United Kingdom headquartered pilot training group Leading Edge Aviation, which operates flight training bases both in the UK and in Spain, is delighted to unveil the expansion of its successful integrated frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL) LEAP training programme at its Alhama campus, in the Murcia, southern Spain, starting in September 2024.

The expansion of courses to the Alhama campus was officially announced at the PCL Madrid event on 16th March 2024, signaling a major milestone for Leading Edge Aviation. It opens doors for both European and UK students to begin full integrated pilot training at its Alhama campus, which is already known for its foundation flight training excellence.

The Leading Edge Airline Preparation (LEAP) course is designed to offer aspiring pilots a comprehensive pathway to achieving the fATPL qualification they need to become an airline First Officer. The first course starts on 26th September 2024 and there is an additional intake in January 2025.  The course offers both single (EASA or UK CAA) and dual (EASA and UK CAA) licence options, catering to the varied needs of future pilots.

Andy McFarlane, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s expansion: “Expanding our top-tier training programme to the Alhama campus in Spain reflects our dedication to making high-quality pilot training more accessible. We’re committed to preparing the next generation of pilots with the comprehensive skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive and excel in the rapidly evolving aviation industry. The excellent flying conditions in Alhama, combined with our expertly designed curriculum enable our students to become successful pilots and future Captains.”

The Alhama campus enhances the LEAP training experience with top-tier facilities, including exclusive airport use, newly built state-of-the-art ground school, and flight training in RobinDR400, DA40 and DA42 aircraft, DA42 simulators, and innovative virtual reality tech, all set in a location with optimal flying conditions and extensive leisure amenities.

This exciting expansion does not only represent an expansion in terms of extending accessibility to Leading Edge’s innovative ‘whole pilot’ training to European students but also reinforces Leading Edge Aviation’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of pilots, ready for the future demands of aviation.

For more details about Leading Edge Aviation and the LEAP programme in Alhama, Spain, please visit Leading Edge Aviation website.

About Leading Edge Aviation

Leading Edge Aviation is a rapidly expanding pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. Offering the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills. 

Based at London Oxford Airport and Alhama, Southern Spain with a commitment to holistic pilot development, the Leading Edge Aviation offers a range of modular and integrated training programmes, including the innovative LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full-time integrated course with BSc degree (UK only) and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop. Facilities at both locations support a comprehensive educational experience, combining modern aircraft and simulators, advanced learning technologies, and a vibrant student living environment.

Leading Edge also delivers modular training (including Ground School, MECPL, CBIR, MEIR, uMAP (university Modular Airline Preparation), A-UPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training), APC MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Co-operation) at its UK base in Oxford.

About the Alhama Campus

The facilities at the Alhama Campus are both comprehensive and of the high standard that LEAL prides itself on. LEAL has exclusive use of the Airport which features a full-length parallel taxiway, a modern operations & planning building with crew facilities and a substantial apron and hangar that will house their growing fleet of Robin DR400 and Diamond (DA40 & DA42) aircraft.  To support the expansion a new start-of-art ground school facility is being built.

An on-site engineering service supports the operation so that students can make the most of the great flying opportunities the area has to offer. The location is ideal for flight training with flat terrain and large open areas for students to develop their flying skills in a perfect environment. 

Students also benefit from first class accommodation just minutes away in executive quality, 2-bedroom air-conditioned self-catering apartments. With 24-hour onsite security and a range of impressive social and leisure facilities they will make many great memories – the leisure facilities include a Jack Nicklaus golf course, more than 20 swimming pools, outdoor and indoor gyms, bars, restaurants, shops, and boutiques.

Source: Leading Edge Aviation
Photo Credit: Leading Edge Aviation