2024 Update: Now Including Ryanair Boeing 737 Type Rating!
The Gateway 1 Ryanair Future Flyer Academy programme is tailored for PPL holders boasting 100 hours of pilot in command (PIC) and 170 hours of total flying time. Individuals must have completed all EASA ATPL theoretical exams and aspire to join the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy to undertake the MEP/CPL, ME/IR, AUPRT, and APS MCC training modules.
Upon successful completion of the Gateway 1 assessment, cadets will secure a conditional job offer from Ryanair, even before commencing their training at AFTA.
Successful applicants to the Gateway 1 Ryanair Future Flyer Academy will embark on an immersive 3-6 month training journey at Cork International Airport, followed by a comprehensive Ryanair Boeing 737 Type Rating.
Trainees will fully immerse themselves in the world of Ryanair, absorbing its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), culture, and operational philosophy. They will also benefit from personalized one-on-one mentorship provided by seasoned Ryanair pilots.
Exclusive to Ryanair Future Flyer students is access to a streamlined recruitment process, offering them a significant advantage during the final assessment stage due to their extensive training in Ryanair procedures.
Furthermore, upon successfully completing the final Ryanair assessment, graduates will be presented with the opportunity to join a Ryanair Boeing 737 Type Rating course.

This programme is for individuals who hold a UK or EU/EEA Passport with the unrestricted right to live and work in Europe/UK.
REQUIREMENTS:
- You must hold a valid ICAO or EASA Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
- A minimum of 150 total flight hours is required to apply, including at least 100 hours Pilot in Command (PIC). A total of 170 hours is required prior to commencing Gateway 1 training.
- You must have successfully completed all EASA ATPL theoretical examinations.
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must hold an EU/EEA and/or UK passport with the unrestricted right to live and work in the EU and/or UK.
- You must have completed the Leaving Certificate or an equivalent qualification.
- You must be open to base opportunities across Europe.
- You should demonstrate discipline, high levels of motivation, and strong leadership qualities.
- You must hold a valid EU (Part-MED) Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- You must successfully complete an online assessment, followed by a simulator assessment and interview at the academy.
- You must be available to complete the remainder of the training as a full-time student.
- You must have a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS Level 4.5.
Combined Multi Engine Commercial Pilots Licence (MEP CPL)
This rating enables a pilot to transition from single-engine aircraft to multi-engine aircraft, a step that can be both technically demanding and highly rewarding. The training also provides valuable insight into airline-style operations and multi-crew environments.
The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) allows an individual to pursue a professional flying career in aviation. It enables the holder to act as a pilot on multi-engine and multi-pilot aircraft engaged in commercial air transport. The course includes 25 hours of flight training, along with a minimum of 20 hours of theoretical instruction.
Course Syllabus:
Flight training is conducted using a Multi-Engine Diamond DA42 aircraft and an FNPT II simulator:
- 3 hours on FNPT II simulator
- 15 hours on Cessna 172 (including one landing per flight)
- 13 hours on Diamond DA42 (including one landing per flight)
- Theoretical tuition
In accordance with EASA regulations, the course also includes 7 hours of theoretical knowledge training and a final theory examination.
Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)
The Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) course trains students to operate an aircraft solely by reference to instruments under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), without reliance on external visual cues (Visual Flight Rules – VFR). This qualification enables pilots to fly in conditions and environments similar to those experienced in airline operations.
Course Syllabus:
- 30 hours on FNPT II simulator
- 15 hours on Diamond DA42 (including one landing per flight)
- Theoretical tuition
Upon completion of the training, a flight test is conducted on a complex multi-engine aircraft (Diamond DA42).
Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC)
The Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Airline Pilot Standard MCC (APS MCC) is an enhanced Multi-Crew Cooperation course designed to train pilots to Ryanair’s operational standards. It equips newly qualified pilots with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to succeed in airline assessments and adapt effectively to Ryanair’s working environment.
Developed in conjunction with Ryanair, this APS MCC programme specifically addresses areas where new pilots often require additional development during airline selection processes. The course places increased emphasis on theoretical knowledge, manual handling, and Crew Resource Management (CRM), all of which are trained and assessed in line with EASA Pilot Core Competencies.
Training is conducted using high-fidelity Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 and Boeing 737 NG simulators, replicating real airline-standard aircraft. The course includes mandatory Jet Orientation Training (JOT), with clearly defined simulator specifications and instructor qualification standards.
The core elements of a standard MCC course are fully retained, including airline structure, operational CRM, meteorology, flight planning, and fuel management. In addition, students develop key pilot competencies such as flight path management, communication, situational awareness, problem-solving, and decision-making, all within a high-quality simulated airline environment.
Course Syllabus:
- 10 days of Computer-Based Training (CBT) covering aircraft systems and procedures
- 4 days of ground school
- 10 sessions of 4-hour training on a Boeing 737-800 Full Flight Simulator (FBS)
- Ryanair Boeing 737 Type Rating (provided by Ryanair)
Course Fee
Course Fee:
Our Gateway 1 Ryanair Future Flyer Academy Programme is €61,995.
Payment Structure:
- Deposit: €1,500 (non-refundable)
- Day 1 of course: €60,495
Course Fee Includes:
- Ryanair Boeing 737 Type Rating Course
- Access to Ryanair SOPs and Boeing 737 manuals
- AFTA Graduate Development Programme, including simulator preparation and interview preparation
Course Fee Excludes:
-
Fees for skill tests, licence, and rating issue (see
IAA Fees and Orders). Aircraft rental fees for skill tests are not included. -
Medical examination for EASA
Class 1 Medical - Online CUT-E assessment (€79) and AFTA assessment fee
- Accommodation and living expenses
Arrange an Assessment
Our Ryanair assessment consists of two parts.
1) Psychometric and Aptitude Testing which can be completed at home online.
2)Simulator assessment and interview which are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in our academy. Preparation is key.
The CUT-E Test
When you contact one of our training advisors you will be emailed a link to complete this section of the assessment at home. This is a computerised pilot screening system which assesses work related behaviour, situational behaviour, deductive-logical thinking, inductive-logical thinking, spatial orientation, reaction speed, monitoring ability, multi-tasking capabilities and complex control.
Simulator Check
After successfully passing the CUT-E test, you will be invited to attend the academy. You will complete a simulator aptitude test. After a short briefing you will be instructed to perform some basic manoeuvres. This is to assess your knowledge to date, capacity and interaction with an instructor.
The Interview
This final part of the process is an opportunity for you to tell us why you would like to join the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy and what qualities, characteristics and experience you could offer Ryanair.rnrnThe instructors want to be sold on your commitment and dedication towards the training and the career. You will be tested on your technical and non-technical skills.rnrnNon- technical skills include areas such as communication, leadership and decision making. ATPL questions may be asked.
Contact Our Training Advisers.
Make an appointment to talk with one of our expert Training Advisors. They are trained to answer all your questions regarding training, finance and career prospects. This service is free.
