Ryanair Future Flyer Academy
Bartolini Air and Ryanair have formed a partnership in order to train pilots according to Ryanair standards and procedures to the level required to join the airlines as second officers.
The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy (formerly known as Ryanair Mentored Programme) is a training programme that allows individuals with little or no prior aviation experience to obtain a frozen ATPL licence and have a direct path to become future Ryanair pilots.
It now includes a conditional job offer upon enrolment and a Boeing 737 Type Rating course subject to a training agreement.
The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy has a few variations, depending on where you come from and which Ryanair Group airline you want to fly for. Select your option of the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy for details:
European Union
This course is designed for the citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area.
Students are eligible for a type rating that is subject to the training cost agreement, with no salary deductions, and receive a conditional job offer upon enrolment.
United Kingdom
This course is designed for the citizens of the UK or candidates otherwise eligible to live and work in the UK (this includes those who hold pre-settled status and all Irish citizens). If you meet this requirement and are willing to work for Ryanair based in the UK for at least 5 years, you will enjoy a special reduced price for the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy.
You are also eligible for a Type Rating with no additional payment and will receive a conditional job offer upon course enrolment. Upon completion, you will obtain an EASA licence.
Various training pathways tailored to the applicant's level of experience
The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy – Ab Initio Integrated is completed as a single training course where you start with zero experience as a pilot and devote all your time to the training for 18 up to 24 months. You finish the course at Bartolini Air with the so-called Frozen ATPL licence and you are ready to complete the Type Rating course, which is held at Ryanair.
Ab Initio Integrated Frozen ATPL Course at Bartolini Air (including AUPRT and APS MCC) – pricing across training options:
- EU 83.990 €
- UK 73.990 €
Gateway 1 Training Programme is available for pilots who already have a PPL(A) licence, some flight experience and the ATPL(A) theory exams passed, and who wish to continue their commercial training under the Ryanair mentorship. They receive intensive CPL, IR, ME and AUPRT training according to Ryanair standard operating procedures. The course ends with an Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Cooperation programme completed in a fixed base B737 simulator. The Gateway 1 course at Bartolini Air takes only about 4 months. The next step is a Type Rating course, which is organized by Ryanair.
- EU 51.990 €
- UK 36.990 €
If you already possess a CPL(A) licence together with valid IR/ME and ME ratings (and have the AUPRT course completed), you can join the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy at Gateway 2. The training will then consist mainly of an Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Cooperation course. Gateway 2 graduates get exclusive access to fast track recruitment at Ryanair.
Gateway 2: Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Cooperation course – pricing across training options:
- EU 5.995 €
- UK 5.995 €
Why Bartolini Air?
Bartolini Air is one of Europe’s most renowned flight training centres and it has been chosen by Ryanair to become an approved training partner. At Bartolini Air students fly modern, brand-new aircraft at an international airport with an instrument runway.
- Brand new, glass cockpit Tecnam aircraft
- Airline-level standard operating procedures
- Friendly and affordable EU country
Why Ryanair?
Ryanair Holdings PLC is Europe’s largest airline group. It carries over 180 million passengers every year on more than 3,600 daily flights from over 80 bases. Ryanair has an industry leading safety record and is famous for some of the world’s highest pilot training standards.
- Competitive salaries
-
Fastest track to a command upgrade
– 3 to 4 years -
Best and predictable duty roster:
5 days on, 4 days off
FAQ – frequently asked questions
Programme and training routes
What is the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Ab Initio Integrated Programme?
It is a full-time training programme at Bartolini Air for students with no or little previous flight experience. The programme that takes you from the beginning of your pilot training through ATPL theory, flight and simulator training, and APS MCC. It prepares you for the next stages of the Ryanair pilot pathway.
Ryanair’s Standard Operating Procedures, culture and operational philosophy are introduced from day one. Cadets receive a Conditional Job Offer upon enrolment and are eligible for a sponsored Boeing 737 type rating, subject to the training agreement (no upfront Type Rating payment, no salary deductions)
Why choose Bartolini Air for the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Programme?
The programme combines a defined pathway towards Ryanair with extensive classroom instruction and practical training on our Tecnam fleet. Our integrated course includes 880 hours of classroom theory, training based on Ryanair procedures and access to the learning materials listed below. See our integrated training overview.
Additional training hours required during the programme are included in the quoted price. When comparing schools, consider the complete training package, selection process, support and total budget, as well as the advertised tuition fee.
Do I need a PPL or previous flying experience?
No. This is an ab initio programme, designed for applicants starting without a pilot licence or previous flying experience. You must meet the entry requirements and successfully complete the selection process.
Can I start with a PPL and join the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy later?
You can apply directly for Integrated training even if you already hold a PPL. Your existing licence does not prevent you from joining the course. Any credit for previous training or flight hours is assessed individually and does not automatically reduce the course price or duration.
If you meet the entry requirements for Gateway 1—including 100 hours as pilot-in-command and completed EASA ATPL theory exams—you may apply to join that route.
What are the entry requirements for the EU scheme?
To apply, you must:
- Hold an EU passport.
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Have a good level of English.
- Have completed secondary or high school education, or an equivalent qualification.
- Successfully complete the required selection process.
- Be able to obtain an EASA Class 1 medical certificate before your first flight.
- Be able to provide a basic disclosure certificate for a criminal record check on request.
- Be fully available for the scheduled training.
See our assessment guide for application instructions.
What are the entry requirements for the UK scheme?
To apply, you must:
- Hold a UK passport, or be eligible to live and work in the UK while holding an EU passport (includes pre-settled status holders and all Irish citizens).
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Have a good level of English.
- Have completed secondary or high school education, or an equivalent qualification.
- Successfully complete the required selection process.
- Be able to obtain an EASA Class 1 medical certificate before your first flight.
- Be able to provide a basic disclosure certificate for a criminal record check.
- Be fully available for the scheduled training.
Do I need ICAO English Level 4 before enrolling?
You can take the ICAO English examination during training, and we recommend doing so at that stage. Bartolini Air offers the examination on site for an additional EUR 200.
Why are there separate EU and UK prices? Does the UK scheme lead to a UK CAA licence?
Our UK scheme is available to UK citizens and applicants with the right to live and work in the UK, including holders of pre-settled status, who are willing to be based in the UK with Ryanair for at least five years (5-year bond)
EU Scheme cadets sign a training agreement and a 4-year bond and will be based in EU countries.
The integrated programme fee is EUR 73,990 under the UK scheme and EUR 83,990 under the EU scheme.
Both schemes lead to an EASA licence which will be issued under Irish CAA.
Ask us to confirm your eligibility and the agreement that applies to your circumstances. See our EU and UK programme options.
If you are a UK citizen and want to obtain both an EASA and a UK CAA licence, we offer a dual-licence training option. Contact us to discuss the requirements and how the training can be arranged.
Can I complete my EASA Class 1 medical in any EU country?
Yes. A medical issued in another EU country does not by itself prevent an Irish licence application. For initial CPL issue, the IAA requires your medical records to be held in Ireland; records held by another EU authority must be transferred through the relevant process. See the IAA licensing guidance, EUQ.20. and https://www.iaa.ie/personnel-licensing/personnel-licensing-forms/personnel-licensing-forms-details/
For an initial Class 1 examination, use an approved Aero-medical Centre (AeMC).
When should I obtain my Class 1 medical?
You must hold a valid EASA Class 1 medical before your first flight. We recommend obtaining it before you start the programme.
If you begin training without a Class 1 medical and later cannot obtain it, you may be unable to continue to flight training. Starting without the certificate is therefore at your own risk. Completing the medical early helps you make an informed decision before committing to training.
Which licence and qualifications will I obtain?
After completing the required training, passing the relevant skill tests and meeting the licensing requirements, you will obtain an EASA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with multi-engine and instrument ratings, issued by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
The programme includes the ATPL theoretical course, all relevant flight and simulator training, AUPRT and APS MCC.
The Boeing 737 type rating is delivered by Ryanair and subject to a Training Cost Agreement (4- or 5-year bond with no upfront payment nor salary deductions)
Will I receive a PPL during the integrated programme?
No. The integrated programme does not include issuing a separate PPL(A) during training. You receive your CPL(A) after completing the programme and passing the required skill tests.
If you start without a licence, completing the early practical phases does not give you a PPL for private flying with friends or family.
Application and assessment
How do I start my application? Do I need to email first?
Familiarise yourself with the official assessment guide: register on eBart, confirm your account and open your assessment profile.
How much does the RFFA Integrated assessment cost?
The assessment costs EUR 350 and is non-refundable. See the assessment guide.
Is the assessment online or in person, and what does it involve?
It combines online aptitude testing with an on-site assessment covering Maths, Physics, English communication, a group exercise and an interview.
Bartolini Air also reviews your application and documents. Ryanair makes the final decision. Follow the Bartolini Air assessment guide for instructions.
What should I expect in the online AON cut-e aptitude test?
We do not provide a dedicated preparation pack or specific mock tests for the online cut-e assessment. Common areas to prepare for include:
- Numerical reasoning.
- Verbal reasoning.
- Spatial orientation.
- Multitasking.
These are general preparation areas, rather than a promise of the exact test content. Read the instructions issued for your assessment and make sure you have enough uninterrupted time to complete it.
What level of maths and physics is required, and which topics should I revise?
The expected level is comparable to secondary or high school. Focus on understanding the principles and applying them to practical problems.
| Mathematics area | Topics to revise |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Terms and signs; fractions and decimals; factors and multiples; unit conversions; ratios and proportions; percentages; areas, volumes and roots |
| Algebra | Simple expressions, linear equations, indices and powers |
| Geometry | Shapes, constructions, areas, volumes and graphical representations |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric relationships and tables; Pythagoras’ theorem |
| Physics area | Topics to revise |
|---|---|
| Statics | Forces, moments, couples, stress, strain and pressure |
| Motion | Speed, velocity, acceleration and Newton’s laws |
| Dynamics | Work, energy, power, torque and momentum |
| Thermodynamics | Heat, temperature, pressure and energy transfer |
| Optics | Light and its properties |
| Sound | Sound waves and their properties |
| Wave motion | Vibration and resonance |
Practise explaining your reasoning in English as well as finding the answer.
Can I use a calculator? Will I be asked aviation questions?
For the Math’s assessment, you may use pen and paper, but calculators are not permitted. We recommend practicing mental arithmetic.
Previous aviation experience is not required for the ab initio programme. If you already have aviation experience, you may be asked aviation-related questions at a level appropriate to that experience.
Which books or websites can I use to prepare?
We recommend Padpilot’s Maths and Physics for Pilots. Check the current price in your Apple Books store.
You can also practise through Khan Academy mathematics and Khan Academy science.
Use these resources to build understanding and confidence. They are revision aids; the assessment should not be assumed to reproduce the questions in a particular book.
Can I book the final assessment before finishing the online stages?
Yes. Booking can precede completion of AON and documents, but earlier modules must be complete before attendance. Check the assessment guide.
If you are travelling internationally, verify your booking and completion requirements before purchasing travel.
When should I apply if I want to start in May or October?
Start planning well ahead of your intended intake. You need time for preparation, selection, travel to Poland, the admission decision and arrangements for training.
Ask our team about the intake you want before committing to flights or accommodation. Completing selection does not by itself establish your training start date.
How long is my assessment result valid, and can I move to a later intake?
Your assessment result is valid for 12 months from the date you receive it.
A move to a later intake may be possible if we can accommodate the change. Deferring may affect the programme price, so discuss the new date and terms with our team before changing your plans.
Moving your start date does not automatically extend the validity of your assessment result or restart the 12-month deadline for the second instalment.
Ryanair employment and type rating
What does the Conditional Job Offer mean?
Ryanair issues a Conditional Job Offer upon enrolment. It sets the minimum requirements you must meet to keep the offer valid and progress towards airline employment. These include minimum ATPL examination results and successful completion of the required CPL, multi-engine and instrument skill tests, followed by type rating and line training.
The Conditional Job Offer and type-rating Training Costs Agreement are issued by Ryanair. Bartolini Air cannot provide draft versions of these documents.
Is the Boeing 737 type rating sponsored?
Yes. Cadets are eligible for a sponsored Boeing 737 type rating under a Training Costs Agreement issued by Ryanair. The agreement includes a commitment to remain with the airline for the applicable bond period:
| Scheme | Bond period |
|---|---|
| EU | 4 years |
| UK | 5 years |
There are no type-rating deductions from your salary. If you remain with Ryanair for the full applicable bond period, you do not need to repay the sponsored type-rating cost.
The type rating follows the integrated course.
Does the programme have a 100% success rate?
Our reported employment record is that all students who passed Bartolini Air’s initial assessment and subsequently completed the programme have been hired by Ryanair.
This describes employment among those graduates. It is the proportion of applicants who pass the initial assessment and have met all conditions from the Conditional Job Offer.
How soon after graduation will I have my final Ryanair assessment or start the type rating?
Programme graduates benefit from priority recruitment and access to type-rating courses. See Ryanair’s programme overview.
Could I be employed by another airline within Ryanair Group?
Yes. You may be placed with any airline within Ryanair Group, however you can always request your base to be changed after you receive yours.
Programme fee, instalments and inclusions
How much does the EU Scheme cost?
The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Ab Initio Integrated Programme costs EUR 83,990 under the EU scheme, payable in six instalments.
The additional costs are listed separately in the section below.
What is the instalment schedule for EU Scheme?
The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Ab Initio Integrated Programme costs EUR 83,990 under the EU scheme, payable in six instalments.
The additional costs are listed separately in the section below.
| Instalment | Amount | Payment milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | EUR 10,000 | Before training starts |
| 2nd | EUR 25,000 | Before Phase 1 of practical training, but no later than 12 months after you receive your assessment result, whichever comes first |
| 3rd | EUR 13,000 | Before Phase 2 of practical training |
| 4th | EUR 13,000 | Before Phase 3 of practical training |
| 5th | EUR 18,000 | Before Phase 4 of practical training |
| 6th | EUR 4,990 | Before Phase 6 of practical training |
| Total | EUR 83,990 | |
How much does the UK Scheme cost?
The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Ab Initio Integrated Programme costs EUR 73,990 under the EU scheme, payable in six instalments.
The additional costs are listed separately in the section below.
What is the instalment schedule for UK Scheme?
The EU payment schedule is:
| Instalment | Amount | Payment milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | EUR 10,000 | Before training starts |
| 2nd | EUR 25,000 | Before Phase 1 of practical training, but no later than 12 months after you receive your assessment result, whichever comes first |
| 3rd | EUR 10,000 | Before Phase 2 of practical training |
| 4th | EUR 10,000 | Before Phase 3 of practical training |
| 5th | EUR 15,000 | Before Phase 4 of practical training |
| 6th | EUR 3,990 | Before Phase 6 of practical training |
| Total | EUR 73,990 |
After paying EUR 10,000, can I wait until I pass all ATPL theory exams before making the next payment?
The second instalment of EUR 25,000 must be paid before Phase 1 of practical training, and no later than 12 months after you start the training, whichever comes first.
The planned duration of ATPL Theory exams is 9 months.
Below you can see the picture explaining that:
Are the instalments monthly, and will extra training hours cost more?
Payments fall due at the training milestones shown in the instalment schedule. Additional training hours required during the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy programme are included in the quoted price and do not incur an extra training charge.
What is included in the programme fee?
The programme includes:
- 880 hours of classroom theory.
- 230 hours across six practical training phases, covering flight and simulator training, including APS MCC.
- Additional training hours where required during the programme.
- A uniform, plotter and logbook.
- Necessary printouts, Quick Reference Handbooks (QRHs) and VFR charts.
- Access to Padpilot e-books, online manuals and examination preparation materials.
- Access to our online training record system and Ryanair Standard Operating Procedures.
See our integrated training overview for the published course hours. Examination and other additional fees are listed separately below.
Additional costs
What additional costs should I expect?
The following costs are separate from the EUR 83,990 programme fee:
| Additional item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry assessment | EUR 350 |
| ATPL theory examinations | EUR 88 per subject attempt; EUR 1,144 for all 13 subjects if passed on the first time |
| ICAO English examination at Bartolini Air | EUR 200 |
| ME/CPL/IR skill tests | Approximately EUR 2,751, based on 3 flight hours; see the breakdown below |
| Licence issue and other CAA fees | Charged separately at the applicable rates |
| Basecamp accommodation | From approximately EUR 400 per month for a single room with a private bathroom, including all bills |
Also allow for food, transport, travel and medical certification.
How much do the ATPL theory exams and retakes cost?
Each ATPL theory examination attempt costs EUR 88 per subject. There are 13 subjects, so passing every subject on the first attempt costs 13 × EUR 88 = EUR 1,144.
Each further attempt at a subject costs another EUR 88. These examination fees are additional to the programme tuition.
How much should I budget for the ME/CPL/IR skill tests?
Skill-test aircraft use on the Tecnam P2006T costs EUR 480 per flight hour. A cadet typically needs approximately 3 flight hours for the combined ME/CPL/IR skill tests.
| Item | Calculation or fee | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tecnam P2006T aircraft use | 3 hours × EUR 537 | EUR 1,611 |
| IR(A) examiner fee | Per listed test | EUR 120 |
| MEP(L) examiner fee | Per listed test | EUR 120 |
| CPL examiner fee | Per listed test | EUR 750 |
| Exam coordination | Coordination fee | EUR 150 |
| Estimated total | Based on 3 flight hours | EUR 2,751 |
This estimate is additional to tuition. Aircraft cost depends on actual flight time. CAA fees are additional.
What living expenses should I plan for during training?
Alongside accommodation, budget for food, local transport, travel home and personal expenses. The Basecamp room price includes bills, but your wider monthly budget will depend on your lifestyle and travel plans.
Allow for the possibility that your stay lasts longer than the shortest training estimate. Keeping a reserve for living expenses will give you more flexibility if your schedule changes.
Training format, start dates and duration
When does RFFA Integrated start?
We organise RFFA Integrated intakes in May and October.
How long does the programme take?
Plan for 18–24 months to complete the integrated programme. Our average completion time is approximately 20 months, although each student progresses at their own pace.
The theory phase takes approximately 9 months, followed by practical training. For accommodation, finances and availability, we recommend planning for the full 24 months so that you have flexibility if your training takes longer.
The estimate covers the integrated course, including APS MCC. Subsequent Ryanair assessment, Boeing 737 type rating and airline onboarding are separate stages.
Is ATPL theory classroom-based or distance learning?
ATPL theory in this integrated programme is classroom-based. It is divided into three subject blocks, each beginning with lectures from our instructors and aviation specialists, including active Ryanair pilots and aircraft engineers.
Each block is followed by two weeks of examination preparation and an ATPL examination session at our Austrocontrol-approved Exam Centre. The classroom theory phase includes 880 hours over approximately 9 months.
Will I receive learning materials and instructor support, or study entirely on my own?
You will attend instructor-led lectures and receive access to Padpilot e-books, online manuals and examination preparation materials. Independent revision is part of your workload, alongside the scheduled teaching.
What does the practical training include?
After you pass the ATPL theory exams, practical training progresses through six phases of increasing complexity. The phases total 230 hours and combine flight training on our Tecnam fleet, simulator training and APS MCC.
Supplementary theory supports topics such as night VFR, instrument flying, multi-engine operations and UPRT. See our integrated training overview.
How long does each practical phase take?
Based on previous integrated students’ experience, the following estimates can help with planning:
| Practical phase | Indicative duration |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 1 month |
| Phase 2 | 2 months |
| Phase 3 | 2 months |
| Phases 4 and 5 combined | 5 months |
| Phase 6 | 3 weeks |
Can I combine the integrated programme with work or university?
The programme requires full-time availability throughout theory and practical training. You should plan work, studies and other commitments around the course.
Time between flights also allows for preparation, revision and other training activities.
Are there holidays and personal time off during training?
Yes. There are Christmas and Easter breaks, and students have personal time off.
Discuss the dates of any planned absence with the training team so that it can be coordinated with your course schedule. You must remain available for your scheduled training.
Can winter weather affect flight training in Poland?
Yes. Some flight exercises depend on suitable weather, and conditions can affect when they take place. Different exercises have different requirements, so a cancelled flight does not translate into a predictable number of days added to the whole course.
For planning, allow up to 24 months for the integrated programme and keep some flexibility in your accommodation and travel arrangements.
Staying in Poland and accommodation
How long will I need to stay in Poland?
The integrated programme lasts approximately 18–24 months and requires attendance and availability for scheduled training.
Before signing an accommodation contract, ask our team to confirm the locations and expected dates of your training stages. This will help you plan your stay and any travel between stages. Allowing for the full 24 months gives you more flexibility than budgeting only for the shortest possible duration.
Do you help with accommodation, and how much does Basecamp cost?
We cooperate with Basecamp, where most of our students stay. A single room with a private bathroom starts at approximately EUR 400 per month, including all bills.
You can view Basecamp Łódź Rembielińskiego and its location on Google Maps.
Accommodation is paid separately from tuition. Confirm the price and availability for your dates when booking, and check the selected room’s kitchen facilities if those are important to you.
How do I book Basecamp?
Book directly through Basecamp’s website using the code BARTOLINI.
You do not need to provide a certificate of enrolment when booking through this arrangement; the code is sufficient. Check the booking terms for your dates, including any deposit and the conditions for changing or extending your stay.
Visits and further questions
Can I visit the school, see the fleet and speak with current students?
Yes, we recommend visiting our facilities before making your decision. Arrange the visit in advance so we can schedule time to show you the fleet and explain the training.
We can also organise a video call if you are unable to travel.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
You can email your training advisor with questions about the course, costs or intake planning.