Leading Edge Aviation Welcomes 20 Students to LEAP-078 Integrated Pilot Training Course in October 2026

United Kingdom – Leading Edge Aviation, a UK CAA- and EASA-approved flight training organisation, has welcomed its latest Leading Edge Airline Preparation (LEAP) integrated pilot training cohort in October 2026. Designated LEAP-078, the intake continues the academy's monthly professional pilot training activities across its Oxford campus and Alhama de Murcia training base in Spain.

• The new cohort comprises 20 students, reaching the academy's published maximum class size for its integrated training program. Leading Edge announced the intake on 9 October 2026, confirming that the students had commenced their pathway towards commercial pilot qualifications.
• AFM previously reported that Leading Edge Aviation welcomed 47 students across three consecutive integrated training cohorts between July and September 2026, comprising 13 students in LEAP-075, 15 in LEAP-076 and 19 in LEAP-077. Including the latest intake, the academy has welcomed 67 students across these four cohorts.
• The LEAP Integrated program combines ATPL theoretical knowledge instruction, foundation and advanced flight training, Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) qualification, Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT) and Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC). The academy's Oxford-based pathway also incorporates a BSc in Air Transport Management.
• Leading Edge states that its integrated program is designed for completion in as little as 18 months, although current student training timelines are typically 20–24 months. Training begins with approximately 28 weeks of ATPL ground school at Oxford, followed by foundation flying at Alhama de Murcia and advanced flight training back in the UK.
• The academy's training fleet comprises 30 aircraft across its two campuses: 13 Diamond DA40s, nine Diamond DA42s, six Piper PA-28s and two Slingsby Fireflies. Four additional Piper Archer DX aircraft are listed as planned additions. Its Oxford simulator centre operates two Diamond DA42 FNPT II devices and one MPS Airbus A320 FTD-1, supporting instrument training and the final APS MCC phase.

About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge Aviation is a UK flight training organisation established in 2018 and headquartered at London Oxford Airport, offering integrated and modular commercial pilot training through its UK and Spanish campuses. The academy holds UK CAA approval GBR.ATO-0503 and EASA approval EASA-GBR.ATO-0503, providing professional pilot training pathways leading towards UK CAA and EASA qualifications.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation