Experience the Swiss Seal of Excellence at Europe's High-Performance Aviation Academy
In a competitive marketplace for a first officer position at a major airline, get the upper hand by training in Europe's premier pilot school.
At AELO we boast one of the highest pass rates in Europe and 100% of our 2022 and 2023 graduates have been hired by reputable airlines like Sky Apls, Swiss, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and EasyJet.
Fill out the form below to learn more about why AELO is the best flight training experience for career minded, aspiring pilots or contact us by WhatsApp at +41 79 544 07 77. The number of seats at our flight school is limited, so contact us today to secure your spot!
AELO's ATPL Integrated course and MPL Program with SkyAlps Airlines
AELO is a high-performance aviation academy in Switzerland established in 1985 with a vast wealth of experience training Airline Pilots. We offer two very competitive programs and rigorous training for discerning students who expect the best in pilot training.
At AELO Swiss Academy, you will benefit from:
ATPL Integrated Program
AELO’s 16-month Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) program takes students with little or no previous flying experience and prepares them for a career at an airline anywhere in the world, starting as First Officer right after graduation.
Why Choose AELO’s ATPL Integrated Program?
What You Will Learn and Achieve
The EASA ATPL Integrated course is a comprehensive and intensive training program that will cover all the theoretical and practical aspects of becoming a competent Airline Pilot. You will learn:
By the end of the course, you will have:
For more information on the Fully-Comprehensive Package and the list of inclusions please click here.
Pricing for Location / Package | Locarno |
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Fully Comprehensive (Accomodation Included) | €94,950 |
Basic | €86,000 |
Our ATPL Integrated Pilots Are Primed For Success
The quality of your pilot education matters just as much it does with an undergraduate education. Employers want to hire people who attended a flight training program (1) with stringent entry requirements to attract the best students and (2) featuring a proven, effective curriculum that properly prepares pilots for real world commercial flight experiences.
As you can see in the graph, our 2022 graduates were placed at a lot of prominent airlines like Ryanair and WizzAir as employers recognize Swiss AELO standards. 100% of our 2022 and 2023 graduates were placed with reputable airlines.
Why not improve your chances in landing that perfect pilot position you strive for by contacting us today?
SkyAlps Airlines MPL Program
First Officer Job Guarantee
Do you want to start your career in aviation with the peace of mind of knowing you will have a job waiting for you after you finish your training? If so, you should consider applying for our SkyAlps MPL program.
The MPL Program with Sky Alps is a unique opportunity to become a First Officer with Sky Alps, a regional airline based in Bolzano, Italy. The program is designed to train you specifically for the Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, which Sky Alps operates.
The program consists of four phases: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Type Rating. The program takes 16 months to complete, and at the end, you will receive a Multi Pilot Licence (MPL) and a permanent employment contract with Sky Alps. You will also receive a Dash 8 Q400 Type Rating in addition to everything included in the standard ATPL course.
The MPL program is subject to a rigorous selection process which includes:
1. CV assessment
2. Online application form
3. AON online assessment test
4. Personal interview including a presentation of the MPL agreement
5. Medical examination
Why Choose AELO and SkyAlps?
This program is offered in partnership with AELO, the leading aviation academy in Switzerland, and SkyAlps, the most innovative and dynamic regional airline in Europe. AELO and SkyAlps are two of the most reputable and trusted names in the aviation industry. We have joined forces to offer a unique opportunity to become a pilot with SkyAlps, a regional airline that operates modern and eco-friendly fleet.
By joining the SkyAlps MPL Program, you will benefit from:
If you are ready to start your pilot career with SkyAlps we would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have. Please fill out the form below and we will get in touch with you shortly. You can also contact us on WhatsApp on +41 79 544 07 77 or email .
Don't miss this opportunity to fly high with SkyAlps and join the ultimate MPL Program for aspiring pilots!
For more information on the Fully-Comprehensive Package and the list of inclusions please click here.
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After my VFR phase with a different school, I was transferred to AELO for my IFR and Multi-Engine. I received excellent training and support throughout these phases by well experienced instructors and they contributed to a pleasant learning environment.
The freedom and possibilities within AELO make it a very professional school which closely represents modern day aviation. After being on trips to Italy, The Netherlands, France, Corsica, Croatia, and Germany my experience grew immensely. Seeing, not only the local airspace, but many different airspaces made the course much more diverse and enriching.
Tom, working for Ryanair, 2021
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In AELO the concern is not just about providing students with the legal hours by performing repetitive flights in the same area. On the contrary, I felt the school’s interest in providing me with different challenges and experiences to make me a better pilot and improve my decision making (from mountain flights to night stops and long IFR navigations all over Europe). I experienced thoroughly the increase in my skills with the help of very experienced and dedicated instructors and I found a team and a family focusing first on the students.
This is a top European ATO, and I couldn’t be any prouder of having been a student there!
Pedro, Student, 2020
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When the pandemic came in, I had to choose another school to continue my flight training since the one I was attending closed its doors. I’ve chosen AELO due to its fleet, geographical situation and the confidence Stefano and the team provided me during the numerous calls I had with them.
Expectations were already high, and I am pleased to say they were highly exceeded.
Flying solo VFR through the Alps is not something many pilots are fortunate to do. My first solo flight was to Sion Airport (where business jets land so people can go to the best Swiss ski slopes) and my 300NM solo flight to Venice (Venice!!).
IFR was also on another level, approaching many international airports and sharing the airspace with commercial airliners, which made me feel very close to already be a commercial pilot without even having my license yet.
I couldn’t be happier with my choice and would definitely do it again. Twice.
Sebastião working for NetJet 2020
Fully Backed by our Zero delay Guarantee
If you do not complete your training in 16 months, you will receive €1,000 for every 10-day delay until you obtain your license!
Some flight schools chose to compete with each other to quote the lowest priced course in the shortest amount of time in a race to the bottom. Many students who chase these offers experience extreme frustration with the unbudgeted extra costs for each additional month to complete their training.
AELO takes a completely opposite approach. We want to make sure pilots get all the time and attention they need to complete the course so they have mastered their craft. If for some reason they have missed our targeted pace of learning, we take responsibility for that. Instead of paying us for more time at our academy like other schools, we take responsibility and pay you for every 10 days your training has been delayed.
The Perfect Environment For Flight Training
- Mild sunny weather with more than 320 flying days during the year.
- Absolutely stunning views of the Swiss lakes and Alps mountain landscapes.
- Opportunity to fly in challenging environments like the busy Milan airspace.
- Top instructors with significant experience and connections in the aviation industry to provide you with custom guidance through you training.
- Small class sizes and personalized coaching to ensure your success.
- Swiss quality technicians to ensure the equipment is up to the proper standards for a safe flight.
Want to Experience AELO First Hand? Sign up for
one of our Open Days!
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Flight training with AELO was an amazing experience for many reasons. You have the possibility to fly in a really professional environment where all the instructors have airline experience and around the alps which is the perfect training area with a lot of challenges that help you to grow as a pilot. Not to mention the beautiful view of the lakes area and the Alps that really gives the training a plus.
During the IFR part you have the possibility to start the training on a FNPTII simulator which really put you in a modern cockpit and gives you the real possibility to experience airline operations, (especially during the MCC course it will result very useful to practice many detailed scenarios). You will continue the IFR operating in Milano area and around Europe to simulate an airline scenario with all its challenges and giving you the possibility to fly in different environments to give you the real taste of what is flying IFR in the most beautiful airports in Europe.
Last but not least all people working in AELO are really helpful in case of any problem and are completely available for the best training experience you can have.
Lorenzo, working for Ryanair, 2022
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My training with AELO was the best route to the cockpit in commercial aviation! Due to its geographical location and dynamic operation it’s the perfect combination to prepare you for your first job as a professional pilot.
The location in the mountains make you familiar and comfortable to execute and plan VFR flights through the beautiful Swiss alps. The combination of flying to airports in the mountains and bigger controlled airfields across Southern Europe makes you comfortable with preparing for any unknown airport in the future.
The IFR training being partly completed on a state-of-the-art simulator gives a huge advantage for the transition to any aircraft type for your future airline.
Although AELO is growing this has not affected the social relationship with the staff and instructors who makes you really feel at home and has become like a second family. Gerben, working for VistaJet, 2019
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I started my training with AELO back in February 2020. My classmates and I got transferred to AELO, because the original school we went to, L3 Portugal, had massive delays. Going to Locarno was a breath of fresh air.
Straight from the get-go we got started with the training, which was at a fast, yet comfortable pace. I was very happy with the quality of training received. Focus was put on real-life operations, so instead of going back to just several fields, we actually travelled around Europe, from the south of Italy all the way to London. This made me feel very comfortable to use the IR rating after I passed the skill test. Also, the training area provides great opportunities, from the mountains of the Alps to the busy flat airspace of northern Italy.
What I possibly liked the most was the personal contact with the AELO team. If there was ever any problem, they were always quick to respond and to deal with any issue. All in all, I had a great time at AELO, and I would recommend anybody else to do their training there.Maurits, working for AELO, 2021
Airline Focused Pilot Training
A selection of Airlines and Private Jet companies our graduates are now flying with:
What Are You Waiting For?
Fill out the form below to contact us today to begin your journey of becoming a successful commercial airline pilot!
Or contact us by phone
or WhatsApp at +41 79 544 07 77 today!
Defining Quality
AELO Swiss Academy's
8 E's
Excellence
Our proven track record for delivering high-quality training and results speaks for itself. We have one of Europe`s highest pass rates for the ATPL exams and flight skills tests. We can also guarantee direct entry into the airlines as a First Officer. 100% of our graduates between 2022 and 2023 have been hired by reputable airlines, such as Sky Alps, Swiss, Wizz Air, Ryanair and EasyJet.
Environment
We are located in a beautiful and convenient location, flying over Swiss lakes and mountains and across the Italian border. The weather is mild and sunny, with more than 320 flying days per year. The training environment is challenging and diverse. You will have the opportunity of flying through the stunning Alps as well as gaining invaluable experience navigating the busy Milan airspace with professional airline pilots.
Equipment
We have a modern and diverse fleet of 16 aircraft equipped with glass cockpits and Garmin avionics. These include the Diamond DA40 and the Diamond DA42. We also have a state-of-the-art Boeing 737NG simulator, which is used for the advanced IFR and APS MCC training.
Expertise
We offer a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that covers all the theoretical and practical aspects of becoming an airline pilot. Students are provided with personalised coaching and feedback, with small class sizes and individual care.
Experience
Our instructors are highly experienced and certified airline pilots, who teach according to the latest airline standards. They also have a strong network in the aviation industry and can provide valuable insights and opportunities for our students.
Efficiency
AELO strives for efficiency, ensuring that its courses, instructors, and facilities are optimized for the best learning outcomes and the highest standards of safety and quality. We empower our students to achieve their goals and dreams, by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become successful in the shortest possible time.
Exploration
We encourage exploration, exposing its students to different types of aircraft, simulators, and environments, and inspiring them to discover new horizons and opportunities in aviation. Cross country flights can include complex airspaces and real life scenarios over Switzerland, Northern Italy and beyond.
Evolution
AELO strives to evolve with the changing needs and demands of the aviation industry, by adopting the latest technology, innovation, and best practices in its training and operations such as training on a low carbon emission electric plane.
Frequently asked questions
An airline transport pilot license or ATPL integrated course is the fastest way for a person to achieve the goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot qualified to work with any of the major passenger carriers in the European Union. You can start this training knowing nothing about being an airline pilot with no flight experience. You will be taken systematically through each requirement including theoretical sessions, completing flight training hours, and official exams. With high quality Swiss curriculum you can go from zero to airline pilot in only 16 months for a fee of €94,950 with no hidden costs while also maximizing your chances of getting a good job when you are done.
The great advantage of such a program is that it allows one to rapidly achieve their dream of becoming a pilot. Some people who decide to become a commercial pilot choose a step wise modular approach, taking courses individually to accumulate their requirements over time. This might seem like a more economical idea at first; however, it takes longer time and many pilots find they never get around to completing all the requirements. It is also highly inefficient as their can be unnecessary overlap in your training, particularly if you are receiving training serially from different schools.
Perhaps most importantly, major airlines are currently favoring students who have completed an ATPL integrated training. So not only does taking the ATPL integrated track get you to your goal of a license sooner, it also increases the probability that you receive a good position with an airline after you graduate.
AELO (Aero Locarno SA) is certified by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation as an "Approved Training Organisation (ATO)". All our licences are recognized by the members of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Also, our flying school provides the highest number of Sphair courses in Switzerland, the first flying step to become a military pilot. We have been training pilots since more than 30 years. Our former students are now employed as airline pilots for Swiss, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Adria, Etihad, Emirates and many more. Some AELO graduates have chosen a career as a military pilot and currently fly the FA-18 or Super Puma. Others were invited to work as a Flight Instructor sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with our new students.
In aviation, safety is always paramount and we pride ourselves on that too. AELO offers pilots a highly professional and experienced training team, year-round operations and an exceptional environment at both Locarno airport and our other locations.
Aerodrome Locarno LSZL
via Aeroporto 21
Gordola, 6596 Switzerland
You can find a map to our location at the bottom of this page.
First check to see if you meet our entry criteria listed in our entry requirements. Before you can enroll at AELO, you will take part in a pilot assessment process. This assessment is designed to assess an applicant's overall suitability for the pilot career. It typically comprises different aptitude tests. The results of this assessment will give you the best indication regarding your suitability for a career as a pilot. All candidates are also interviewed by a member of our staff to determine their suitability for training.
Requiring correction to your vision is not automatically disbarring from a career as an airline pilot. The requirements are that distant visual acuity, with or without correction, shall be 6/9 or better in each eye separately and binocular visual acuity shall be 6/6 or better. For an initial examination the refractive error shall not exceed +6 diopters. For more information we recommend that you contact an approved Aeronautical Medical Examiner (AME).
Having some form of color blindness does not necessarily prevent you from having a career as an airline pilot, providing you can pass acceptable color perception tests (predominately Red/Green perception). For more information we recommend that you contact an approved Aeronautical Medical Examiner (AME).
There are no height limits that will affect you qualifying for a civil professional license. But if you are particularly short or tall, less than 5'2" (157cm) or over 6'6" (200cm), you would be well advised to clarify which aircraft you would fit into and be able to reach all the controls comfortably. This would identify whether your height would limit your career prospects in the future.
The simple answer is yes; No medical = No License. The initial medical can be completed at any EASA approved Aeromedical Centre (AeMC) but it is strongly recommended to do it in Swizerland. Cost of this medical is included in our fees.
For non-EU students, it would be advisable to attend a local medical assessment for a local equivalent of a Class 1 Medical to avoid wasting money before training can commence.
Everyone that meets the minimum entry criteria may apply. AELO maintains equal opportunity standards that prohibit discrimination based on gender, race, religion, age or national origin. With regard to non-EU cadets, being accepted in our course, means you will be able to apply for a student visa.
If you hold an EASA PPL, we can credit you with a number of flying hours depending on the amount of hours you currently hold on a case by case basis. This will reduce the overall cost of the course.
The AELO Integrated ATPL course takes students with little or no previous flying experience, to a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL) with a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) referred to as the 'frozen' ATPL. Also included at the end of training is a Multi Crew Co-operation (MCC). From this point, pilots can then be employed as a First Officer with an airline where they will need to obtain the Type Rating on the aircraft they will be flying.
Graduate pilots with a 'frozen' ATPL are free to train onto any aircraft type and to fly for any airline that will accept their EASA license. Most airlines will initially assign new First Officers to "short haul" fleets so they can build experience in the more demanding departure and approach phases of flight. Once an ATPL holder has gained 1,500 hours experience, the ATPL becomes 'unfrozen' and they are then eligible to be considered for promotion to Captains.
The price of the ATPL integrated training is €94,950 inclusive of VAT, all training, accommodation, landing fees, exam preparation materials, etc. For a comprehensive list of everything included in the ATPL package click here.
There are many variables when starting your career as a professional pilot but, broadly, it greatly depends on the airline you are working for, the type of aircraft you are flying and the region of the world you are flying.
In the European market a rough estimate for a pilot flying for a small regional airline initially could earn €30,000 per year. A first officer working for one of the larger European airlines could earn between €45,000 and €55,000 per year. Some airlines will take back the cost of the initial Type Rating, usually from the first years' salary. Experienced captains flying long-haul aircraft could earn at least €150,000 per year. Salaries tend to increase with each year of service with a company.
Attending a flight school with an excellent record of producing well-trained, competant pilots should also help you to maximize your earnings over the course of your career in aviation.
There are two different types of ATPL Integrated courses: cadet and self-sponsored. Cadet programs are conducted in conjunction with airlines where selection process is conducted by both parties and students are offered a job after successful completion of their training. AELO's MPL Cadet Program is offered in conjunction with SkyAlps, and those who complete this program are guaranteed a contract with the airline once their 16 months of training is complete.
On the other hand, self-sponsored students decide to commence their training without any airline process approval, therefore there is no guarantee of a job offer. That being said, AELO will try to facilitate job interviews through our network of contacts to those students that have excelled at their training. 100% of our graduates in 2022 and 2023 were successfully placed with reputable employers after the end of their training. For a full breakdown of the jobs obtained by these students click here.
We have a modern fleet of 16 planes. These include the following models: S201 Sonaca, Tecnam P2008, DA40 Diamond Star, DA 42 Twin Star, and the Extra 200. For more information about our fleet of planes click here.
We also have a modern simulator: the MPS Boeing 737 NG Simulator. This is a state of the art simulator that best mimics a Boeing 737 NG and is available at only a few flight schools. For more information on our simulator click here.
Your success at getting a visa will be highly dependent on your individual circumstances including the country you are applying from. We will do our best to provide you the best assistance we can at navigating through the process.
In order to start the application process contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +41 79 544 07 77.
You can find out more information by filling in the contact form on this page or contacting Diego Paris at +41 79 544 07 77 via WhatsApp or phone.
Where to find us
Aerodrome Locarno LSZL, via Aeroporto 21, Gordola, 6596, Switzerland
ryan@aeloswissacademy.com