The route to the flight deck from 0 hours!
PTM started with a post outlining the steps you can take to become a pilot from 0 flying hours.
This guide is for the aspiring pilot with a dream to work as a commercial pilot without £120,000!
Plate 01 · the first question
Is PTM for me?
Whether you're 15 or 45, starting out with £50 or £50k, still at school or already mid-career — if you've got a dream to fly, you're in the right place.
You don't need an integrated scheme or a big loan. Just the drive to get started.
Plate 02 · modular route
Why choose modular?
Modular (pay-as-you-go) is accessible to everyone regardless of background or finance.
Myth bust: you can keep working while you train.
Free group
What is the cost to join PTM?
The group is free. All webinars and mentoring are provided free of charge.
Check out this important document regarding the free webinars.
Pilot Training Budget & Financing Calculator
Estimate your monthly budget, build a modular training plan and see potential loan repayments.
Modular flight training the affordable way to become a pilot. Pay as you go to stay in control of the budget.
Guide only: doesn't cover inflation / exchange rates / living costs. Check prices before making life-changing decisions.
Monthly Budget Calculator
How much can you afford?Stay consistent long-term.
Monthly Income (Net after tax)£2,500
Living Expenses (Rent, Utilities, Food)£1,200
Discretionary (Entertainment, Eating out)£300
Existing Savings/Investments Commitments£200
Estimated Modular Flight Costs
Total: £73,710PPL License
£11,000
Hour Building (100h)
£22,800
ATPL Ground School
£3,640
CPL Training
£8,420
ME Training
£4,050
IR Training
£18,600
MCC
£5,200
Your Affordable Monthly Training Budget:
£800
Available to fund your flight hours each month.Financing & Payback Calculator
Borrowing OptionsIf you have access to a loan or equity, include the amount below.
- use a loan at the end of your flight training, not the beginning.
- The ME-IR course and final exams are the most expensive so a loan is productively spent towards the end for a pass.
Financed Amount (Loan size)£0
Payback Term (Years)5 Years
Typical Interest Rate (per year)6.5%
Monthly Loan Repayment:£0
Estimated Training Timeline
Estimated Total Training Duration: ~7.7 years
Comparison: Typical integrated schemes take 1.5–2 years, but lock you into £115,000+ debt from day one.
Guides
Is it really possible without taking on debt?
Through a selection of guides we hope to show you that your dream is achievable with the right guidance and support, as long as you remain consistent in your goal.
…Don't dream it, do it
"But I'm saving up first." — Saving up won't help you.
Use your correct currency in the budget calculator to see how much you can consistently afford.
Get a job. Start small. Stay consistent.
But without a Scholarship I can't do it!
The pilot career is still accessible to you.
With the right attitude and mindset a pilot career is possible even if you don't have financial support.
Try the first step: find a flying club and do a flying lesson.
Will modular training benefit me?
Yes! If you have a budget, modular training lets you split the cost over time. Finance is not required (typically half the cost of integrated training).
You can choose where and when you train. Modular training takes longer but there are scholarships available.
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