Here at Stapleford, we know that learning to fly commercially is a very big decision. We also understand how important it is to obtain the necessary funding and to budget for your training and living costs. You need to ensure that you have borrowed enough money to see you through the process with room to spare.

In order to ensure you have a clear idea of the costs - and some costs such as living expenses, CAA fees and medical fees are easily underestimated or left out - we would thoroughly recommend that you write a business plan that looks into all aspects of the training process. You should look into the job market as well. Take time to consider whether the area of aviation you are looking at is likely to have job openings once you have completed your studies and training.

You can use your business plan to impress your bank manager, proving that you have thought things through. You can also use it as a guide for yourself, where you have set realistic goals and timeframes and where you have alternatives in case things don't go to plan - and sometimes that does happen.

www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.

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