Skybound: Our Intent & Plans

Contents

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• Mission & Why Now

• Our Four Pillars

• Plans & Next Steps

• Commitment

• FAQs

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Last updated: 25 August 2025

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Mission & Why Now

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Skybound exists to remove the single biggest barrier to becoming a commercial pilot: the £90,000+ cost of training. We believe aviation should be open to talent, not just to those with access to wealth or bank loans.

The Problem
 

• Training costs in the UK & Ireland exceed £90,000.
   

• Airline schemes are oversubscribed (1,000+ applicants per spot).
   

• Bank loans are inaccessible and carry personal risk.
   

• This leaves many talented candidates unable to progress, while the industry struggles to meet growing pilot demand.

 

Our Solution We support cadets through Future Earnings Agreements (FEAs) in partnership with StepEx (FCA‑regulated).
 

• Up to £40,000 for training.
   

• Repay 15% of salary once earning above £30k, capped at £80k.
   

• No debt, no interest — repayments scale with income.
   

• The model is community funded: each graduate’s repayments help fund the next generation of cadets — not filling executives’ pockets, but opening doors for future pilots.

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Our Four Pillars

 

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1. Finance — Our core pillar: making pilot training accessible through community-funded support, starting with PPL and hour building and expanding into full modular phases.
    

2. Digital Support (in development) — Future tools such as an AI ATC Simulator, financial planning, and decision aids to guide cadets through training.
    

3. Career Prep (planned from 2026) — Interview preparation and aptitude training to help cadets progress into airline careers.
    

4. Content & Community (in development) — Planned through YouTube series, podcasts, and trial flight campaigns to build awareness, authority, and trust in Skybound’s mission.

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Plans & Next Steps

 

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2025–2027 Roadmap

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• 2025:
  Supporting cadets with PPL ground school enrolment and class 1 medical acquisition. Build awareness through online media and press. Begin developing digital tools including AI ATC Simulator and AI study assistant. First 100 cadets financed through StepEx agreements.

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• 2026:
  Secure DTO approval and grow the team. Begin PPL flight training at Skybound Academy. Expand the Prep Hub with practical tools (training planners, progress trackers, learning aids) and launch extras like interview prep and aptitude training. Scale support to 500+ cadets.”

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• 2027:
  Expand Skybound Academy into full modular training, adding CPL and MEIR. Support 500+ cadets annually through a fully financed training pathway, with digital tools integrated directly into both ground and flight training.

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Commitment

 

Skybound will reinvest repayment income into supporting more cadets and building digital training tools, creating a self‑sustaining cycle that scales access and strengthens the aviation pipeline.

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FAQs

Do I have to pick a specific ATO?
No — you can choose the ATO that works best for you.
 

When do repayments start?
Only once you earn above £30,000. You’ll never repay while training or unemployed.
 

Is there a maximum I’ll pay back?
Yes — repayments are capped, clearly shown in your agreement.
 

Can Skybound support my type rating?
Yes — if your airline doesn’t cover it, Skybound can include type rating support within your package.
 

What if I struggle to finish training?
Repayments only ever start once you’re earning above £30,000, so you won’t owe anything during training or if you’re not employed. If you hit setbacks, we’ll focus on giving you extra support and guidance to get back on track.

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Ready to Get Started?

 

Your journey to the cockpit begins with one step. Apply today to join Skybound and be part of the community reshaping how pilots train.
 

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