��������(LEAL)��is proud to announce an exciting partnership with ,��with��the launch of a dedicated��tagging programme��designed to fast-track aspiring pilots into commercial airline careers.��

This��exciting��collaboration provides ���Ĺ��� students with a clearly defined��pathway from training to employment, offering��early engagement with��Scotland’s Airline,��one of the UK’s most respected regional carriers.

A Direct Route to the Flight Deck��

Through the Loganair Tagging Programme, selected ��������students��will��benefit��from:��

• • Fast-track access��to Loganair’s recruitment process
  • A clear pathway toward a��First Officer position
  • Priority within the Loganair��hold-pool����

This��aspirational��assessment opportunity is offered to Leading Edge��Aviation��students who are yet to��complete��their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL),��creating a��valuable early connection with a leading regional airline and giving��students��a competitive advantage as they progress through training.��

Enhanced Training and Mentorship��

As part of the programme,��the��exclusive development opportunities,��are:��

• • One-to-one mentoring from Loganair��pilots��
  • An��iPad and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) workshop, covering real-world operational tools and performance planning
  • A��pre-assessment briefing��to prepare for airline selection processes��
  • Insight into airline operations, including flight planning, charting, and daily decision-making

This approach ensures students are not only technically proficient but also fully prepared for the realities of a commercial aviation career.��

Strengthening Industry Connections��

���Ĺ���’s partnership with Loganair reflects��the��shared��commitment��to��align��training with airline expectations and industry demand.��

Loganair operates an extensive UK and European network, carrying over 1.4 million passengers annually and flying a including ATR, Embraer, and Twin Otter��aircraft. The airline��and its scope��offer exposure to varied and meaningful flying, including lifeline routes serving remote communities.����

Supporting the Next Generation of Pilots��

This��exciting��initiative reinforces ���Ĺ���’s mission to deliver not only world-class pilot training but also tangible career outcomes.��

Samantha Alderman-Ross, Loganair Flight Crew Recruiter said:

“We are delighted to partner with ���Ĺ��� to support aspiring pilots at an early stage in their training journey. Through the Loganair Tagged Cadet Programme, students gain access to our fast-track recruitment process and priority placement within the Loganair hold pool, providing a clear first step towards securing a future First Officer position with Scotland’s Airline. We’re passionate about investing in the next generation of pilots and creating accessible, meaningful pathways into commercial aviation careers.”

This��partnership��firmly��asserts ���Ĺ���’s position as��a��leading training provider in the UK��through its student-centred��commitment to graduate employment.����

Andy McFarlane, CEO and Founder of��Leading Edge��Aviation said:

“Loganair’s focus��on developing well-rounded, resilient pilots��reflects��our��shared commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals,��making��it an ideal environment for our graduates.��This tagging scheme creates a clear and credible pathway for��students to begin their careers, offering them the opportunity to transition seamlessly from training into a respected airline environment and begin building long and successful careers within the industry.”��

Applications Opening Soon��

Applications for the Loganair Tagged Cadet Programme open on 30 May and will remain open for two weeks. The programme is available to students who have not yet completed their CPL at the time of application.��

The Myth of the ‘Perfect Pilot Candidate’:��Why “Perfect”��Doesn’t��Exist in Pilot Training��

Too many people believe��there’s��a “perfect” pilot candidate,��someone with flawless grades, a natural talent for maths, and years of flying experience before they even step into training.��It’s��a narrative that stops countless capable individuals from ever taking the first step.��

Every year, we meet aspiring pilots who are��incredibly apprehensive if��they’ll��have success in their career if��they’re��not an A* student.��At ���Ĺ���, we absolutely value academic achievement��and recognise that strong academics may help, but they are not a defining factor of success.����

What are airlines really looking for?����

At ������, we curated our Whole Pilot(r) training approach.��The Whole Pilot(r) approach��takes��our students beyond technical��proficiency��and��equips them with��every quality they will need for future captaincy.����

Modern aviation demands individuals who can think clearly under pressure, communicate effectively, and adapt in dynamic environments. You��can’t��measure those qualities with a certificate alone.��

• Resilience��– training is demanding, and setbacks happen��
• Consistency��– showing up, putting in the work, improving daily��
• Situational awareness��– understanding��what’s��happening around you��
• Communication��– working effectively as part of a team��
• Drive��– a genuine commitment to becoming a professional pilot��

These are the foundations of what we call a��“Whole Pilot”,��someone who is not only technically capable, but operationally ready.��

Why Waiting for “Ready” Holds You Back��

One of the biggest barriers we see��isn’t��ability,��it’s��hesitation. Students wait for results, confidence, and the “right time.”��In reality,��readiness��doesn’t��come before you start, it develops because you have started.��

The application process, the assessments, and the��early stages��of training are all designed to help you grow into the professional you will be once completing your training.��You’re��not expected to arrive fully formed.��

The Takeaway��

A career in aviation��isn’t��reserved for a select few who tick every box from day one.��It’s��built by individuals who are willing to commit, develop, and push themselves forward.����

Start Sooner. Progress Faster.��

If��you’ve��completed your GCSEs and��you’re��17+, you already have everything you need to begin the process. In fact, starting early puts you ahead:��

• You can complete your��Skills Assessment��while waiting for results��

• Secure your place and plan your next steps��

• Transition straight from education into professional pilot training��

Take the first step and turn your dream into a reality.����

Leading��Edge Aviation is pleased to confirm its��selection��by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support a new military pilot training programme, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider of��high–quality,��advanced aviation training.��

Supporting the Next Generation of Military Aircrew��

Under the proposed contract, ������ will deliver a structured training pathway for military pilots, supporting both experienced aircrew and new entrants as they transition through multi-engine and multi-crew operations.����

The programme reflects the evolving requirements of modern military aviation and the increasing demand for high-quality, scalable training solutions.��

Delivering Advanced Multi-Crew Training��

Training will be conducted using ���Ĺ���’s fleet, including the Diamond DA40 and DA42��aircraft types��and��simulators,��culminating��in the��Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation��(APS MCC)��course,��widely recognised��for its world-class��capability in advanced pilot training and��its introduction of��Competency–Based��Training��and��Assessment��(CBTA).��This structured approach ensures pilots develop both technical��proficiency��and the non-technical competencies��required��for modern, high-performance operations.����

A Competency-Based Approach to Military Aviation��

The programme has been designed to reflect industry best practice,��tailored��to��specific��requirements,��drawing��on ���Ĺ���’s established��expertise��in competency-based training,��Training��Systems��Design��methodology,��and��flexible��innovative��training��philosophy.��This all��combines to��deliver��a balanced focus on technical��skills, decision–making, leadership, and crew resource management,��core competencies essential to both military and commercial aviation environments.��

Dave Alexander, Chief Operations Officer at ������ and former RAF pilot, said:��

“I am��immensely proud that ���Ĺ�����has been selected to deliver��a key element of��flying training��for��the��RAF, the world’s��oldest independent��air force and the organisation that��established��the first formalised approach to flying training.��We are delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to the development of military pilots who will��go on��to��operate��in some of the most demanding environments.��

Our training philosophy is centred on producing well-rounded, highly capable��pilots,��and we are especially pleased that our APS MCC programme has been included.��This recognition underscores our world-class capability and our proven��expertise��in��delivering��high-quality��training that��prepares��pilots for complex,��multi‑crew��operations.”��

Strengthening Military and Civil Aviation Training��

The contract��is for��an��initial��two-year period,��supporting��the training of up to��34��pilots, with scope for extension.����

Alongside��ongoing training conducted for RAF pilots��destined��for the��Envoy VIP��aircraft, this��selection��further strengthens ���Ĺ���’s role as a forward-thinking training organisation, supporting both civil and military aviation through modern, competency-driven training solutions.��

New Piper Archer DX Fleet Accelerates Training Capacity at ��������

������ is delighted to announce��that��four brand-new Piper Archer DX��aircraft��are��joining��the��training fleet,��reinforcing its continued investment in delivering high-quality, modern pilot training.��

Expanding a Modern Training Fleet��

The new single-engine��aircraft��will be based at ���Ĺ���’s fair-weather training base in Alhama, Spain, enhancing training capacity and operational flexibility for students progressing through the early phases of their pilot training.��

Phased Growth to Support Student Demand��

The first��aircraft��is scheduled to enter service��next month, with the remaining three��aircraft��due for delivery in summer 2026. The phased introduction will support continued growth across the organisation while��maintaining��the��high standards��of training delivery for which ���Ĺ��� is known.��The��acquisition��of these first 4��aircraft��represents��the start of a multi-year, multi–aircraft��fleet expansion plan with Piper.��

The Piper Archer DX is widely recognised across the aviation training industry for its reliability, efficiency, and modern design. Equipped with advanced safety features and contemporary avionics, it provides an ideal platform for developing core flying skills in a structured and professional training environment. Its proven performance and dependability have made it a trusted choice for leading flight schools worldwide, supporting consistent, high-quality student outcomes.��

A Fleet Designed for Seamless Progression��

The new��aircraft��will complement ���Ĺ���’s existing fleet, which includes Diamond DA40 and DA42��aircraft, alongside specialist platforms and advanced simulator capability. This carefully curated fleet enables a seamless progression from��single-engine��to multi-engine training, supported by modern, standardised systems that prepare students for the demands of commercial aviation.

The addition of the Archer DX further strengthens the early-stage training environment, offering students a modern, efficient, and sustainable��aircraft��in which to build foundational flying competencies before progressing to more complex platforms.��

Investing in Quality and Consistency��

Dave Alexander, Chief Operations Officer at ������, said:��

The addition of the Piper Archer DX��aircraft��represents��another��important step��in the evolution of our training fleet. These��aircraft��are recognised globally for their reliability and performance, and their introduction will enhance both the quality and consistency of our training delivery.��

By investing in modern��aircraft��and expanding our presence in Alhama, we are ensuring our students��benefit from increased availability, improved training efficiency, and an exceptional learning environment from day one.

 

Becoming a commercial pilot starts with one important step: your ���Ĺ��� Skills Assessment. It’s more than just a checkpoint, it’s your chance to demonstrate your potential and get a taste of life in the flight deck. Whether you’re just starting out or making a career switch, here’s everything you need to know to prepare, perform, and progress.

Created by Pilots, for Pilots

Our Skills Assessments are designed and delivered by current pilots and industry-experienced assessors. The goal of the day is to evaluate the core competencies required to become a commercial pilot. We run these assessments to ensure you meet the standards necessary to succeed on our integrated LEAP course—and to give you the confidence that you have what it takes.

Skills Assessment Prerequisites

To book your assessment, you’ll need to:

• Be 17 years old and 18 years or older on the day your LEAP course begins.
• Be able to pass a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate which is essential to have in place before starting training.
• 5 GCSEs at 4+ or �� including Maths, English and a Science (preferably Physics)
• A current UK or EU issued passport or Settled Status (indefinite right to remain)
• ICAO 5 or above in spoken English

Your Skills Assessment: What to Expect on the Day

Our skills assessment currently costs £150, however this fee is fully deducted from your course deposit if you proceed with training. You will be expected to sit your skills assessment in person at our Oxford Campus, however you can take your online aptitude tests before the assessment day from home.

1. Online Aptitude Tests

Before you visit the Academy, you’ll complete a set of online aptitude tests from the comfort of your home. These are designed to measure your natural abilities across a range of areas including:

• Complex control
• Working Memory
• Deductive logical reasoning
• Monitoring Ability
• Reaction Speed
• Sense of Direction
• Multi-tasking Capability
• Language Skills
• Applied Numeracy

These tests give us valuable insight into your potential to handle the demands of commercial pilot training.

2. Icebreaker Session

The day begins with an informal icebreaker session where you’ll meet your assessors and fellow candidates. This is your chance to relax, get to know the group, and settle any nerves. We know assessments can be intimidating, so this session is designed to create a friendly, supportive atmosphere from the start.

You don’t need to impress anyone here, just be yourself and use the opportunity to start building rapport and ease into the day ahead.

3. Group Exercise

Next, you’ll take part in a structured group activity. You’ll work with other candidates to solve a challenge, while assessors observe how you communicate, collaborate, and handle pressure in a team setting.

We’re not looking for who talks the most or takes charge, we’re interested in how you listen, contribute, stay calm, and support the group. Successful pilots are strong team players, and this task helps us see those qualities in action.

4. Two-to-One Interview

One of the most important parts of the day is your interview with two members of our assessment team. This is where we get to know you, your motivations, your career goals, and what drives your ambition to become a pilot.

To help us get a deeper understanding of who you are, we also ask that you bring along one personal item that represents you. It could be something symbolic, meaningful, or simply something you’re proud of. This isn’t a test, it’s a conversation starter. We want to understand what matters to you, what excites you, and what qualities you’ll bring to the world of aviation.

During the interview, we’ll explore your understanding of the industry, discuss your long-term goals, and ask you to reflect on real-life examples of when you’ve shown leadership, resilience, or decision-making under pressure. Think of it as a professional, yet relaxed chat where we’re looking for authenticity, self-awareness, and potential, not perfection.

5. Ground School Observation

Whilst not part of your skills assessment, on the day you will also get the chance to sit in on a Ground School lesson with some of our current students. This gives you a real insight into our teaching style and the learning environment you could soon be part of. You’ll see first-hand how our instructors work, what classroom life looks like, and how engaged and supported our students are.

It’s a unique chance to experience the day-to-day rhythm of training at Leading Edge and it often makes candidates even more excited to get started.

6. Feedback Session

At the end of the day, you’ll receive initial verbal feedback from the assessment team. This is a great time to ask questions, reflect on your performance, and learn more about your potential next steps. Whether you’re moving forward or need a little more preparation, our team will offer honest, supportive guidance.

Why In Person Assessments?

Completing your assessment on site at our Academy offers far more than just evaluation:

• Explore our industry-leading facilities and training environment
• Observe a live ground school session and experience how we teach
• Meet current students and instructors and hear about their journeys
• Experience the day-to-day atmosphere of a busy, professional flight academy
• Get a true feel for life as a LEAP student

It’s your opportunity to see firsthand what your future could look like and make sure Leading Edge is the right fit for you.

Personalised Feedback & Retake Support

After your assessment, you’ll receive tailored feedback from our experienced assessment team. If you’re unsuccessful, we’ll invite you back to retake any areas you found challenging, free of charge.

Next Steps After Your Assessment

If you successfully complete your assessment, you’ll have a one-to-one meeting with a Leading Edge Training Advisor. During this session, you will:

• Discuss the next steps in your training journey
• Review your chosen course start date and location
• Be issued with your Training Agreement, which confirms your place on the course
• Have the opportunity to ask any final questions before moving forward

It’s a chance to solidify your decision and begin your transition into the world of professional flight training with confidence.

If you’re unsuccessful, don’t worry, this is just one step on your journey. You will:

• Receive your assessment feedback via email, detailing the areas to focus on
• Be given a direct contact to our Assessment Team for follow-up support
• Have the opportunity to discuss your results and receive personalised coaching
• Be invited to re-sit the assessment free of charge once you’re ready

We’re committed to helping you grow and succeed. Many of our candidates have benefited from this extra support and gone on to thrive in training.

Training Guarantee

A successful assessment also unlocks our Training Guarantee. Should you struggle and require additional training at any stage during the course due to aptitude not attitude, all training fees and accommodation will be covered.

Ready to Take Off? Your future as a commercial pilot starts with a single step.��

Have any questions? We’re here to help: Get in touch with our dedicated team of training advisors today.

���Ĺ��� is delighted to once again be selected as one of Jet2.com’s Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) for its fully funded pilot training initiative, Jet2FlightPath, following a successful inaugural year. This continued partnership marks another exciting milestone as Jet2.com reopens applications for its groundbreaking programme.

Now entering its second year, Jet2FlightPath has already sponsored 60 exceptional aspiring pilots across three leading training providers, 20 of whom are currently progressing through training at ���Ĺ���. With the programme expanding to fund a further 60 candidates this year, even more future aviators will gain access to a fully sponsored Integrated Commercial Pilot Training pathway, a route that typically costs over £100,000. This transformative initiative reflects a shared commitment between Jet2.com and ���Ĺ��� to break down financial barriers and open the industry’s door to talented individuals from all backgrounds.

Applications for the upcoming intake open on 17^th February 2026, with full details on eligibility and application requirements available online.

Open to All: Inclusivity and Opportunity at the Heart of Jet2FlightPath

With inclusivity and opportunity at its core, Jet2FlightPath is open to applicants from all walks of life who meet the entry criteria, including five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (with Maths, English, and a Science subject required). The programme is specifically designed to attract, support, and develop high‑calibre candidates who will contribute to Jet2.com’s continued growth as one of the UK’s most successful airlines.

Successful candidates will embark on an intensive, fully funded Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) programme at one of Jet2.com’s partner training organisations in the UK or Spain, including ���Ĺ���. Upon completion, trainees will progress to a Type Rating on either Boeing or Airbus aircraft before joining Jet2.com’s innovative “Discovery 360 Programme”—an immersive introduction to the airline’s entire operation ahead of joining its expanding pilot workforce.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said:��

“We are delighted to reopen applications for��Jet2FlightPath��after a phenomenal response to the first year of the programme. Our fully-funded pilot training programme helps overcome the cost of training and is already making the dream of flying a reality for many who thought it was beyond their means. We are very proud of the success that the programme is already having in terms of opening up flying for everyone, and we look forward to receiving applications for this year.”

Andy McFarlane, CEO of ������, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to play a pivotal role in this remarkable initiative once again. Our first cohort has settled seamlessly into academy life and is already demonstrating the professionalism and passion that define the next generation of aviation excellence. The relaunch of Jet2FlightPath highlights both our organisations’ commitment to making pilot training more inclusive and accessible, and we are honoured to help shape the highly skilled pilots of tomorrow.”

Jet2.com’s strong growth trajectory continues as the airline expands its fleet of 140 aircraft operating across 14 bases, with a projected 20.1 million passengers expected in 2026. ���Ĺ��� is proud to help support this next chapter, reaffirming its position at the forefront of modern pilot training.

At ���Ĺ���, we understand that transitioning from student to professional pilot involves more than just mastering the skies—it extends into how you manage your presence online.��

Social media, in many ways, has become the new search engine. It’s crucial for aspiring pilots to realise that airline recruiters might be checking your social media profiles, not just your flying credentials. This is why maintaining a professional online image is essential.

Social media, though often personal, can blur the lines between your private and professional lives. To keep your digital footprint in check, always ensure your privacy settings are up-to-date and restrict your social profiles from being linked to your personal email addresses. It’s wise to connect only with people you actually know.

Embrace the Challenge

Why not conduct a friendly competition with a fellow student pilot? Swap names and email addresses—just like the ones you’d list on a CV—and spend ten minutes digging into each other’s digital past. Google each other, scour social media, and browse through YouTube. It’s a revealing exercise that shows just how exposed your personal information might be. If you find something that could tarnish your professional image, take steps to address it immediately.

Linkedin: Your Professional Showcase

Moving on from the general sweep of your digital presence, focus specifically on LinkedIn. This platform should be where you’re easily discoverable. Make sure your profile name matches the one you use professionally to avoid missed connections and opportunities. Here are a few tips to optimise your LinkedIn presence:

Enable Tags:��

Ensure that you can be tagged in posts—imagine if British Airways wanted to shout out their favourite new pilot but couldn’t tag you because your mentions were disabled. To enable this, go to your settings and allow mentions and tags.

Be a Brand Ambassador:��

Proudly display your current employer and industry. Update your banner, use relevant hashtags, and post about your achievements within the company. This not only tracks your professional journey but also casts a positive light on your dedication and enthusiasm—traits that are attractive to future employers.

Keep It Updated:��

LinkedIn might be overlooked by the younger crowd, but it’s highly valued by seasoned professionals. Regularly update your experience, align the dates with your CV, and enhance your skills section. Engagements like endorsements from instructors or recommendations for peers are invaluable.

With LinkedIn’s engagement on the rise, becoming proficient with this tool can significantly bolster your professional image. If your LinkedIn profile is comprehensive, recruiters are less likely to delve into less professional corners of your online life, like that old Facebook album from 2012.

So, what’s the takeaway? As a professional pilot, your online presence can be just as critical as your ability to pilot an aircraft. In the digital age, your social media profiles can speak volumes about your professionalism and character. Ensure they are as polished as your piloting skills, and you’ll set yourself up for success in this competitive field.