Your Pilot Journey

01 • Entry & Medical

Admissions, EASA Class 1 & Documents

0–3 months€500–€1,800Age 17+ (18 for CPL)

To-do

• •Class 1 first (vision & CVD, ECG, audiogram). Ask for the AeMC checklist.
• •Build your digital file (ID, criminal record, insurance) + paper copies.
• •Start at ICAO L4 → progress to L5–L6 during training.

Pitfalls & budget

• •School deposits before medical = risk.
• •Add a 10–15% buffer for extra trips/tests.
• •Choose modular/integrated/cadet based on cashflow vs timeline.

Create a training log from Day 1 (cloud + paper).

02 • ATPL Theory

14 EASA subjects — Exam cadence

6–12 months€3k–€8k6 sittings • 4 attempts

Method

• •40′ notes → 20′ MCQs → weekly mixed review (anti-silo).
• •Front-load: Performance, AGK, Instrumentation.
• •Error log tagged: formula / concept / trap.

Checkpoints

• •Concise notes aligned to banks, mini formula memos.
• •Mixed-block simulations (fatigue & time management).
• •Monthly cross-subject reviews (concept links).

Condensed sheets = lower cost & better retention.

03 • PPL + Hours

PPL(A) & structured hour-building

6–12 months€15k–€28kTarget 150–200 h TT

Program

• •Book in blocks, protect weather windows.
• •Routes that teach: terrain, controlled airspace, cross-border.
• •Skills log: x-wind, R/T, nav precision, abnormals.

Budget drivers

• •Eastern Europe bases, off-peak slots, fuel deals.
• •Legal cost-sharing where allowed.
• •Fewer cancellations → fewer trips, lower costs.

Record audio (with consent) for targeted debriefs.

04 • Night Rating

Optional but recommended

1–2 weeks€800–€1,500Pre-IFR

Objectives

• •5 h night: circuits, nav, emergencies, illusions.
• •Choose well-lit aerodromes & solid procedures.
• •Personal minima, alternates, night fatigue management.

Timing

• •Winter = more natural night hours.
• •Pair with active-airfield R/T training.

Night scan discipline sets you up for IFR.

05 • CPL(A)

Commercial Pilot Licence

1–2 months€6k–€10k≥ 200 h TT

Skills

• •Precision: heading/time/power, early stabilization.
• •Abnormal procedures & decision-making under load.
• •Full test profile in a mock with a different instructor.

Organisation

• •Multi-day blocks = fewer cancellations.
• •Standardize callouts & flows; trim discipline.

Post-flight debrief: 1 thing that worked, 1 to improve.

06 • IR(A) + PBN

Instrument Rating (SE/ME) with PBN

2–3 months€12k–€20k40–55 h IFR

Procedures

• •SID/STAR, holds, ILS/VOR/RNAV(GNSS), circling.
• •Single brief: threats → minima → nav-aids.
• •Jepp fluency, descent planning & alternates.

Efficiency

• •Smart sim/aircraft split.
• •Personal IFR checklist consistent every flight.

ME-IR costs more but mirrors airline ops (twin).

07 • MEP

Multi-Engine Piston

1–3 weeks€3k–€5k~10 h twin

Techniques

• •Asymmetric flight, EFATO, SE go-around.
• •Memorize Vyse (blue line), engine-failure drills on ground.

Planning

• •Bundle with ME-IR modules if schedules align.
• •Review QRH/limitations to automaticity.

Daily chair-flying: flows, memory items, profiles.

08 • Advanced UPRT

Upset Prevention & Recovery

3–5 days€1.5k–€3.5kPre-Type

Content

• •High AoA, unusual attitudes, startle management.
• •Recovery by flow (energy → attitude → power).

Tips

• •Hydration, rest, short but frequent debriefs.
• •Transfer GA habits → airline SOPs.

Confidence booster for MCC/APS sims.

09 • MCC / APS MCC

Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS recommended)

3–6 weeks€5k–€8k (APS)FNPT II / FFS

Crew skills

• •PF/PM, strict SOPs, abnormals/emergencies, time mgmt.
• •Callout sheet iterated (brief → do → debrief).

APS value

• •Jet standards + stricter evaluation → better selection performance.
• •Shortens the Type learning curve.

Use “airline” checklists to smooth the transition.

10 • Selection & Type

Airline assessments & Type Rating

Type 6–12 weeks€20k–€35kTypical B737 / A320

Selection

• •HR, group exercises, COMPASS/Cut-e/ADAPT, psychometrics.
• •Sim profile: ILS raw data, holds, workload management.

Type

• •CBT → fixed-base → FFS → base training; clear financing clauses.
• •Training log up to date (LOFT, abnormals covered).

Some airlines partially reimburse after line training.

11 • First Job & Line

Line flying, recurrence & upgrade

Window 1–5 yearsFO → Capt 1,500–2,500 hLPC/OPC semiannual

Routine

• •Line training, continuous CRM, SOP faithfulness.
• •Track FTL (fatigue), sector variety.

Projection

• •Keep resume-worthy logbook highlights.
• •Aim TRI/SFI mid-term if desired.

Post-flight ritual: 2 lines, factual & actionable.

Σ • Summary

Totals & planning heuristics

18–30 months (modular) €45k–€90k (+ Type) Aim ICAO L5–L6

Budget & planning

• •10–15% buffer. Track cost/hour. Blocks = continuity.
• •Anticipate season, instructor/aircraft availability.

Learning & career

• •Spaced repetition + mixed blocks + error log.
• •Showcase IFR, cross-border, abnormals, leadership.

Living plan: adjust to hours, budget, opportunities.