A type rating is the final certification you need before flying passengers on commercial aircraft. After completing your ATPL training and MCC course, the type rating qualifies you to operate a specific aircraft family—most commonly the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.
In 2026, type rating costs range from €14,000 at Eastern European schools to €35,000+ in Western Europe. With Europe's ongoing pilot shortage expected to reach 19,000 pilots by 2032 according to Oliver Wyman, investing in a type rating opens doors to strong career opportunities across the continent.
What is a Type Rating?
Under EASA regulations, any aircraft over 5,700 kg requires pilots to hold a specific type rating. This certification proves you understand the aircraft's systems, can handle normal and abnormal procedures, and can operate safely in a multi-crew environment.
The good news: one type rating covers an entire aircraft family. An A320 type rating lets you fly the A318, A319, A320, A321, and A320neo variants. A B737 NG rating covers the 737-600 through 737-900 series, with a short difference course for the 737 MAX.
Prerequisites for Type Rating
You need a valid CPL(A) with ATPL theory credit, Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, Class 1 Medical, MCC certificate, and ICAO English Level 4 minimum. Most airlines also require completed UPRT training.
A320 vs B737: Which to Choose?
Both aircraft dominate European aviation. Your choice should align with your target airlines rather than personal preference—you'll likely fly both during your career anyway.
| Factor | Airbus A320 | Boeing 737 |
|---|---|---|
| Major European Operators | easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, Lufthansa, Air France | Ryanair, TUI, Norwegian, SunExpress |
| Control Philosophy | Fly-by-wire, sidestick | Conventional controls, yoke |
| Cost Range (Europe) | €14,000 - €35,000 | €16,000 - €34,000 |
| Family Coverage | A318/A319/A320/A321/Neo | 737-600 to 900, MAX (with diff) |
| Market Share Europe | ~55% narrowbody | ~40% narrowbody |
Training Structure
Type rating training follows a structured progression from theory through simulator to aircraft. Most programs take 4-6 weeks, though some accelerated courses complete in 3 weeks.
Ground School (60-80 hours)
Aircraft systems, performance, normal/abnormal procedures. CBT pre-study available. 9-14 days classroom with type-rated instructors.
Simulator Training (32-40 hours)
8 sessions × 4 hours in Level D FFS. Train in crews of two. Progress from basic handling to emergencies. License Skill Test with examiner.
Base Training (4-6 landings)
Actual aircraft landings. 4 landings if 500+ hours on similar type, otherwise 6. Costs €5,000-€10,000 extra (sometimes included).
Type Rating Issued
License endorsed with aircraft type. Valid for 12 months. Ready for airline line training as First Officer.
This article covers a few schools. Don't decide without seeing them all.
Real tuition prices, fleet age, airline placement rates — side-by-side for every EASA school. Updated quarterly.
Compare All Schools — €24.99Type Rating Costs by Region
Costs vary dramatically across Europe. Eastern European schools offer identical EASA certification at 40-50% lower prices than Western Europe. The savings come from lower operating costs—not lower quality.
| Region / Provider | A320 Cost | B737 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAA Training (Lithuania) | From €14,000 | From €14,000 | Job interview prep included |
| SmartLynx (Latvia) | €15,000-€18,000 | B737 MAX available | 96% graduate employment |
| GTA Spain (Madrid) | €20,000-€25,000 | €20,000-€25,000 | VR training included |
| Ryanair / AFA | — | €30,000 | Direct job pathway |
| CAE / L3Harris | €30,000-€45,000 | €30,000-€45,000 | Premium facilities |
Save on Type Rating
Look for package deals combining MCC + Type Rating. Some schools offer €5,000-€8,000 discounts when booking together. Also check for seasonal promotions—many schools offer 10-20% off during quieter months.
Career Progression After Type Rating
Your type rating opens the door to First Officer positions. From there, career progression follows a predictable path based on experience and airline growth. European pilot salaries have increased significantly due to the ongoing pilot shortage.
| Position | Experience Required | Salary Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior First Officer | Type rating + line check | €35,000 - €55,000 | Year 1 |
| Senior First Officer | 500+ hours on type | €55,000 - €85,000 | Years 2-4 |
| Captain (Short-haul) | 3,000+ hours, command course | €90,000 - €155,000 | Years 5-8 |
| Captain (Long-haul) | 5,000+ hours, widebody rating | €150,000 - €250,000+ | Years 10+ |
See What Schools Won't Tell You
Real tuition prices, fleet age, airline placement rates — side-by-side for every EASA school.
Compare Schools — €24.99Choosing a Training Provider
Select your type rating provider based on career goals, budget, and job market access. Consider these factors when comparing schools:
What to Look For
- • EASA ATO certification (verify on EASA website)
- • Level D FFS simulator qualification
- • Instructor airline experience
- • Airline partnerships or cadet connections
- • Graduate employment statistics
- • Flexible payment options
Red Flags
- • Prices significantly below market (€10,000)
- • No clear ATO certification displayed
- • Unable to provide graduate references
- • Outdated simulator equipment
- • Hidden fees for materials or exams
- • No airline assessment preparation
Compare Type Rating Providers
Browse schools offering A320 and B737 type ratings across Europe