Universal Air Pilot Scholarship Programme
Pilot Scholarship Programme for 2024
Universal Air is proud to introduce its inaugural fully sponsored Pilot Scholarship Programme for 2024, a landmark initiative for Malta. This programme not only represents a significant investment in the future of aviation but also reinforces our commitment to nurturing local talent and giving back to the community.
Programme Overview
This intensive 14-month course transforms aspiring aviators with no flying experience into fully qualified First Officers, capable of operating a 78-seater Dash 8 – 400 aircraft – an ideal start for a career in commercial aviation. Training is conducted in collaboration with our esteemed local partner flying school, ensuring top-tier education and training.
What We Look For
We seek individuals who are not only passionate about flying but are also resilient, committed, and highly motivated. Prospective should possess excellent communication skills, strong leadership qualities and the ability to maintain composure under pressure. These traits are essential as they align with our mission to transport customers safely and efficiently.
Applications for our 2024 Pilot Sponsorship Scheme are Now Open
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for our Pilot Sponsorship 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 3 (c) 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 a Maltese Citizen (holding a Maltese Resident Card)
- 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.
- 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).
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 3(C) or above
I am not a Maltese Citizen, can I apply?
Unfortunately, this scheme is only open to Maltese Citizens.
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 begin towards the end of October 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.
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 5 years to cover the cost of the training.
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 Scholarship 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.
