Course plan
The integrated airline transport pilot programme at Pilot Flight Academy takes just two years to complete and as a newly-qualified pilot, you will have all the certificates and ratings you need to start a career with an airline.
The programme requires motivation and dedication, and you are challenged on both your efforts and attitudes from the first day of school to prepare you for a future career as a pilot.
On the very first day of the education programme, you will receive a uniform and an iPad which contains the complete syllabus. The programme starts off with approximately ten months of theoretical training. After completing all 13 theory exams you will start your flight training on one of our secondary bases. The stay abroad for approximately 3-5 months after which you return to Norway to complete the programme including A-UPRT and APS-MCC.
Once graduated, you will receive the following European pilot certifications: EASA frozen ATPL(A) with CPL(A), IR/ME, MEP, APS MCC, LPA, PBN and Advanced UPRT. You are then able to operate as a co-pilot on multi-pilot, multi-engine aeroplanes in commercial air transport and ready to start your career as a professional pilot!
Theoretical training
Our pilot training programme consists of many hours of high-quality classroom instruction for the ATPL(A), the highest certification for commercial pilots. All theoretical knowledge subjects are equally important.
During the theoretical training, you will receive instruction in 13 subjects and sit through 13 exams. The subjects are delivered in three blocks and following each theory block, you will sit for the official CAA exams in the subjects delivered. The first theory block will cover four subjects, the second block will cover five subjects, and the third block will cover four subjects.
The theoretical training consists of 764 hours in total, of which the majority of hours will be conducted in a classroom, however, students will also have the opportunity to experience simulator demonstrations and visits to the hangar and ATC tower.
All instruction is conducted in English by our multinational Theoretical Knowledge Instructors.
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(010) Air Law provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing aviation, including the responsibilities of pilots, operators, and air traffic controllers, as well as the rules and regulations governing air traffic management. As an aspiring pilot or aviation professional, it is crucial to have a strong foundation in air law to ensure compliance with legal requirements, uphold high standards of safety and security, and effectively navigate the complexities of aviation operations. Throughout this course, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to effectively apply air law concepts to real-world situations, enabling you to make informed decisions in compliance.
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(021) Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframe Systems is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the aircraft’s airframe, systems, and powerplant. By the end of the course, you will have a thorough understanding of various aspects of the aircraft, including its construction, materials, aerodynamics, propulsion, fuel systems, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and more. This knowledge will be essential for your future career as a professional pilot, as it will enable you to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions in a wide range of situations. Throughout the subject, you will gain practical skills and knowledge that will prepare you for the challenges of the aviation industry, and you will develop a strong foundation for your future studies and career development.
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(022) Aircraft General Knowledge - Instrumentation is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the principles of operation of different aircraft instruments and avionics systems, as well as their applications in various flight scenarios. Aspiring pilots will learn about the different types of instruments used in aircraft, their functions, and how to interpret the data they provide. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of avionics systems, including communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, and their importance in modern aviation. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to use these systems effectively to ensure safe and successful flight operations.
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(031) Mass & Balance introduces the fundamental principles of mass and balance, including weight, center of gravity, and moment calculations. Students will learn about the effects of fuel consumption, cargo loading, and passenger distribution on the aircraft’s center of gravity, as well as regulations and guidelines governing aircraft loading and weight distribution. The subject covers the calculation of take-off and landing performance data based on the aircraft’s mass and balance and the familiarization with computerized mass and balance programs. Practical applications of mass and balance calculations, such as load planning and distribution, will also be covered.
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(032) Performance covers the fundamental principles of aircraft performance, including the factors affecting take-off and landing, climb and descent performance, cruise performance, and range and endurance. Students will learn about the effects of weight, altitude, temperature, and wind on aircraft performance and the techniques used to calculate and optimize aircraft performance.
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(033) Flight Planning & Monitoring covers the fundamental principles of flight planning and monitoring for commercial air transport operations. Students will learn about the regulations and guidelines governing flight planning and monitoring, as well as the practical applications of flight planning, including route selection, fuel calculations, weather considerations, and contingency planning.
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(040) Human Performance provides an in-depth study of human factors that affect aviation safety, including physiological, psychological, and social factors. It covers topics such as stress and fatigue management, decision making, communication, situational awareness, crew resource management, and safety culture. The subject is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage human factors effectively in a commercial aviation environment.
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(050) Meteorology covers the principles of meteorology that are essential for pilots to understand to operate safely in a variety of weather conditions. The subject will cover the composition and structure of the atmosphere, atmospheric circulation, air masses and fronts, thunderstorms and icing conditions, fog and visibility, and meteorological reports and forecasts. Through this subject, students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to predict weather patterns, make informed decisions about flight operations, and handle unexpected weather-related situations.
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(061) General Navigation covers the principles and practices of navigation, including the use of maps, charts, and instruments to determine position and flight path. The subject has been designed to provide aspiring pilots with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and techniques of general navigation, including the Earth’s coordinate system, navigation charts and publications, time standardization, navigation systems and principles, flight planning and monitoring, and the effects of wind and temperature on navigation. By studying this manual, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate accurately and confidently during your flight operations.
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(062) Radio Navigation covers the principles and techniques of radio navigation that are essential for pilots to operate safely and efficiently in a variety of airspace environments. The topics covered throughout the subject are radio waves and propagation, radio navigation aids, radio communication procedures, and the use of electronic navigation equipment. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of radio navigation and the ability to ensure safe and accurate flight operations.
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(070) Operational Procedures covers the principles and techniques of operational procedures that are essential for pilots to operate safely and efficiently in various operating conditions and environments. The topics will cover general requirements for operational procedures, special operational procedures and hazards, and specialized operations. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of operational procedures and be able to apply this knowledge to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
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(081) Principles of Flight covers the fundamental principles of flight and their application to the operation of fixed-wing aircraft. The course will cover subsonic and high-speed aerodynamics, stall and spin recovery, stability and control, limitations, propellers, and flight mechanics.
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(090) Communications covers the principles and techniques of communication in aviation, with an emphasis on radio communication. Students will learn about the associated terms, general operating procedures, relevant weather information, voice communication failure, distress and urgency procedures, VHF propagation and allocation of frequencies, and other types of communication.
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The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) integrated ATPL(A) training requires a comprehensive understanding of aviation theory, practices, and regulations. One of the key areas in this programme is the Area 100 Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) which covers a wide range of topics related to air operations, aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, and communication. The aim is to prepare pilot trainees with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate an aircraft safely and efficiently, while developing attitudes that promote professionalism, ethical behaviour, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Area 100 KSA is essential for any commercial pilot seeking an ATPL(A) license, and its mastery is vital for a successful career in aviation.
The area includes a variety of assessments, including summative assessments at the end of each theory block, as well as formative assessments throughout the theoretical subjects. These assessments are designed to provide students with feedback on their progress and help them identify areas where they may need additional support. In addition, students are required to take a Mental Maths test in the final block of the theoretical training, which helps to ensure that they can perform essential calculations quickly and accurately while in flight.
Flight training
The flight training is a structured process consisting of six phases - each designed to progressively build a pilot’s skills and knowledge.
Phase 1: VFR Single-Engine Basic Maneuvering
Duration: 10 hours of instruction
This phase focuses on teaching basic maneuvering skills in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions. Students learn essential flight maneuvers and handling of a single-engine aircraft.
Phase 2: VFR Single-Engine Takeoffs, Landings, and Emergency Training
Duration: 12 hours of instruction and 30 minutes solo flight time
In this phase, students continue to refine their skills with an emphasis on takeoffs, landings, and handling emergency situations in single-engine aircraft.
Phase 3: VFR Single-Engine Cross-Country Navigation & VFR Night
Duration: 16 hours and 15 minutes of instruction, with 49 hours and 30 minutes of solo flight time
This phase introduces students to cross-country navigation and night flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Phase 4: IFR Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Instrument Training
In phase 4 of flight training, students delve into instrument flight training (IFR) and multi-engine aircraft operations. It includes basic instrument training, procedural instrument training, and cross-country navigation – both single and multi-engine.
Part 1: IFR Single-Engine Basic Instrument
Duration: 16 hours of instruction
Part 2: IFR Single-Engine Procedural Instrument and Cross-Country Navigation
Duration: 16 hours of instruction, with 20 hours of student pilot in command time
Part 3: IFR Multi-Engine Procedural Instrument
Duration: 24 hours of instruction
Part 4: VFR Multi-Engine Basic Maneuvering, Takeoffs, Landings and Emergency Training
Duration: 7 hours of instruction
Part 5: IFR Single/Multi-Engine Procedural Instrument Cross-Country Navigation
Duration: 23 hours of instruction
Phase 5: Advanced UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training)
Duration: 5 hours of instruction
This phase focuses on teaching students how to prevent and recover from aircraft upsets, enhancing their safety skills.
Phase 6: APS MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation)
This final phase prepares students for the responsibilities of airline pilots by emphasizing multi-crew cooperation and airline standards.
Overall, these six phases provide a comprehensive and progressive training programme to equip aspiring pilots with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful aviation career. The locations of the training phases are strategically chosen to provide diverse flying experiences and conditions.
Training site - Italy Bologna
In Bologna our students conduct their flight training at Professional Aviation Academy (PAA). PAA was founded in 2006 by Vito Preti as a Cirrus Service Center and has since grown into one of Italy’s leading flight schools. Located in Ozzano dell’Emilia, just outside Bologna, the academy provides both modular and integrated training programs for airplane and helicopter pilots.
The fleet includes a wide range of modern aircraft such as the Tecnam P-2006, Tecnam P-2008 JC, Cirrus SR20 and SR22, as well as a Mudry Cap-10B dedicated to Advanced UPRT and aerobatics. Training is further supported by the state-of-the-art Alsim ALX simulator.
As a PFA student, you will primarily fly the Tecnam P-2008 JC. The academy operates more than 20 of these aircraft, each equipped with the advanced Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit, ensuring a modern and professional training environment.
Phases 1–3 of the ATP Integrated Program are dedicated to visual flight training (VFR) in Bologna, providing over 90 flight hours that combine dual instruction with valuable supervised solo experience.
Student accomodation and Bologna
Laude Living Bologna, part of the Beyoo student residence network, provides modern, fully furnished accommodation designed for students. Options include private studios and one-bedroom apartments with ensuite or shared bathrooms, kitchenettes, study spaces, and all utilities included. Please note that apartment and room layouts may vary depending on availability.
Residents enjoy access to high-quality shared facilities such as a gym, cinema room, study lounges, high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24/7 on-site support.
Located in a green and welcoming area, Laude Living is still close to Bologna’s historic city center, universities, and vibrant student life.
Travel to the academy is convenient: a direct regional train connects Bologna Centrale to Ozzano dell’Emilia in approximately 10 minutes. A dedicated shuttle service operates several times daily between Ozzano train station and the academy.
Bologna is the vibrant capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, centrally located between Florence and Venice. Home to the world’s oldest university founded in 1088, the city is famous for its iconic terracotta rooftops—earning it the nickname La Rossa and its extensive porticoes, with over 40 kilometers (25 miles) of covered walkways, some recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.
Beyond its rich cultural and academic reputation, Bologna is celebrated worldwide for its cuisine, from fresh handmade pasta and tortellini to the original ragù alla bolognese. The city offers a lively student atmosphere, a dynamic arts and music scene, and excellent connections by train to the rest of Italy and Europe.
As a student living at Laude Living, you are ideally placed: within a 15-minute walk you can reach the heart of Bologna’s historic center, enjoying all the culture, history, and vibrant student life the city has to offer.
Become a pilot, step by step
1. Online admission test
The admission test for Pilot Flight Academy is conducted online through Cut-e, an Aon company. The test will take approximately two hours to complete.
2. Apply!
If you passed the test, you will receive the application forms from the academy.
The admission test is valid for a year, however, in order to secure a place on the programme, you must complete and submit the application within 14 days.
3. Enrolment fee
Your place will be confirmed when the enrollment fee of NOK 15.000,- is paid to Pilot Flight Academy’s account, and you have accepted Pilot Flight Academy’s terms and conditions.
4. Medical Examination
Pilot Flight Academy requires a Norwegian or Swedish EASA Class 1 medical certificate. All accepted candidates need to, as soon as possible, arrange an appointment for the EASA Class 1 medical examination for commercial pilots. The Class 1 medical must be obtained before starting the programme.