To become an airplane pilot, the first step is to obtain medical fitness. There are two types of medical assessments: Class 2 for private pilots (PPL) and Class 1 for commercial and airline pilots (CPL/ATPL). After that, you will need to follow a theoretical and practical course at a certified flight school approved by ENAC/EASA, such as Cantor Air. The modular path will allow you to obtain licences like PPL, CPL, and the "Frozen" ATPL.
The minimum age to start the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) course is 16. However, the practical exam with the ENAC Inspector can only be taken once you turn 17. After 18, you can proceed with the ATPL theory course and the following steps to obtain the commercial pilot licence.
Becoming an airline pilot usually takes between 18 to 30 months. The ATPL program offered by Cantor Air has a variable duration depending on the student’s abilities and the number of flight hours per week. In general, it takes about 24 months to complete the program.
The cost of becoming an airline pilot can vary depending on the flight school, the equipment used (airplanes, flight simulators, etc.), the flight hours included, and the quality of the chosen school. Cantor Air offers financing options for ATPL, CPL, and Instructor courses in collaboration with BNL Gruppo BNP Paribas. Contact us to learn about the costs of our courses.
REQUIREMENTS to start the PPL course (Private Pilot License):
• Completion of compulsory school
• At least 16 years old to start, but 17 years old to take the practical PPL exam
• Second-class medical certificate or higher issued by an authorized Italian center
REQUIREMENTS TO START THE ATPL COURSE (already hold a PPL)
• Hold a PPL licence
• First-class medical certificate issued by an authorized Italian center
• Be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma (required by the ATO CANTOR AIR)
The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) allows you to fly for private purposes, without compensation. You can pilot an aircraft, but not for profit or commercial activities. The PPL is ideal for those who want to fly recreationally or for non-professional reasons, and it also represents the first step in pursuing the program to become a commercial pilot.
The CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) is aimed at those who want to work for airlines as first officers or in any other air-related job in the market.
With an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence), you can work as a captain on multi-engine aircraft for public transport, which includes commercial air transport activities.
To work as a commercial passenger airline pilot, you need to obtain the CPL licence with a "Frozen" ATPL. This licence allows you to perform flight operations as a pilot or co-pilot in commercial air transport for public transport.
Cantor Air boasts a 93% employment rate within 6 months of completing the course, thanks to the quality of training and the professionalism of the instructors. The students trained at our school are highly valued by airlines, who recognize our commitment to providing excellent preparation. Additionally, Cantor Air has several partnerships with airlines, offering concrete job opportunities.
To maintain the quality that distinguishes CANTOR AIR, the school offers limited number courses.
In particular, the PPL and ATPL courses start twice a year, respectively in March and September (PPL) and May and November (ATPL).
Once the first course (PPL) has started after just 12 hours of flight, the Student Pilot is released SOLO (PIC). Obviously, this happens when the Student Pilot is deemed ELIGIBLE and above all compliant with the rules on SAFETY, the main area of the ATO for all ground and in-flight operations.
After obtaining the PPL licence, which typically takes 3-6 months of training, the student pilot can take friends and family on board during the Hours Building phase, but only for private purposes, not for commercial activities.
All candidates who decide to start the path to become a PILOT, must look for a valid school that allows them, not only to the achievement of the necessary licenses and qualifications, but that allows them to obtain them through accurate training programs that do not aim only at REACHING those licenses/qualification, but also to the type of EDUCATION that must be aimed at creating QUALITY PILOTS who stand out for their SKILLS, for their PROFESSIONALISM, for their HIGH PREPARATION and above all for their ATTITUDE.
All features that CANTOR AIR students have and which are highly appreciated by airlines.
Cantor Air’s fleet consists of 19 aircraft for training purposes, as well as an ALSIM ALX FNTP II flight simulator. The aircraft used are C152, P2008, C182, PA28R, P2010, PA34, and CAP10C. Aircraft maintenance is provided by Cantor Air Tech, ensuring high availability and safety of the fleet.
Cantor Air, a certified ATO, conducts training at Valbrembo Airport, located in the province of Bergamo, in the heart of Northern Italy. While the weather in the North may seem more variable compared to other regions, Cantor Air students are trained in diverse weather conditions from the very beginning of their course. This approach, which adheres to all safety regulations, allows students to develop the practical skills necessary to fly even in unfavourable weather conditions.
Training in various climatic conditions prepares our students to handle any situation with the utmost operational capability, ensuring a comprehensive and safe training experience. As a result, Cantor Air students become highly skilled pilots, able to operate successfully in any weather scenario, enhancing their experience and professionalism.
The language of pilots is the international language, which is English. This makes it a very important requirement. During the course, the student will also be subjected to the ICAO exam, which is mandatory to proceed with certain phases of flight. Cantor Air offers general and aviation English courses in collaboration with colleges abroad.
The medical exam to become a pilot is essential. Class 1 is required for professional licences, while Class 2 is sufficient for the PPL. You can book the medical exam at one of the institutes in Italy (Varese, Milan, Rome, Bari).
CAVOK MEDICAL CENTER (Cantor Air Partner)
VARESE
Via Del Gregge, 100 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA)
Tel. 0331 116 0008
E-mail: info@cavok.it
MILANO
Istituto di Medicina Legale Aeronautica Militare "A. Mosso"
Viale dell’Aviazione, 1 – 20138 Milano
e-mail: aeroistmelinate.up@aeronautica.difesa.it
ROMA
Istituto di Medicina Aerospaziale dell'A.M. Roma "A. Di Loreto"
Viale Pietro Gobetti, 2 – 00185 Roma
Tel: 06/4986 6751 – 6752 – 3006
BARI
Centro Aeromedico Psicofisiologico Bari
Via G. D’Annunzio, 1 – 70128 Aeroporto Militare Bari-Palese
Tel 080/5839400
e-mail: aerocentromedicobari@aeronautica.difesa.it
IMPORTANT: Our ATO requires students to undergo the first-class medical exam from the beginning of the training course. This requirement is essential for those aiming to obtain a commercial or airline licence and helps avoid any delays or issues during advanced stages of training. Therefore, we recommend that you undergo the first-class medical exam as early as the PPL course, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted path in line with the regulations to become a professional pilot.
The medical exam involves a thorough evaluation of the aspiring pilot's health through a series of tests and assessments, including:
• Patient's medical history
• General clinical exams
• Eye examination and vision tests, including color sense tests
• Audiometry to check hearing
• Cardiological exams and electrocardiogram
• Spirometry to assess lung function
• Urine and blood tests
• Neurological tests
• Psychological interview with psycho-attitudinal tests
• Other assessments
The medical exam is quite long, as the tests can take more than 4 hours to complete. This assessment is a mandatory and crucial step to ensure the candidate is physically and mentally fit to fly safely.
Yes, it is possible to become a pilot even if you wear glasses or contact lenses. The important thing is that you meet the vision requirements set by aviation regulations. You can learn more about medical requirements for pilots on the official ENAC website. The current regulations can be found here
Courses for obtaining the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and the ATPL course start twice a year: March and September for the PPL, and May and November for the ATPL. To ensure high-quality training, the courses are limited in number.
When choosing a flight school, it is crucial to evaluate not only the ability to obtain licences but also the quality of education and the approach to training. Cantor Air stands out for its ability to train highly qualified pilots, appreciated by airlines for their skills, professionalism, and attitude.
Choosing a flight school in Italy, such as Cantor Air, means opting for a highly qualified and certified institution capable of offering a comprehensive and structured training program. With a modular approach and a team of experienced instructors, Cantor Air prepares its students to become professional pilots with solid theoretical and practical training. Additionally, thanks to financing partnerships and a high employment rate, this flight school in Italy is a benchmark for those aspiring to a career in the aviation industry.
The best flight school depends on your personal and professional needs. However, if you are looking for high-quality training, a stimulating environment, and comprehensive preparation, Cantor Air is the right choice for you.
As a flight school certified IT.ATO.0004 by ENAC/EASA, Cantor Air offers modular training paths in "Full Immersion" mode for professional pilots. With a fleet of 19 aircraft, an advanced flight simulator, and a team of highly qualified instructors, Cantor Air stands out for its excellence in training.
We are proud of our employment rate, with 93% of students finding jobs within six months of completing their course. If you want to become a well-prepared pilot ready to enter the job market, Cantor Air is the flight school for you.
Why choose us
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