Full Professional Airline Pilot, E.U.
for international students

For Whom is this Program Suitable?

Aerocadet’s FPAP-EU (Full Professional Airline Pilot – European Union) program is a fully integrated and strategically structured aviation training pathway developed for international students who aspire to obtain the highest level of professional pilot credentials recognized across Europe and worldwide. This program takes students from zero experience to earning a full, unrestricted EASA/ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), while also accumulating over 1,500 hours of total flight time—the gold standard required by top international airlines.

FPAP-EU is specifically designed for future airline pilots who aim to build their careers with global airlines that require rigorous training, high flight time, and practical aviation experience from developed countries. Airlines in the Middle East (Emirates, flyDubai, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal, Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Oman Air, SalamAir, Air Arabia, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi) and Southeast Asia Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Scoot, Thai Airways, Thai VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and others) strongly prefer pilots who hold unrestricted EASA or ICAO ATPLs supported by real-world experience—making FPAP-EU graduates especially competitive in these markets.

What sets FPAP-EU apart is its exclusive internship opportunity in Romania (EU's new Shengen zone member), where students can undertake up to 3.5 years of structured employment as certified flight instructors and commercial pilots after obtaining their restricted ("frozen") Airline Transport Pilot License and unrestricted Flight Instructor Ratings (FI). This extended, paid internship enables students to log the necessary hours to qualify for the full, unrestricted ATPL and gain valuable operational experience under EASA oversight. More importantly, this internship also qualifies students to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in the European Union, opening the door to long-term career development and employment opportunities with leading EU-based airlines.

As part of the program, Aerocadet also supports high-performing students through endorsements and certification via the American Aviator Laureate Society (AALS)—a prestigious recognition awarded by a socienty based in Washington, DC, that enhances pilot resumes for both EU immigration processes and airline recruitment. Graduates leave the program with not only the credentials but also the real-life endorsements, employment records, and documented safety history that airlines look for when making hiring decisions.

In summary, FPAP-EU is one of the most complete and strategically designed pilot training programs available today. It offers international students the rare combination of EASA certification, extensive flight time, European work experience, and a clearly defined path to EU Permanent Residency and employment placement with European and global airlines. It is the ideal launchpad for a lasting, successful aviation career.

How it Differs From Other Programs on the Market?

This flight training program is designed by Aerocadet's aviation career training and employment mentors, all of whom are current airline pilots flying for major airlines, with a strong understanding of current aviation employment market. These experts understand the challenges that newly qualified commercial pilots face after completing their training. Leveraging their vast industry knowledge, this program equips graduates with the skills and experience needed to overcome such obstacles with confidence.

What sets this program apart is its commitment to providing high-quality, internationally recognized EASA/ICAO and FAA/ICAO pilot licenses while also offering up to 5 years of guaranteed, highly-paid flight instructor internship to build the initial flight time, start paying off the student loan, and building an impressive resume for the airline employment applications with the leading airlines around the World, including the EU.

Following this phase, pilots gain access to a unique international internship with Global Air BVI in the Caribbean, where they will reposition EU-registered propeller aircraft worldwide as ferry pilots, or FAA registered jets, if pilots complete phase 5 of training (see below). In addition, pilots can transition to employment with top airlines in the Middle East (like our flyDubai career pathway program); or airlines in the EU - for those who complete 3.5 years of EU internship. This comprehensive program ensures graduates develop the experience and credentials needed to succeed in the global aviation industry. Alternatively, pilots may opt to take advantage of our Pathway to flyDubai program, specially designed to ensure that our graduates take and pass the flyDubai Second Officer assessments and get on the way of their pilot careers with the leading airlines in the Middle East.

This program is structured in such a way that every segment leads our students to the ultimate goal: employment in the airlines. The program is divided into the following stages:

The total duration of the flight training and initial flight instructor internship is approximately 3.5 years. All stages of flight training are conducted in Romania to exceptionally high international and European standards by an EASA-accredited flight academy. To enhance cost efficiency and provide the best student lifestyle, the Romanian flight training center is strategically located by the Black Sea, near the beach—a beautiful and ideal setting for training and living.

Flight training in the E.U. is conducted on brand-new, modern aircraft, including the Diamond DA20, Diamond DA-40 and Technam P2006T for single-engine and multi-engine training. Most aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art glass cockpits and GNSS navigation systems, ensuring students train with the latest aviation technology.

Upon completing the flight training phase, all students will have the opportunity to start the internship phase, allowing them to work as flight instructors and accumulate additional flight time—exceeding 1,500 hours. The internship is recommended to last not more than 24 months, however, for students who have student loan financial commitments, the internship is extandable for up to 5 years.

After completing 2–3 months of work as a flight instructor, pilots will have the option to either pursue the FlyDubai Employment Pathway—leading to potential long-term careers with top Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad—or continue their flight instructor internship to build flight time toward the 1,500-hour mark. For more detailed information on the FlyDubai ("Gulf Airlines") Pathway, please refer to Phase 5A of the program outline >>>.

After completing flight training and the internship, and reaching 1,500 total flight hours, graduates will also have the option to obtain a full, unrestricted FAA ATPL in the United States, along with a type rating for either the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737NG. This opportunity significantly enhances students' résumés, equipping them with both European Union and U.S. licenses, each with full and unrestricted ATPL certification.

In the final (optional) stage, graduates will receive guaranteed employment with Global Air BVi - a global aircraft repositioning company, while being offered a comprehensive and unlimited airline employment placement assistance from our company, with opportunities at leading airlines such as Fly Dubai, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, Lion Air, Singapore Airlines, Air China, China Airlines, Air Hong Kong, Malaysia Airlines, Jetstar, Tigerair, and many more.

Finally, graduates who target EU airlines for employment, but do not have EU passports, may elect to extend their flight instructor internships for up to 3-4 years in order to accumulate a total of 5 years of residence in the EU. Once this time-frame is achieved, pilot become eligible to apply for EU permnent residency and work at anby EU airline for an unlimited time-period.

Detailed explanation of each program phase:

At this stage, student will be required to complete enrollment application form (here >>>) and provide documents for initial consideration by our company. After application details and document screening, student will be contacted for the initial interview to check his knowledge of English. Our requirements are simple: high school diploma (or higher), English knowledge on upper-intermediate level or better, international passport and good health with no disqualifying conditions (see full list of enrollment requirements here >>>) Once all requirements are satisfied, the student will be furnished with the flight training agreement, visa support paperwork, preliminary aviation training study materials. (Aerocadet will provide comprehensive administrative support for this stage of the program).

Are you a student from India? We have a special enrollment pathway and EASA Ground school set up for you. Read here >>>

After arrival in Tuzla, Romania (review the Campus and Accommodation details here >>>) at our partner FTP’s training center located in Tuzla Regional Airfield, a student will undergo an EASA Class 1 pilot medical examination. Following this, the student will begin both theoretical and practical training, combining ground school with flight training. The FTP aims to provide at least 3-4 hours of ground school daily, along with 2-3 hours of flight training to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. The campus life in Tulza, Romania is one of the most comfortable and luxurious options availble to any student, in a nice hotel, right by the Black Sea. Review more details on the campus life here >>>

The flight training segment is structured into distinct phases: Private Pilot, Instrument, and ATPL training (EASA skips the CPL phase and progresses directly to a restricted, or "Frozen" ATPL). Each stage grants the student a progressively higher aeronautical license and qualification. Upon completing this phase, the student will be fully certified as a Commercial Pilot, holding an EASA/ICAO ATPL "Frozen" license, with ratings to operate single-engine, multi-engine, and multi-crew aircraft in both visual (VMC) and instrument meteorological (IMC) conditions. This phase will consist of 196 flight hours, 38 simulator hours and 750 academic hours. Due to optimal weather, all year around in Tuzla, South Romania, flight training is fast: PPL takes 6-8 weeks!

Students who completed phase 2 of the training program with the required standard of airmanship (see standards outlined in a highlighted "Terms and Conditions" box below), safety and English proficiency, will then proceed to obtaining his/her Certified Flight Instructor license. This license is necessary to facilitate the internship phase of our program, which would afford the student an opportunity to work as a flight instructors and build valuable flight time, as well as get paid for this work. This phase will consist of 30 flight hours, and 125 academic hours.

Students, and at this point, a fully-qualified EASA (ICAO) CPL/ATPL-F pilots and a flight instructors, will be offered opportunity to continue their aviation career development by taking on the internship as a flight instructors with our Romanian FTP. Foreign students who complete their flight training in Romania are eligible to continue their internship as flight instructors for up to five years, allowing them to gain valuable experience and build flight hours. This paid internship offers a salary of approximately €2,500-€3,000 per month (just over $3100 USD per month, after all tax deductions), which is more than a sufficient amount to comfortably cover living and accommodation expenses in Romania while also enabling students to start repaying their student loans in their home countries.

This optional phase is designed for students aiming to pursue a long-term career with Emirates Airlines. It offers an accelerated pathway that begins with placement at flyDubai and leads to eventual transition into Emirates. Available to pilots who have completed their EASA ATPL and Flight Instructor Rating, this two-month program allows participants to take a short break before beginning the process. The phase includes the following stages:

• Arrival in Dubai, UAE, for a one-day assessment preparation with a Dubai-based consulting company.
• One-day full-motion simulator assessment at CAE,
• One-day COMPASS and psychometric testing at Emirates Group headquarters,
• Boeing 737NG/MAX type rating with CAE (subject to successful completion of stages 1–3).

The additional cost for this optional phase is estimated at $41,000 USD. Pilots who are selected for employment would normally have to wait in the CJO pool for 4-8 months until flyDubai gets them the start date. Until this happens, pilots can come back to Romania and start their employment as flight instructors in order to continue building flight time and making $2500-$3000 interim pilot salary.

Please review the detailed flyDubai Pathway Option article on our website for more information >>>

As an option for those who do not want to take the flyDubai pathway (phase 5A), graduates of the flight instructor internship phase who have accumulated at least 1,500 total flight hours, including 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours at night, and 75 hours in IMC, will have the opportunity to obtain a full, unrestricted FAA ATPL in addition to their EASA ATPL (Frozen). This certification will include a command type rating on either the Boeing 737NG or Airbus A320. The entire process takes just three weeks and consists of one written exam, 18 hours of Class-D full-motion simulator training, and a 2-hour check ride for both the FAA ATPL and PIC type rating. While this phase is optional, it is highly recommended, as it significantly enhances a pilot's résumé, making them exceptionally competitive among airline applicants. This dual certification broadens career prospects, from charter operations to first officer positions, and eventually captain roles with leading commercial airlines worldwide.

After completion of the instructor internship (phase 4), and FAA ATPL (phase 5) our Caribbean partner in British Virgin Islands (Global Air BVI) will offer our students an employment opportunity as international repositioning pilot. This position requires a pilot to work on the part-time basis, performing 1-2 aircraft repositioning flights per month from various destination around the world to North America and Europe using the D-type crew visa. The company will provide all the necessary training and visa support. Students should be able to build over 500 hours of valuable international cross-country flight time on various types of light piston and turbine aircraft with MTOW below 7500kg (for those who do not have type rating, and skipped phase 5) and over 500 hours on either B737NG or A320 (for pilots who have completed phase 5).

Depending on the graduate's targeted airline, Aerocadet offers comprehensive employment placement assistance to ensure maximum career success. This includes, but is not limited to, official flight training graduation certificates and awards, such as the prestigious Magna Cum Laude distinction from the American Aviator Honors Society, which recognizes outstanding academic and flight performance. Additionally, graduates receive aviation résumé review and optimization, personalized reference letters from current and former U.S. airline captains, and professional recommendation letters issued by FTP, Aerocadet, and Global Air BVI. To further enhance employability, we provide in-depth technical and HR interview preparation coaching, covering airline assessment protocols, simulator evaluations, and competency-based interviews. These services collectively ensure that graduates stand out in the highly competitive airline hiring process, significantly increasing their chances of securing employment with leading international carriers.

Students will receive the following amount of flight training hours during the licensing phases of the program:

Students will receive the following flight crew licenses after completion of this program:

The Academic segment of the theoretical training is an important factor for those students who are planning on advancing their education to an Associate or a Bachelor's level. Although most airlines in the Middle East and Asia do not require a full college degree for pilot employment, having such a degree certainly gives a big advantage in a competitive airline pilot employment market and allows to significantly expand the job market spectrum.

This is why we have partnered with a fully-accredited university in the United States, Thomas Edison State University (New Jersey) to provide 100% online admission and educational programs to our students. The university issues fully-accredited Associate, Bachelor and Master level degrees via online-only academic programs, while giving maximum amount (of all US and Canadian Universities) academic credits for previously obtained pilot licenses such as CPL, CFI and ATPL, and certain aviation practicum, such as turbine type-ratings or airline experience as FO or CA. No student visa is required to continue studying for the Bachelor's degree with TESU. Studies can be conducted from any country in the world.

Each pilot license and rating earned by our students carries the following academic course equivalent:

More information about pilot licenses/ratings conversion into academic credits may be found on TESU website here >>>

The listed above academic courses and their respective credit hour ratings may be converted into any college or university accreditation scale using the standard European Academic Credit Transfer System.

Please note: all academic credits are approximate and subject to admissions board review and evaluation by the target college or university, and provided to students as a guidance information only. Normally, the level of education and practicum upon completion of the training and internship phases equals to Associate Degree in Aeronautical science. Hence, most pilots are able to obtain a full Bachelor's Degree in just 2 years after transferring the academic credits. Enrollment into TESU college program requires EASA to FAA license conversion (phase 5).

18 months of campus accommodation (the entire estimated duration of training) can be included in the program cost. Review the Campus and Private accommodation details here >>>

Accommodation is available near the flight training center. Pilots are being picked up and dropped off by a bus service daily. Campus is located near the Black Sea beach for maximum relaxation after flying.

Part-time employment

Foreign, non-EU citizen students are now allowed to work in Romania on part-time basis.

• Non-EU Students: If you hold a temporary residence permit for studies, you are allowed to work part-time, up to 4 hours per day, without the need for a separate work permit. Employment must be based on an individual employment contract. 

• EU/EEA/Swiss Students: Students from the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland are not subject to specific working hour restrictions and can work without a work permit. However, balancing work and study commitments is essential to ensure academic success.

Program Cost Estimate

The full program cost is an approximate estimate based on student's ability to complete flight training program in full compliance with the approved EASA curriculum. The cost includes flight training, ground school, government fees, and basic flight and training equipment (headset, uniform, books, navigation tools). It does not include accommodation, airline tickets, normal living expenses (food), and additional training hours (if required). Living expenses and additional accommodation may be partially financed by the students using part-time employment income, for which students may be eligible if approved by the Romanian goverment. The cost estimate also includes the following items:

So, what is included in the above cost estimate?

What is NOT included?

Goverment Fees

Some costs cannot be included in the firm training estimate outlined above because they are charged directly by third-party providers, such as the Romanian government, EASA, and others. Most government fees change frequently and without prior notice. Based on Spring 2026 information, we estimate the following government-related fees — EASA PPL exams, ATPL exams, examiner fees, EASA Class 1 medical fees, RT license exams, visa fees, and post-graduate work permit fees — at:

Living & Accommodation Expenses

Accommodation options are plentiful in Tuzla, a well-developed vacation region of Romania near the Black Sea. Students may choose to stay on our flight school campus in shared (standard) or private rooms; however, given that participants typically spend approximately 14 months in accommodation as students and an additional two years as flight instructors, many elect to rent private, non-campus apartments from the wide range of beachside rentals available in the area. For this reason, the program does not include mandatory campus accommodation, allowing students full flexibility to choose their preferred level of comfort, privacy, and proximity to the airport. Students who opt for private rentals are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the training center. Thanks to the consistently warm and pleasant climate, many choose to purchase personal scooters, which are a convenient and popular way to get around locally.

Cost of Living Expenses & Student Employment Options

Living expenses may vary depending on a student’s budget and lifestyle. In addition, these expenses can be significantly supplemented—or in some cases fully covered—by taking on part-time off-campus employment, which is commonly available in the region. Non-EU Students are legally permitted to work in Romania for up to 80 hours per month while enrolled in flight training, allowing them to offset day-to-day living costs during their studies. A student working part-time in Tuzla, Romania—such as in a waiter or coffee-shop barista role—can earn a meaningful supplemental income while studying. Typical entry-level hospitality wages in Romania average approximately 22–23 RON per hour (about USD $4.50–$4.70 at current exchange rates). At the legal student limit of 80 working hours per month, this equates to an estimated 1,760–1,840 RON per month, or roughly USD $360–$380, before tips. In tourist and coastal areas such as Tuzla and the Black Sea region, tipping is customary (generally 5–10%), which can further increase take-home earnings, particularly during the high season. This level of income can significantly offset, and in some cases largely cover, a student’s estimated living expenses during flight training.

Optional flyDubai Pathway add-on

Pilots who elect to pursue Phase 5A – the flyDubai Pathway are required to pay an additional program fee covering full assessment preparation and certification in accordance with flyDubai recruitment standards. This fee includes the Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) course at USD 5,500 and B737 assessment preparation and CAE assessment fees totaling USD 5,750. Upon successful completion of the assessments, flyDubai requires completion of a B737 Type Rating consisting of 52 flight hours, conducted by CAE Dubai and in accordance with flyDubai specifications. The estimated cost of the B737 Type Rating is USD 33,000, payable directly to CAE and not included in the Phase 5A pathway program fee.

Optional FAA ATPL add-on with A320 or B737 type, and Jet internship

As an option discussed in Phase 5 of the program outline, graduates of the flight instructor internship phase who have accumulated a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, including at least 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight, and 75 hours of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) time, may elect to obtain a full, unrestricted FAA Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) in addition to their EASA ATPL (Frozen). This certification includes a command type rating on either the Boeing 737NG or the Airbus A320. The entire process is completed within approximately three weeks and consists of one FAA ATPL written examination, 18 hours of Class-D full-motion simulator training, and a two-hour practical check ride covering both the FAA ATPL and pilot-in-command (PIC) type rating. Although this phase is optional, it is strongly recommended, as it substantially enhances a pilot’s professional credentials and competitiveness among airline applicants. The resulting dual certification significantly broadens global career opportunities, including charter operations, first officer positions, and eventual command roles with major commercial airlines worldwide.

Optional Indian (DGCA) ATPL Add-on

For the students enrolling from India, and planning to work in India after graduation, we have partnered up with Hercules Aviation Training School (HATS) to provide EASA ATPL or FAA ATPL to FAA DGCA certification and license add-on program in Hyderabad. Students will need to start their DGCA ground school training in India - that phase will take 3 months - then pass their DGCA ATPL theoretical exams, then arrive in the United States for training and internship. After completion of training and internship and ATP certification (phases 1-6), Students will come back to India to conduct their FAA ATPL to DGCA ATPL license add-on phase. This phase will also be provided by Hercules Aviation Training School. This phase will take 2-3 weeks. After completion of the ATP conversion process, Students will be provided with the Airline Pilot Placement Assistance service by HATS with Indigo Airlines. At the end of this process, Student will hold two separate ICAO Airline Transport Pilot Licenses: FAA and DGCA. The full explanation of the specialized program for Indian students is located here >>> The cost of this add-on will include: DGCA Ground School: and EASA ATPL or FAA ATPL to DGCA ATPL conversion.

ICAO PPL Holder (Discount)

Students who are enrolling with a current, unexpired Private PIlot Licenses issued by any ICAO country can get FAA PPL issued by filling out a free IACRA application, and is eligible for a discount from the following overall program cost.

Flight Instructor Earnings (Rebate)

This program is integrated with flight instructor and commercial pilot internship (see phase-by-phase outline above). Presuming that the student does not want to transition from flight instructor internship to charter pilot internship, he can count on approximately 2500-3000 USD per month, with average internship time-frame of 24 months to achieve 1500 hours. Please note, that for those who want to continue working while searching for employment, the internship in the EU is extamdable to 5 years total.

This means, that most graduates can earn almost as much as they spent on flight training, immediately after graduation, in just over 2 years.

Overall Financial Considerations and Budget

The Romanian consulate is widely recognized as one of the most supportive and student-friendly embassies in the European Union for applicants from developing countries, with a visa approval rate approaching 99 percent. Notwithstanding this favorable environment, financial readiness remains a key requirement during the visa evaluation process. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funding through personal liquid savings, an approved student loan evidenced by a bank sanction letter, or a combination of both, covering training costs, accommodation, and living expenses. Based on current program requirements, the minimum required financial balance consists of approximately USD 76,995 for training costs, USD 6,750 for accommodation, and USD 3,780 for estimated food expenses. Accordingly, the total financial balance required for student permit issuance is approximately USD 87,525.

Our company does not require students to pay for the entire flight training program in advance. We have a payment structure that needs to be followed by all students, with some exception. Students must submit the following payments:

Please note: conditions of security deposit refund are outlined in the flight training agreement, which students are required to sign upon enrollment and before any payments are due.

Our company can provide administrative support for students to obtain Financial Aid from their respective banks and financial institutions. Such support is offered by providing conditional employment offer letters and training bond contracts. Read the details here >>>

Please note: Aerocadet does not provide flight training sponsorships. Please read the student loan information located via the above link thoroughly before applying for enrollment. 

To enroll into this program, an applicant must have the following documents:

If you need a personal consultation regarding the flight training program, please email one of our highly qualified consultants with a full list of your questions, and receive a structured response within 24 hours.

You can download the following materials below: