Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Helicopters

With over 20 years of experience, we specialise in preparing you for a dynamic career in aviation. In just three years, you will earn a full honours degree while completing your flight training and the ground exams required for your ‘frozen’ Air Transport Pilot Licence – Helicopters (ATPL(H)).

Led by seasoned lecturers who were former airline pilots with major airlines, you will benefit from real-world insights and professional connections. You’ll work with our UK-leading partner Heli Air towards your ATPL, and together, we’ll help prepare you for a career in the exciting world of rotary wing aviation.

Why study Aviation Management and Commercial Pilot Training at BNU?
Integrated Pilot Training and Degree
This programme offers a combination of academic study and professional pilot training. Unlike traditional aviation courses, you will graduate with both a BSc and a ‘frozen’ Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Helicopters (ATPL(H)). This dual qualification not only enhances your employability but also gives you knowledge of management and logistics within the aviation industry.

Industry partnerships
BNU has relationships with leading flight training organisations and major aviation companies throughout the country. These connections can help provide you with networking opportunities, which could lead to internships, and placements, increasing your exposure to the industry before you even graduate. We work closely with our industry connections to make sure that the course content is regularly updated to reflect real-world practices and standards, so you can be confident that you're learning what employers are looking for.

Aviation management skills
Studying topics such as airline operations, airport management, aviation law, and safety regulations will help you master Aviation Management. Our broad curriculum prepares you not only to fly planes but also to take on leadership and strategic roles in areas like airline management, logistics, operations, and air traffic control.

State-of-the-art facilities
Gain the opportunity for hands-on experience, allowing you to practice techniques, emergency procedures, and other critical aspects of pilot training in a controlled environment. Your practical training is complemented by classroom instruction, helping you develop both the technical skills and knowledge required to excel as a pilot and aviation professional.

Global career opportunities
The combination of a recognised UK degree and an Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Helicopters (ATPL(H)) opens doors to careers not only in the UK but globally. The aviation industry is offers a truly international career, and your qualifications will be valued in numerous countries, giving you the flexibility to work with airlines, airports, or aviation management companies all around the world.

What will I study?
On the management side of this degree, you’ll learn how airlines and airports operate, covering topics like airline operations, airport management, aviation safety, and security. You’ll also study aviation law and regulations, along with the economics of the industry, gaining insight into the financial and legal challenges faced by airlines.

For the pilot training, with our external training partner HeliAir you'll work towards an ATPL(H). This involves learning flight theory—covering aerodynamics, navigation, and flight planning—alongside hands-on flight training with approved providers. You’ll also practice using advanced flight simulators to handle complex procedures and emergencies. Additional studies include meteorology and aircraft systems, helping you understand how weather affects flights and how aircraft components function.

At Buckinghamshire New University, you'll benefit from career-focused teaching, hands-on learning and a supportive community that helps you thrive throughout your degree and beyond.

You'll learn from lecturers with industry experience, gain practical skills in professional-standard facilities and receive personalised support through smaller class sizes. Beyond your course, The Big Deal gives every student free access to sports clubs, societies, fitness facilities, social events, trips, volunteering opportunities and career-boosting workshops. It's BNU's way of helping you discover new interests, meet like-minded people, build your CV and make the most of university life – all without paying extra membership fees.

Whether you're preparing for your future career, growing your confidence or looking for an unforgettable student experience, BNU offers the opportunities and support to help you achieve your goals.