Universal Air Pilot Mentored Scheme
Pilot Mentorship Programme for 2024
Universal Air is thrilled to launch its brand-new Pilot Mentorship Programme for 2024! Building on the success of our landmark Pilot Scholarship Scheme, we’ve teamed up with the European Pilot Academy (EPA) to bring this exciting opportunity to aspiring pilots across Europe and the United Kingdom. This isn’t just a chance to soar through your Commercial Pilot studies with excellent mentorship; it’s our way of investing in talent and the aviation community. Ready to take your dreams to new heights? Join the scheme and be part of something extraordinary!
What is the programme?
This programme is not funded, so successful candidates will need to secure the necessary financial means to complete their pilot training with our partner, the European Pilot Academy (EPA). Before you embark on this exciting journey, you will be formally introduced to Universal Air (UA), where you will receive your official UA uniform, marking the beginning of your professional transformation.
Throughout the 14-month training programme, you’ll benefit from consistent mentorship and guidance from our team. We’ll be with you every step of the way, providing regular touchpoints to ensure you’re on track and fully supported in your development. Upon successfully completing your training with EPA, you will be offered an incredible opportunity: a position as a First Officer on the Dash 8-400, where you’ll begin your career as a commercial pilot with Universal Air.
What We Look For
We are looking for individuals who are not only passionate about flying but also embody resilience, dedication, and a high level of motivation. We seek candidates who possess exceptional communication skills, demonstrating the ability to convey information clearly and effectively, whether in the cockpit or during interactions with crew and passengers. Strong leadership qualities are a must, as you’ll be expected to inspire confidence and lead by example, both in routine operations and during challenging situations.
The ability to maintain composure under pressure is crucial, as this role demands quick thinking, sound decision-making, and unwavering focus, even in the most demanding circumstances. These traits are not just desirable—they are essential, as they directly support our mission to transport our customers safely, efficiently, and with the utmost professionalism. We believe that the right combination of passion, skill, and character is what sets our pilots apart. If you are driven to excel in a dynamic and challenging environment, and are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and service, we invite you to be a part of our team.
Applications for our 2024 Pilot Mentorship Scheme are now open.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for our Pilot Mentor scheme, the following requirements need to be met:
- Be at least 18 years of age on or before the 1st October 2024
- Have at least five O’levels including Maths, English and a Science. All subjects must be at grade 4 (D) or higher.
- Be fluent in English (Both verbal and written). Ability to gain an ICAO Level 5 English rating.
- Have the right to live and work in Malta and the EU
- Hold a valid worldwide passport for unrestricted travel
- Be an EU or UK citizen
- Be at least 1.58m tall
- Able to swim 25 metres
- Able to meet the requirements for an EASA Class one Medical – for further information under EASA sub Part-MED click here.
- Ability to self-fund the course, including accommodation, meals and any other expenses that may arise during the course.
- Before commencing training, complete referencing and pre-employment checks required for the issue of an airport ID.
Course Detail
The course will consist of five phases, the first four phases will need to be completed for the issue of a Commercial Pilots Licence (fATPL). These will be completed by EPA. Phase 5 with be completed by Universal Air.
Phase 1 – Private to Pilots Licence (PPL) (Theoretical and Flight Training)
During this phase you will complete 9 theory exams and 45 flying hours. At the end of this phase you will complete an PPL flight test with an examiner. Before issue of a PPL.
Phase 2 – Hours Building and Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Theory exams.
This phase will consist of 13 ATPL theory exams, followed by a night rating which will include 5 hours of flying at night. The next step will include instrument flying in the Simulator followed by basic instrument flying in the aircraft. At the end of this stage will consist of building a total of 89 hours, before commencing phase 3.
Phase 3 – Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR)
Phase 3 begins by completing a Multi-engine rating on a DA42 aircraft. After the multi engine rating, you will begin the instrument rating which consist of 16 hours flying in the DA42 and 30 hours flying in a simulator. The next stage of the course will consist of flight training towards the issue of the Commercial Pilots Licence, which will be completed following the successful completion of the CPL skills test.
Phase 4 – Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (AUPRT)
During this course you will learn how to recover the aircraft, when the aircraft is unusual attitudes.
Phase 5 – Dash 8 – 400 Type Rating Training
At the completion of the first four stages, your time at our Partner flying school will be complete and you will return to Universal Air, to complete your Operators Conversion Course and Dash 8 – 400 Type Rating, followed by line training before gaining your wings as a First Officer.
Meet Our Partner Training School
European Pilot Academy is an internationally renowned academy, accredited by EASA–Civil Aviation Directorate–Transport Malta. Our expertise in the aviation training sector, coupled with our proven training methods, has helped develop pilots with the skills & knowledge they need to become successful in the commercial aviation industry. Our track record speaks for itself, with students working in the airline, military, aviation research and scholarly sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I require?
You will require 5 O’Levels including Maths, English and a Science. All other qualifications at grade 4(D) or above
I am not a Maltese Citizen, can I apply?
Yes, the programme is open to all EU and UK Citizens.
I am a UK Citizen will I require a Visa?
You will require a student visa whilst completing your training.
I have a degree but don't meet the GCSE requirements. Can I still apply?
Yes, A degree supersedes the O’ Level requirement.
Do I need to submit a covering letter with my CV.
No, your CV and application form will suffice.
Is any previous Flight Training/Experience required?
There is no previous experience or flight training required. Though it is recommended to have completed a trial lesson before applying to ensure you like flying.
What age do I have to be?
The minimum age to apply is 18 on or before the 1st October 2024.
When does the course begin?
The course is currently planned to beginat the beginning of November 2024.
How long will the training take?
The course is planned to take approximately 14 months, with completion planned for early 2025.
Will I receive a salary during training?
Cadets will receive no salary during training.
Will accommodation be provided for the period of the course?
No accommodation wil be provided by Universal Air for the course.
Am I guaranteed a job after the completion of training?
Providing Cadets successfully complete the full training course they will be offered a job.
Will I be bonded?
Yes, there will be a bond. Cadets will be expected to remain employed with Universal Air for a period of 3 years to cover the cost of the type rating.
What is the my expected career progression?
Whilst career progression is on an individual basis. Universal Air would expect our cadets to be eligible for a promotion to Captain from year four onwards.
Will I get a Uniform?
Universal Air uniform will be provided from the commencement of the training course.
Is the course a full tme course
Yes, the course is a full-time course. There are no part-time options.
I have a CPL, Can I apply?
No this course is for candidates with little to no flying experience. If you are already qualified please keep an eye out for First Officer positions.
I have a PPL, Can I apply?
Yes, if you have completed a PPL, you may apply providing you do not have more than 75 hours total time.
I have a question that is not covered above. What do I need to do?
Please use the contact us form on the Pilot Mentored page
Don't see the answer to your question? Contact us using the link below
Whilst we have tried to capture the majority of the questions you may have. We may have missed a question you may have. Please contact using the link below and a member of our recruitment team will respond. At which point we will update the FAQs above.
