MPL FAQ

Initial Application

What qualifications do I need?

You need to have at least five GCSEs including maths, English and a science. Maths must be at grade B/6 or above and all others at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent qualifications. We cannot make any exceptions to this. To view equivalent qualifications, please click here.

My qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs but are from a different country, do I need a translation of them?

Yes, if successfully invited to an assessment centre, you will need to bring proof of academic qualifications which need to be in English.

I have a degree, but I don’t meet the GCSE requirements. Can I submit an application?

Yes, a degree in any field supersedes the GCSE requirements so you may submit an application.

I’m not a British citizen, can I apply?

All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely without additional approvals. We’re unable to sponsor or support any visa applications.

Do I need to submit a cover letter along with my CV?

No, a cover letter is not required and will not be read.

Is previous flight training/experience required?

No previous flight training or experience is necessary.

I have a PPL, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply if you hold a PPL but with a maximum of 100hrs total time. No additional ratings may have been added to the licence, i.e., Night Rating, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor Rating etc.

I’m currently completing, or have completed, my ATPL ground exams, will I be eligible to apply?

If you have commenced an integrated ATPL course or have attempted any theoretical exams required for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence or Airline Transport Pilot Licence (regardless of the result) you will not be accepted on the TUI UK MPL Scheme.

I have a CPL/IR will I be eligible to apply?

No, this programme is designed for those who have no, or very little flying experience.

What age do I need to be?

You must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st June 2026. If you are 17, you may still submit an application so long as you are 18 on or before 1st June 2026.

I am 18 just after 1^st June 2026, can you make any exceptions?

No, in order to apply, you must be 18 on or before 1^st June 2026.

Funding

Is this a sponsored scheme?

Training costs are not required to be paid prior to or during training. Upon completion of training and joining TUI, you’ll be paid a Second Officer salary, and training costs will be deducted from the salary over a four-year period pre-tax. The full-time equivalent salary (pre-deduction) is currently £68,459. This salary will increase in line with pilot pay scheduling agreements. Further details will be provided at the Assessment Centre should you be successful.

Will I receive a salary or allowances whilst I’m training?

No, you will not receive a salary or allowances whilst training.

Can I work as well as completing my training?

The training is full time, and it will be necessary to study in your own time outside of this, therefore we strongly recommend against working alongside your training.

Am I guaranteed a job with TUI when I finish my training?

You’ll be issued with a conditional offer of employment with TUI Airways on commencement of your course; however, you’ll be required to complete your training to the required standard in order to proceed with a career as a cadet entry pilot at TUI.

Will I be bonded?

Yes, there is a bond to cover the cost of your training. If you leave within the first four years of employment as a pilot, you will be liable to pay back some, or all of your training costs. Further details about this will be given as the assessment centre should you receive an invite.

Training

When does the course start?

We will have several course start dates with the first one in June 2026. More information will be given at the assessment centre, and whilst not guaranteed, you will be able to give your preferred course start date.

I’m not available to start in June 2026, will any other dates be available?

Courses are planned to start in June, July, and September 2026. We will take notice periods into account when placing cadets onto courses.

Will there be courses in future years?

Yes, there will be courses on an annual basis.

Can I apply this year and defer my place for a future course?

No, if successful, you will be offered a 2026 course start date.

How long will the training take?

The course will take approximately 19 months to complete.

Is there any time off during the training or will I be able to go on holiday?

The training course is full time, and you will have rostered days off. We are unable to give leave for holidays or other events. You will be able to go home on your days off if you wish to do so.

Can I choose my training location?

No, there is no flexibility in the training location.

Where will the training be?

The ground school is mostly self-study and virtual classroom from your own home. You will be required to attend classroom training in East Midlands for one week every 6 weeks. The flying will take place in Oxford and the simulator training in Gatwick.

What days of the week will I be training?

You will train on different days of the week and will be given a roster/schedule for each month. You will be required to train over some weekends, and flexibility will be required, especially during the VFR stage in Oxford.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation will be provided when you are required to be away from home during practical phases 1-4.

Do I have to stay at the accommodation provided?

Yes, you must stay at the training location when you are training.

Can my partner stay with me in the accommodation?

No, accommodation is only provided for the cadet.

What license will I receive when I qualify and what will this allow me to do?

You will be issued with a Multi-Pilot Licence (MPL) and this will enable you to operate a Boeing 737 acting as co-pilot in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot for commercial air.

Will I be able to convert my MPL into an ATPL?

An MPL can be upgraded to an ATPL providing the licence holder is at least 21 years old and has a minimum of 1500 hours flying time.

What happens if I fail any exams?

If you fail any exam or progress test after two consecutive attempts, training could be terminated.

If my training is terminated, will I owe any money?

If you breach your training agreement (issued at offer stage) and are removed from the course, any monies paid by TUI for your training will be repayable.

Where will I be based when I’m qualified?

You’ll be advised of your UK base towards the end of your training. Base preferences will be taken into account but cannot be guaranteed.

Will I get a uniform?

Yes, all MPL cadets will be issued with a uniform that is provided by TUI.

What is your policy regarding tattoos?

If your tattoo could be deemed offensive in any way, it must be covered. All neck, throat and face tattoos regardless of location and size need to be covered.

Assessment Process

Is there any flexibility in assessment centre and simulator assessment dates?

The assessment centre is planned for April 2026 and simulator assessments planned for the end of April 2026. These will be the only dates available. You will be able to select your preferred date of assessment centre and sim assessment if successfully invited.

I have completed all my online assessments, but my profile still shows “complete your assessments”?

If you have completed your assessments, rest assured we have received them, and they will be reviewed within the given timelines.

My application has been rejected; can I request feedback and when can I resubmit an application?

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we are unable to give individual feedback. You can resubmit an application next year.

How quickly can I expect to hear back following completion of digital interview?

We aim to have all digital interview outcomes issued by mid-March 2026.

My application has been rejected following my digital interview, can I get feedback?

We cannot give individual feedback but click here for some helpful tips.

I have a technical issue, who should I contact?

If you’re experiencing technical issues with your online assessments, you should firstly review our technical help page by clicking here.

Are there any practice tests that I can do?

Please click here to find some practice tests.

I have a further question that’s not covered in the FAQs, who can I contact?

Please ensure that you read the information on this page thoroughly and if you need to ask a question that’s not already answered, you can contact us by emailing cadet.recruitment@tui.co.uk and a member of the pilot recruitment team will respond to you.