FlyBound and AV8 Partner to Strengthen Aviation English Preparation for Future Pilots
FlyBound and AV8 Testing & Training collaborate to support future pilots with specialised Aviation English preparation and ICAO Language Proficiency testing.
With operations in both Spain and the United States, FlyBound offers an international pilot training program for students who aspire to become airline pilots, with licenses recognized in both Europe and the United States.
The FlyBound program is delivered through a network of flight schools and training centers in the U.S. and Spain, each specialized in different phases of the training process. This structure allows students to benefit from both the FAA and EASA training systems within a carefully designed training pathway.
At FlyBound, the program is structured so that students progress step by step, securing key milestones throughout their training. This approach helps reduce risks and builds confidence as they move forward toward a professional airline pilot career.
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The FlyBound program is structured in four clearly defined phases that guide students from their first flight lessons to the final stage of airline preparation.
Throughout the program, training takes place across a network of flight schools in the United States and Spain, each specialized in a specific phase of the training process, while the FlyBound team coordinates and supervises the student’s progress from start to finish.
From the very first day of training to earning your FAA license in the U.S. and later your EASA license in Europe, the program provides a complete training pathway designed to prepare you for a career as an airline pilot
Phase 1
Begin your professional pilot training in the United States, in an ideal environment for flight training and surrounded by students from a highly international background. During this phase, you will complete intensive training in single-engine aircraft, strategically designed so that, even under FAA regulations, the exercises and requirements later expected under EASA standards are already incorporated.
This approach builds a strong foundation for the following phases of the program and enables a smooth transition into the European training system.
Phase 2
Develop the theoretical knowledge required to obtain the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The FlyBound program is designed so that you approach this stage with a solid foundation built during the initial flight phases (PPL and Instrument Rating), making it easier to understand and apply the concepts studied.
During this stage, you will begin the ATPL while completing your time building, integrating theoretical study with real flight experience. The FlyBound team will also guide you in choosing the study format that best fits your needs, whether on-site or distance learning.
Phase 3
After completing the initial practical training in the United States, this phase takes place in European airspace and focuses on converting FAA licenses and ratings into the EASA system. During this stage, you will complete the specific training phases required by European regulations, culminating in the EASA CPL (Commercial Pilot License)
Phase 4
Complete your training by refining your skills in advanced full-flight simulators, typically A320 simulators, developing the procedures and competencies required by European airlines.
In addition to being one of the most exciting stages of the program, this phase is closely connected to airline selection processes, as it replicates many of the assessments commonly used during airline recruitment
FlyBound offers an innovative pilot school program designed to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals. Our structured training pathway allows students to progress step by step, achieving key milestones throughout their training while reducing uncertainty and building confidence at every stage.
Unlike many traditional flight schools, FlyBound operates as a fully structured international pilot school, focusing on a complete pilot training pathway rather than isolated flight training.
Our training involves active airline professionals and experienced instructors who understand the real demands of today’s aviation industry. In addition, FlyBound maintains connections with internationally recognized airlines, helping open the door to future career opportunities in both Europe and the United States.
With FlyBound, you gain more than just licenses. You graduate with the preparation, experience, and support needed to confidently pursue a professional airline pilot career.
Realistic Training Timeline
Our program is designed with realistic timelines that allow students to complete each phase of their training efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays and maintaining steady progress throughout the program
Strategic Training Locations
Each stage of the program takes place in a carefully selected location, from the United States to Spain, chosen to provide the best environment for flight training and professional development
Faster Path to Airline Opportunities in Europe
Unlike the U.S. system, the European pathway does not require 1,500 flight hours to access airline opportunities, allowing a more efficient transition into the industry.
FAA and EASA Training
Through a combination of FAA and EASA training, students earn internationally recognized certifications that allow them to pursue a professional pilot career in both Europe and the United States
FlyBound is not a traditional aviation school or flight school, but a fully structured international pilot school program designed for global careers.
At FlyBound, we have designed a pilot school training program that combines high-level instruction with distinctive features aimed at supporting your success. From FAA and EASA certifications to strategic training locations in the United States and Spain, the program offers an international learning experience that expands career opportunities and prepares students for the challenges of the aviation industry.
The program is delivered across a network of pilot schools and flight training centers carefully selected for each phase of training.
The program combines training under both FAA and EASA standards. Upon completion, students obtain licenses and ratings recognized internationally, significantly expanding their opportunities to pursue a professional pilot career. This approach is designed to take advantage of the strengths of each system, optimizing time, cost, and career opportunities.
From Spain, the FlyBound team coordinates and supervises every phase of the pilot training program, ensuring continuous monitoring of each student’s progress throughout the training process in both the United States and Spain.
Each phase of the program takes place in a location specifically selected for the type of training required. The combination of training environments in the United States and Europe enriches the international experience and expands professional networks within the aviation industry
Pilot training under FAA and EASA regulations involves key differences in structure, requirements, and certifications. As an international pilot school program, FlyBound coordinates both systems to ensure that essential EASA requirements are already integrated during the U.S. training phase.
This strategic approach enables a smooth transition between both systems, helping students avoid delays and unnecessary costs during the license conversion process.
This level of coordination is a defining feature of the FlyBound pilot school, optimizing the pathway toward a successful airline pilot career.
Throughout the program, students experience a truly international environment as part of a global pilot school program, strengthening their aviation English skills and preparing them to operate in diverse cultural and professional contexts. Non-native English speakers benefit from immersion in the United States, improving their aviation English while training within a dynamic pilot school environment. At the same time, international students — particularly from the US and other English-speaking countries — experience life in Spain, gaining valuable cultural exposure within a European setting.
FAA/EASA dual training opens doors to job opportunities virtually anywhere in the world. This unique training makes a significant difference in your career, opening up international employment possibilities.
During the APS/MCC phase, students benefit from guidance provided by active airline pilots with experience in airline recruitment processes. This training replicates real airline cockpit procedures, strengthening preparation for interviews and selection assessments.
The FlyBound program combines the advantages of modular and integrated training systems, creating an optimized pathway toward obtaining a Commercial Pilot License.
Students begin flying during the early stages of the pilot school program, ensuring that ATPL theory is later studied with real flight experience already in place.
Completing training between the United States and Spain allows students to access one of the most recognized flight training environments in the world while maintaining competitive overall training costs
Do you have questions about how to become a professional pilot? In this Frequently Asked Questions section, you will find everything you need to know about the FlyBound international pilot school program, including training between the United States and Europe, FAA and EASA certifications, admission requirements, and career opportunities within the aviation industry.
The FlyBound pilot training program combines the strengths of flight training in the United States under FAA regulations with European training under EASA standards. While both systems differ in structure, requirements, and licensing pathways, they are internationally recognized for their high safety standards and quality of instruction.
At FlyBound, we specialize in coordinating these two training systems so that students can benefit from the advantages of each within a structured program. Training takes place through a network of flight schools in the United States and Spain, forming part of the FlyBound program.
re, students graduate with both FAA and EASA licenses and certifications, significantly expanding their international career opportunities. In addition, training in the United States provides a valuable international experience that helps students strengthen their aviation English skills if English is not their first language, while also offering a broader perspective of the global aviation industry.
FlyBound students typically spend between five and seven months in the United States, where they complete the first phase of the program and begin their intensive flight training under FAA regulations. The exact duration may vary slightly depending on each student’s progress during training.
During this stage, students have access to modern training facilities and a fleet of aircraft designed to provide high-quality instruction in a highly professional environment.
Student accommodation is located next to the airport and the training center, making daily life more convenient and allowing students to focus fully on their training. The environment is also safe and well organized, which is particularly reassuring for families who trust FlyBound with their children’s professional education.
Throughout their stay, students live alongside classmates from different nationalities—many of them American—creating a natural international environment that strengthens aviation communication skills and provides valuable exposure to the global aviation community.
FlyBound students generally fall into three main profiles, all of them sharing a strong interest in developing an international career in aviation.
Recent High School Graduates
For many students and their families, FlyBound represents not only an opportunity to begin professional pilot training, but also a chance to gain maturity while living for the first time in an international environment. The airline pilot profession requires a high level of responsibility, and throughout the program students develop not only their technical knowledge and flying skills, but also their personal and professional growth.
University Graduates
Many university graduates choose FlyBound because they are looking for a high-level training pathway that helps them stand out in airline recruitment processes. Through the program they obtain FAA and EASA licenses and certifications while gaining valuable international experience that strengthens their professional profile compared with pilots trained under only one regulatory system.
U.S. Citizens with European Citizenship (or the Possibility to Obtain It)
We also welcome American students who hold European citizenship—or have the possibility to obtain it—and who wish to benefit from the opportunities offered by the EASA system. For them, the FlyBound program provides the opportunity to begin their training in the United States and later obtain European certifications that facilitate access to airline job opportunities in Europe.
By strategically combining both training systems, many of these students can access the European airline market with a significantly lower total training cost than if they followed a training path based solely on the FAA system. This makes the program particularly attractive for pilots with global career ambitions.
This profile can take full advantage of the FlyBound pathway, combining U.S.-based training with access to the European airline market.
Ideally, our students start their careers in Europe, where airline entry requirements, such as the number of flight hours, are more accessible. However, this also depends on factors such as the student’s nationality and personal preferences.
For European students who complete the FlyBound pilot school program and wish to work as pilots in the United States in the future, the opportunities are favorable. Completing part of their training and obtaining licenses in the U.S. provides a significant advantage. In addition, the pilot profession is considered of national and strategic interest in the U.S., which can facilitate the process of obtaining residency and work permits.
If working in the U.S. is part of your long-term goals, FlyBound as an international pilot school can help open that door.
In Europe, the opportunities are excellent. It’s a great time for pilot recruitment, and FlyBound is preparing you to make the most of it. With high quality training that we are fully confident in, the possibility of starting work immediately after completing the program is virtually assured. If your goal is to work as a pilot in Europe, FlyBound is your best option.
The FlyBound pilot training program typically takes around 16 months to complete. During this time, students follow a structured training pathway that combines FAA flight training in the United States with EASA training in Spain.
The program is designed to progress through several clearly defined phases, allowing students to develop their flying skills, complete the required theoretical training, and obtain the certifications necessary to begin a professional pilot career.
We also work with small training groups to ensure personalized attention and close monitoring of each student’s progress. This allows the FlyBound team to support students throughout the entire training process and help them overcome any challenges that may arise along the way.
The training locations offer highly favorable flying conditions for much of the year, helping maintain a consistent training pace and allowing students to complete the program within the expected timeframe.
Yes, we conduct an access test that is completely free of charge for all applicants to pilot training. This test is not the same for everyone, as it is adapted to the profile of each candidate. For example, it makes no sense to ask an engineer to solve a simple equation.
All candidates must have at least a baccalaureate or equivalent study and a good level of English. In addition, a personal interview is conducted to ensure that the candidate’s profile is suitable for the program. We also evaluate the candidate’s level of mathematics, physics and English. If necessary, we offer specific training to improve in these areas before starting the course.
It is essential to take our entrance test as soon as possible to identify any areas of improvement and allow you to prepare adequately without any additional cost.
To begin pilot training at FlyBound, it is necessary to be fluent in English, as all training is conducted in English. We do not require an official qualification, but a C1 level can be a good indicator of proficiency.
We assess the level of English through a phone call made by our language skills department. This assessment allows us to quickly determine if the candidate has the required level. If the level of English is not sufficient, we will work with the candidate to improve it before starting the course.
This is a very reasonable question, and at FlyBound we want you to make this decision with complete confidence. For that reason, we work from the very beginning to reduce the risks associated with professional pilot training.
Before starting the program, all candidates go through an evaluation process that helps us determine whether this path is the right fit for them. This includes an English assessment, an academic evaluation, and a personal interview that allows us to identify potential challenges before training begins.
In addition, the FlyBound program follows a guided modular training pathway. This means that every milestone achieved during training—licenses, ratings, or certifications—is officially registered in your name by the relevant aviation authorities, either the FAA in the United States or EASA authorities in Europe. As a result, every step of your progress remains valid and recognized.
From a financial perspective, the program is also designed to reduce risk. Unlike many full pilot training programs, FlyBound does not require financial commitments for future phases of training. Each stage of the program is paid progressively as training advances.
This means that if a student ever decides to interrupt their training for any reason, they will only have paid for the training already completed, with no penalties or additional financial obligations.
This structure offers a high level of flexibility and allows students to progress through their training with greater security and control over their investment.
Our goal is for you to focus fully on your training and on developing your future airline pilot career, knowing that you are part of a program designed to minimize risks throughout the entire process.
Before starting the program, it is important to have an initial conversation with the FlyBound team. This first contact allows us to better understand your profile, answer any questions you may have about the training, and ensure that the path toward becoming a professional pilot aligns with your goals and expectations.
Once we confirm that the program is a good fit for you, we will guide you through the necessary steps to prepare for the start of your training. One of the key requirements is obtaining a Class 1 Medical Certificate, which is mandatory in order to work as a commercial pilot. This certificate must be issued by a medical center authorized by EASA.
It is also important to plan ahead for certain administrative steps, such as visa procedures when required. In both cases—the medical certificate and visa applications—we strongly recommend starting the process well in advance, as some medical centers may have waiting lists of several months and administrative timelines can vary depending on the time of year.
The FlyBound team will guide you throughout this entire process, helping you prepare these requirements with confidence and ensuring that you are ready to begin your training at the right time.
FlyBound training groups start throughout the year, from January to December. However, certain months—such as September—tend to have higher demand, as many students complete high school or university studies during the summer.
Each training group has a limited number of places. In addition, FlyBound students complete part of their training alongside students from other flight training programs, many of them American, which helps create a professional and international training environment from the very beginning.
For this reason, we recommend planning your enrollment in advance to secure a place in your preferred start month. This allows you to begin the program at the time that best fits your plans.
In fact, anyone who wants to train as a pilot and meets the requirements can participate in the FlyBound program. Since the FAA and EASA licenses have worldwide prestige and recognition, the program is ideal for those who wish to practice as a commercial pilot in many countries.
Most commonly, students from Europe and the Americas are attracted to the FAA and EASA issued licenses, which allow them to further their careers in an international environment.
Yes, languages are essential in aviation, as they open doors to new job opportunities and are key to meeting airline requirements. As part of the FlyBound pilot school program, students develop the language skills needed to operate in international environments. Aviation languages are certified through ICAO language assessment tests, which use a scale from 0 to 6.
For English, the minimum required level is 4 to become a pilot. In addition, other languages may also be assessed and can be valuable when applying to different airlines, depending on their specific requirements.
Yes, if you are not a US national, you will need an M1 visa to study in the US. The process is quite simple. Once you enroll in the FlyBound course, we issue an electronic certificate within 24 hours, which you will receive by mail. This certificate will allow you to make an appointment with the U.S. Embassy.
The process to obtain the M1 visa is quick and is completed in one day, with the embassy attaching the visa to your passport. However, we recommend that you plan ahead, as visa appointments can take several weeks due to the high demand for U.S. study visas.
Choosing the right pilot school and training location can be challenging, but here are some key factors to consider:
Don’t assume that the school closest to where you live will be the most convenient or the one you’ll feel most confident in. If you’ve chosen to become a pilot, you’re choosing a global career and should be open to relocating.
From a safety perspective, it’s best to avoid training areas in mountainous regions or high-traffic airspace.
In terms of quality, look for a pilot school based at an airport that is commercially active but not overly saturated. This allows for realistic training without overloading the environment.
Trust your instincts. Choose a pilot school program that genuinely motivates you, with a structure you enjoy and feel confident in. Pilot training is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and enjoying the process will help you maintain your passion throughout your career.
We offer various contact channels based on your needs and the type of inquiry you have. Below, we detail our recommendations:
Of course! We only ask that you first reach out to us through any channel to ensure that the FlyBound program is the right fit for you and vice versa.
Visiting the facility where you plan to begin your pilot training is a very wise decision, as it will help you better visualize what your training experience will be like.
We understand, however, that visiting our U.S. facilities can be a challenge for some. That is why we have created our Virtual Open Houses, an ideal alternative for those who are unable to travel. These days allow you to tour our facilities live, interact with our team, resolve your doubts and live an experience as close as possible to an in-person visit.
The total cost of the FlyBound pilot school program is typically around €80,000, although some students may complete their training for less depending on their individual progress.
Thanks to its international structure—combining training in the United States and Europe—students graduate with both FAA and EASA certifications while benefiting from a more cost-efficient pathway compared to many traditional flight schools.
One of the key advantages of this pilot school is its progressive payment model. Students pay for each phase step by step, with no large upfront costs, no long-term financial commitment, and no penalties if they decide to pause their training.
This flexible structure reduces financial risk while ensuring that all completed licenses and progress remain valid and transferable. Throughout the process, the FlyBound team provides continuous guidance, coordinating each stage of training so students can focus on becoming professional pilots.
If you would like to understand the program in more detail, including how costs are distributed across each phase, we would be happy to explain in pricing page.
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FlyBound and AV8 Testing & Training collaborate to support future pilots with specialised Aviation English preparation and ICAO Language Proficiency testing.
FlyBound founder Elías Fernández discusses FAA and EASA pilot training on Radio Jerez, Cadena SER. Listen to the original March 2025 interview.
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