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FUNDING

A guide to creating a realistic modular training budget

Published: Nov 8, 2025 | Budget Guide

One of the most significant hurdles for any aspiring pilot is funding. To provide a truly transparent look at the costs, this guide is based on the actual, final cost breakdown from one UK-based modular pilot's journey.

Disclaimer: These figures represent one individual's experience. Your costs will vary based on the schools you choose, your location, training progress, and inflation. This guide should be used as a realistic example, not a fixed quote.

The Big Picture: A Real-World Cost

This pilot's journey from zero hours to a "frozen" ATPL and airline-ready qualifications cost a total of £76,674.17. This was not paid in one lump sum but was spread over several years.

The "Hidden Costs" They Don't Advertise

The "sticker price" of a course is rarely the final price. This pilot's data shows that travel, accommodation, and exam fees make up a significant portion of the total cost.

  • Travel & Accommodation: This pilot's CPL/MEIR phase included £2,450 for accommodation alone. Each trip to sit ATPL exams added £300-£400 in travel and hotel costs.
  • Exams & Licence Fees: The CPL course price of £4,528 did *not* include the £826 CPL exam fee or the £256 licence application fee.
  • Contingency & Extra Training: An extra "brush up flight" and test rental for the MEP added over £1,300 to the initial course price. You *must* budget for not passing every test the first time.
  • Essential Equipment: This budget includes £1,205 for headsets, charts, PPL/ATPL equipment, and even life jackets for hour building.
  • School Assessments: Before even starting the commercial phase, this pilot spent £1,337 on assessment days with two different schools.

Key Financial Strategies for Aspiring Pilots

Based on this real-world data, here are the key strategies we recommend at ASK Aviation.

  1. The "Pay As You Go" Phase (PPL, ATPLs, Hour Building)
    For the first half of your training, the modular route allows you to keep your full-time job. Use your monthly salary to pay for your PPL lessons, ATPL theory course, and to save for "blocks" of hour building.
  2. The "Full-Time" Phase (CPL, MEP, MEIR)
    These courses are typically done as a full-time, intensive block. You will likely not be able to work. This is the phase you will likely need a bank loan for. Secure funding *before* you quit your job.
  3. Build a 15-20% Contingency Fund
    Your training will almost *never* go exactly to the minimum-hour plan. For every course, add 20% to the advertised price to budget for extra training, test retakes, and associated travel/accommodation.
  4. Track Every Single Penny
    A budget is your most important tool. Create a detailed spreadsheet. Track every flight, every landing fee, every book, and every travel cost.
  5. Research the *Total* Cost
    When comparing schools, don't look at the headline price. Ask for a full cost breakdown. A "cheaper" school that requires £2,500 in accommodation is more expensive than a local school that costs £1,000 more but lets you live at home.

Funding your training is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires meticulous planning, financial discipline, and a realistic view of the total costs.