Integrated vs Modular Training

"Integrated" and "modular" are the two main ways of organising a professional pilot course, especially in the EASA and UK systems. Both can lead to the same type of licence. They differ in structure, flexibility and how risk is spread.

Integrated training

An integrated course is a single, continuous programme run by one approved organisation. Theory and flight training are planned as a whole, usually full-time, with the school managing the sequence from start to finish.

Typical features:

• One organisation responsible for the whole syllabus.
• A fixed start date and a defined sequence.
• Usually a larger upfront commitment, sometimes paid in stages.
• Often a requirement to start from little or no previous flying experience, though entry rules vary.

In the EASA system, integrated courses are typically delivered by an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), approved by the national authority. See the Greece page for an example of how one national authority lists its ATOs.

Modular training

Modular training splits the route into separate parts, such as private licence, theory, commercial licence, instrument rating and multi-engine rating. You may do them at one school or several, and at your own pace.

Typical features:

• Parts can be spread over time and budget.
• You can change schools between modules, within the rules of the authority.
• You manage the sequence and the paperwork more yourself.
• Modules may be delivered by different kinds of organisations, including declared training organisations for some courses.

Side by side

None of these is automatically better. A person who can study full-time and values a managed path may prefer integrated. A person who needs to work alongside training often prefers modular.

Be careful with comparisons of time and cost

Brochures often compare a "fast" integrated route with a "slow" modular one, or the reverse. Treat any such comparison as marketing unless it is itemised. The regulatory minimum for each part is only a floor; individuals vary. See Regulatory Minimum vs Actual Completion Hours. Prices should be compared on the same basis; see Comparing Training Packages.

Check what each route actually leads to

Both routes should lead to a licence issued by an authority after you meet its requirements. They do not by themselves guarantee employment. Some courses advertise relationships with airlines. An advertised partnership is not guaranteed recruitment; ask what it actually means in writing.

You may also see "frozen ATPL" used as shorthand in marketing. Terminology varies. It generally refers to having passed the ATPL theory exams and holding a commercial licence with an instrument rating, without yet having the flight experience required for the unrestricted airline transport licence. It is not a universally issued licence, and the way it is described differs between countries and schools. Ask the school what exactly will appear on your licence document and what the authority calls it.

In other systems

In the United States, there is no integrated/modular split in the same sense. Training is organised under Part 61 or Part 141, and students often progress certificate by certificate. See the United States page and Choosing a school.

Questions to ask

• Is this course approved by the national authority, and can I find that in a public record?
• What exactly is included in the price: theory, exams, aircraft, accommodation, licence fees?
• What happens to my payments if I stop or if the school closes?
• Can I transfer credit for theory or flying done elsewhere?
• Which licence and ratings will I hold at the end, and is the instrument rating included?
• What happens if I take longer than planned?

You can browse professional pilot programmes and compare options with the compare tool. For how approval is recorded on this site, read Verification explained.