexible route to becoming an airline pilot where you step-by-step obtain various pilot licenses and qualifications. Unlike an integrated ATPL training, with this modular approach you can determine your own pace and combine the training with work or other commitments. You start with a private license (PPL) and build this out with additional modules such as instrument flying (IR) and your commercial license (CPL), until you ultimately have all qualifications to start working as an airline pilot.
Structured Pathway
We offer a clear and structured pathway that takes you from zero flight hours to a professional commercial pilot. Our mission is to make your dream as a pilot come true as sustainably as possible and prepare you for a successful career in aviation. We have mapped out the steps as clearly as possible for you in the diagram below, where we take you from Zero to Hero!
⚠️ Do you already have a PPL? Or are you even further along? Then you can of course just join and become the Hero from there.
☝️ Note! The aviation world is full of abbreviations. In other words: Aviation = Abbreviations. On this page we've explained them as much as possible. Still have questions? Feel free to let us know!
Fastest Route
You begin your adventure by obtaining your Private Pilot License (PPL) with a minimum of 45 flight hours. Immediately after, you start with the ATPL theory. You work on your flight hours by renting our aircraft. You also obtain your Night Flying Qualification (5 hours) and Multi Engine Piston (6 hours). After completing the ATPL theory, you begin with the Instrument Rating (IR) course. Once you have completed this, you start with the Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which comprises 15 flight hours. You may only take the exam if you have achieved a minimum of 200 flight hours. After that, you follow the 30-hour Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) training via a partner, and you're ready for a job as a pilot at an airline.
At E-Flight Academy, we guide you through every step, from your first flight hours to your first commercial flight. Our mission is to make your dream as a pilot come true as sustainably as possible.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Duration: Minimum 45 flight hours + skill test
Costs and detailed description
Theory: Approximately 150 hours + exams
What can you do with it?
With a Private Pilot License (PPL), you may fly as pilot-in-command of a single-engine aircraft for non-commercial purposes. This means you can make private flights with friends and family, but you may not earn money with your flights.
Theory for ATPL (+IR)
Duration: Approximately 750 hours
Costs: We help you choose the right way to complete this theory. This can be done, for example, with e-learning or classroom instruction. Depending on your choice, we request the costs from one of our partners.
What can you do with it?
The theory for the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) can be started after obtaining your PPL and must be completed before you begin your IR. ATPL is required to become a captain at an airline.
Hour Building
To be allowed to take the exam for the CPL license, you must have a minimum of 200 flight hours in your logbook. Between your modules, you therefore build up extra flight hours. At E-Flight, we try to complete all training that can be included in the hour building as efficiently as possible.
Duration: Depends on aircraft type and number of additional hours you need to complete after obtaining PPL (>45 hours). The IR + CPL (after IR) represent approximately 65-75 hours. Indication is about 60-90 hours needed after your PPL
Costs: You can rent the Pipistrel Velis, the Pipistrel Virus Explorer or the Bristell B23 for your hours.
What can you do with it?
After obtaining your PPL, you must continue to make flight hours to maintain your skills and prepare for the CPL. This can be done by renting our aircraft. Our preference is for electric flights but you can accumulate more hours in a shorter time with a fuel model. We ensure that all emissions are compensated.
Night Flying Qualification
Duration: 5 hours
Costs and detailed description
What can you do with it?
With the night flying qualification, you may fly at night. This is an addition to your PPL and enables you to fly safer and more flexibly, especially during winter months or longer journeys.
UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training)
Duration: 3 hours
Theory: 5 hours ground instruction
Practice: 3 flight hours, divided over 3 flights of 1 hour
What can you do with it?
The UPRT course is essential for pilots to master unexpected situations in the air. You learn how to prevent and recover from unusual aircraft attitudes, which is crucial for flight safety. The course consists of one day of theoretical training, followed by three practical flights on consecutive days. Each flight has an extensive briefing beforehand and a debriefing to reinforce what was learned. This training is a valuable addition to your skills as a pilot and increases your confidence in complex flight situations.
Multi Engine Piston (MEP) Type Rating
Duration: 7 hours theory and 6 hours flight instruction
Costs: Depends on our partner. Contact us.
What can you do with it?
With a MEP type rating, you may operate an aircraft with multiple engines. This is essential for flying larger and more complex aircraft and can be done parallel to your hour building, where it counts toward the hour total for your CPL.
Instrument Rating (IR)
Duration: 50 flight hours + skill test
Coming online soon!
Theory: Can be started after PPL, must be completed before starting IR(A)
What can you do with it?
An Instrument Rating (IR) enables you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This means you can fly in various weather conditions and at greater altitude, relying primarily on instruments.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Duration: 15 flight hours (if IR obtained, otherwise 25) + skill test
Costs and detailed description
What can you do with it?
With a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you may fly for payment. This means you can work as a pilot at an airline, flight school or perform other commercial flights.
Multi-Engine Type Rating (ME) and Multi-engine IR (ME-IR)
Duration: 6 hours flight instruction for ME and 5 hours flight instruction for ME-IR. The ME course could also be done parallel to hour-building and also count toward the hour total for CPL.
Costs: Available upon request from an E-Flight partner
Theory: 7 hours theory
What can you do with it?
You learn to fly aircraft with multiple engines
Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)
Duration: 20 hours practical instruction
Costs: Available upon request from an E-Flight partner
Theory: 25 hours theory instruction
What can you do with it?
The MCC course provides students with realistic training in operating a multi-pilot, multi-engine aircraft. The training objectives are optimal decision-making, communication, task distribution and use of checklists, mutual supervision, teamwork and support throughout all phases of flight under normal, abnormal and emergency conditions.
Flight Instructor (FI) Course (optional)
Duration: 30 flight hours + skill test
Costs and detailed description
Theory: 125 hours integrated into the course
What can you do with it?
As a Flight Instructor (FI), you may train other pilots. This is an excellent way to build flight hours and share your knowledge with new pilots.
Total Costs and Duration
The total costs and duration vary depending on progress and chosen options. A rough estimate can be made by adding up the costs of the various courses and required hours. However, the total costs for the complete pathway depend on personal progress. See the ATPL Costs page for this!
At E-Flight Academy, we guide you step by step on your journey from Zero to Hero. Our experienced team is ready to support you at every phase of your training. For more information and enrollment, visit our website eflight.nl or contact us.
