Pilot Training FAQs
Clear answers to the questions prospective cadets and parents ask most often. For a step-by-step overview of the full pathway, read our guide on how to become an airline pilot in Europe.
Admissions and requirements
What do I need to start pilot training at Sevenair Academy?
To start pilot training at Sevenair Academy, you need to be at least 17 years old, have completed secondary education or equivalent, including mathematics and physics, speak fluent English and hold an EASA Class 1 medical certificate.
Non-native English speakers need ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher. No previous flying experience is required for integrated training.
How do I apply and what does the selection process involve?
You can apply by speaking to a Training Advisor through the contact form at the bottom of any page. The selection process includes an aptitude assessment, an EASA Class 1 medical and a final interview.
The assessment covers computer-based aptitude tests, a personality questionnaire, cognitive reasoning, control and coordination, mathematics and physics, English and a competency-based interview. Learn more about pilot aptitude tests.
Can I join if I have already started training elsewhere?
If you have started training at another approved training organisation, you can apply to continue at Sevenair Academy through an ATO transfer.
A Training Advisor will review your previous training and explain the options available to you. Read more about ATO transfers.
When do courses start?
Course start dates depend on the programme you choose.
Contact a Training Advisor for the next available start dates and application deadlines.
Is there an upper age limit to start pilot training?
EASA rules set minimum ages for pilot licences but no maximum age to start training.
A Training Advisor can discuss how your age and goals fit a professional pilot career.
Do I need a visa to train in Portugal?
EU and EEA citizens do not need a visa to train in Portugal. Students from other countries usually need a visa or residence permit to study in Portugal.
Contact a Training Advisor early, as visa processing can take several months.
Costs and financing
How much does pilot training cost?
The investment in pilot training at Sevenair Academy starts at €100,000. The final cost depends on the programme you choose.
Ask a Training Advisor for a detailed, up-to-date quote for your programme.
Are payment plans or financing available?
Contact a Training Advisor for information about payment plans and financing options for your programme.
Training and campus
How long does pilot training take?
Sevenair Academy’s Integrated ATPL programme takes approximately 24 months to complete, subject to training progression, weather and operational factors.
Where does training take place?
Sevenair Academy conducts professional pilot training in Portugal, at its facilities in Ponte de Sor.
Ponte de Sor, in the Alentejo region, offers good weather and open airspace that suit flight training. Discover our campus.
What aircraft and simulators will I train on?
You will train on a modern fleet of 44 aircraft, with Cessna, Tecnam, Piper and Diamond models from single-engine trainers to multi-engine aircraft, the vast majority with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits. Flight simulators complement your flying, so you build the instrument scan and systems skills used on modern airliners from an early stage.
See the full details on our training fleet page.
Is accommodation available?
Yes. Our campus in Ponte de Sor has 150 modern double rooms on site, so you live where you train, with classrooms, simulators and the runway all in one place.
Living alongside your fellow cadets creates a close community that helps you stay focused through every phase of training. Discover our campus or ask a Training Advisor about availability and costs.
What happens if I fail an exam or a check flight?
It happens to many pilots, and the system is designed for it. Under EASA rules, you have up to four attempts at each ATPL theory exam, within six exam sittings and 18 months, so one unsuccessful attempt is not the end of the road.
If you need extra training before a retest, your instructors will plan it with you. Our guide to the 13 ATPL exams explains how the exams work and how to prepare well. Ask a Training Advisor how any additional training is charged.
Medical
What is the EASA Class 1 medical and where do I get it?
The EASA Class 1 medical certificate is the medical standard required for commercial pilots. The initial examination must take place at an approved Aeromedical Centre (AeMC).
We recommend obtaining it before you commit to training. Learn more about the Class 1 medical.
Can I become a pilot if I wear glasses or have colour vision issues?
Wearing glasses or contact lenses does not automatically prevent you from becoming a pilot, as EASA Class 1 standards allow corrective lenses within set limits. Colour vision deficiencies are assessed with additional tests.
Only an approved aeromedical examiner can confirm your fitness, so we recommend booking your Class 1 medical before committing to training.
Careers
Am I guaranteed a job after completing my training?
No flight school can guarantee employment. Sevenair Academy offers career information services to support graduates in their job search.
What are the career prospects and potential earnings?
Most graduates apply for First Officer positions with airlines, and some pursue corporate aviation or flight instruction.
As an indicative range, newly qualified commercial pilots may earn roughly €50,000 to €85,000 gross per year, and experienced pilots €140,000 to over €210,000, depending on the airline, country and type of operation. These figures are indicative and not guaranteed.
Does Sevenair Academy work with airlines?
Sevenair Academy is a member of the Airbus Flight Academy network.
Ask a Training Advisor about current airline pathways.
Still have questions?
Speak to a Sevenair Academy Training Advisor or meet the team at an Open Day.
