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Welcome to Flight Training London

Come and start your flying adventures with us...

Every flight starts somewhere, and so did we.

Flight Training London began in 2012 during a difficult period for the aviation industry. Co-founder Ivan Kurbanov, along with his partner decided to open a small flight school offering one-to-one instruction to keep him in the air during a tough economic period. What started as a practical solution quickly became something far more meaningful.

Teaching people to fly and watching them achieve something they once thought impossible proved incredibly rewarding. As word spread, more people joined, and a small training operation gradually evolved into a thriving flight school built on enthusiasm, trust and shared passion. From the very beginning, the aim was never just to teach technical skills. It was to create an environment where people felt comfortable, supported and genuinely excited about learning to fly.

Experience and Leadership

Before founding the school, Ivan had already built a strong reputation as a professional flight instructor. After completing his commercial training in the UK, he began developing his experience at Panshanger Aerodrome, where he served as Deputy Chief Flying Instructor.

Today, with more than 12,000 hours of instruction behind him, Ivan continues to lead the school as Chief Flying Instructor and Examiner. His focus remains unchanged: safe flying, strong airmanship and the professional standards that shape capable, confident pilots.

Tamsyn brings her background in design, marketing and community building to help shape the culture of the school. Together, they have built an organisation that blends professionalism with personality, a place where aviation feels accessible rather than intimidating and unapproachable.

More than a Flight School: A Supportive Flying Community

One of the things that makes Flight Training London distinctive is the mix of people who train and fly here. Some students arrive with a clear goal of becoming professional airline pilots, while others begin simply because they have always been fascinated by flying. Both paths exist side by side, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a flying community than a traditional academy.

Learning to fly can feel like a big step, especially at the beginning, which is why the environment at Flight Training London is intentionally friendly and down-to-earth. There is no hierarchy between pilots. From someone taking their very first lesson to experienced aviators with thousands of hours, everyone shares the same passion for aviation.

Students quickly discover that they are not only learning from instructors but also from the wider aviation community around them. Conversations over coffee, stories from experienced pilots and informal discussions around the airfield all become part of the learning experience. This supportive atmosphere helps new pilots gain confidence while making training both engaging and enjoyable.

Over time, many students remain closely connected with the school long after their licences are completed. Some continue flying recreationally, exploring the UK and Europe with friends, while others go on to build professional careers in aviation. What often stays constant is the sense of belonging that develops during training.

Your Flight Plan: Flexible Training that fits around Real Life

Learning to fly should feel exciting and empowering, not overwhelming. At Flight Training London, training is designed to work around real life. Some students move quickly through their training, while others progress at a steadier pace alongside work, university or family commitments.

The goal is not to push everyone into the same timeline, but to help each student progress in a way that suits their circumstances and ambitions. Many students start flying simply out of curiosity, only to discover that it becomes a lifelong pursuit. Others arrive with clear professional goals and develop the knowledge, judgement and flying skills needed to move toward a commercial aviation career.

Honesty, Transparency and Trust

Learning to fly is a significant investment, and choosing the right training environment matters. At Flight Training London, transparency and honesty are central to how the school operates. Training is structured so that students remain fully in control of their progress and financial commitments.

Purely Pay-as-you-Fly

Rather than requiring large upfront payments, the school operates on a simple pay-as-you-go basis. Students pay for the training they complete after each flight, allowing them to progress with confidence and flexibility. Apart from your first flight, or a very small deposit to secure your place on a course, all our training is, and will always be, ‘Pay-as-you-Fly’.

This also means that if your circumstances change at any point, you can pause or stop training whenever you need to without any ramifications.

Real Airline Careers

Many students train purely for their personal enjoyment, but the rest of Flight Training London’s graduates go on to build professional careers in aviation. Former students have progressed to flying for airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways & BA CityFlyer, Jet2, Loganair, TUI Airways and Wizz Air.

These achievements reflect the strong foundations built during training, not just technical flying ability, but the judgement, discipline and professionalism required in modern aviation. Airlines ultimately look for capable, well-trained pilots with solid airmanship. Developing those qualities is a key focus throughout our training.

London Elstree Aerodrome: Training in Busy London Airspace

Flight Training London is based at London Elstree Aerodrome, the closest aerodrome to Central and North London. The location provides a lively aviation environment and training in the busy airspace surrounding London helps students develop strong situational awareness and practical flying skills. For many students, simply spending time around the airfield becomes part of the experience, a place where aviation is accessible and engaging.

Why Pilots Choose Flight Training London

Pay-as-you-fly Structure
With our pay-as-you-fly system, there are no large upfront payments, you simply pay for each lesson as you go, so you never risk losing a lump sum.

A Genuine Supportive, Friendly Atmosphere
A team that knows your name, supports your ambitions and celebrates your success.

Flexible Modular Training
Flexible, modular courses designed around real lives and real commitments.

Learn in Comfort
Modern facilities and welcoming spaces that make long training days more enjoyable.

London Advantage
Training in busy and complex London airspace develops relevant flying skills airlines value.

Well-maintained and diverse fleet of aircraft
Our well-maintained fleet offers a range of aircraft, letting pilots build skills across different types and systems safely.

Lots of friendly instructors to choose from
Training in busy and complex London airspace develops real-world flying skills airlines value.

Call us to make an appointment now and talk to one of our instructors about your training.