Acron Aviation Academy is the rebranded successor to L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions — itself the descendant of CTC Aviation, one of the UK's oldest pilot training organisations established in 1965. Sold by L3Harris Technologies to private equity firm TJC L.P. for approximately $800 million in March 2025, the new entity operates globally across the UK, USA, Thailand, and India. While UK-based ab-initio flight training at Cranfield has been wound down, the Crawley/Gatwick simulator centre continues to offer type ratings and APS-MCC training.
Acron Aviation at a Glance
Heritage
1965
CTC Aviation origin
Acquired
2025
By TJC L.P.
Global Bases
4
UK, USA, Thailand, India
UK Focus
TR/MCC
Type ratings + APS-MCC
School Overview
Acron Aviation Academy holds EASA approval and inherited the institutional knowledge, airline relationships, and training infrastructure built over six decades by CTC Aviation and L3Harris. The name "Acron" is derived from "Akron," meaning peak — signalling the new owner's positioning ambitions. Under TJC L.P. ownership, the business is expected to continue expanding its global training network, though the strategic direction under private equity may evolve from the L3Harris era.
CTC → L3Harris → Acron: The Timeline
CTC Aviation was founded in 1965 and grew into one of the UK's premier airline pilot training providers, partnering with British Airways, easyJet, and numerous carriers worldwide. The organisation was acquired by L3 Technologies (later L3Harris Technologies after the 2019 Harris Corporation merger), becoming L3Harris Airline Academy.
Under L3Harris, the training division expanded globally but was ultimately divested as non-core to L3Harris's defence and intelligence focus. TJC L.P. — a New York-based private equity firm — acquired the business in March 2025 for $800 million and rebranded it Acron Aviation.
What Changed
The core change for prospective students: UK ab-initio flight training at Cranfield has been wound down — no new cadets are being accepted for UK-based PPL-through-CPL training. The Crawley/Gatwick simulator centre remains operational for type ratings and APS-MCC. Students seeking ab-initio training can access Acron's programmes in the USA (Florida), Thailand, or India instead.
Current Programs
UK (Crawley/Gatwick)
The Crawley simulator centre near London Gatwick Airport continues to operate, offering type rating courses and APS-MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation) training. APS-MCC is the EASA-mandated multi-crew cooperation course required before a type rating — completing it at a reputable centre like Acron can strengthen a pilot's application to airlines. Specific type rating offerings depend on the current simulator fleet.
USA (Florida)
Acron's USA operations are based in Sanford/Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The FAA Part 141 approved facility offers PPL through commercial pilot training, targeting international students seeking FAA certificates.
EASA conversion is possible but not a direct pathway. The Florida location provides year-round flying weather. Airline partnerships include JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier.
Thailand & India
Acron operates training facilities in Thailand and India, serving the growing Asia-Pacific aviation market. These bases typically offer lower-cost training compared to UK or US prices, with the CTC/L3Harris training methodology and quality management systems carried over to the new brand.
Things to Consider
The transition from L3Harris to Acron under private equity ownership introduces some uncertainty. Training quality and brand reputation were built over decades under CTC and L3Harris — how much of that institutional quality transfers under new ownership remains to be seen. Private equity firms typically optimise for operational efficiency and eventual resale, which can be positive (investment in growth) or negative (cost-cutting) for students.
For UK-based students specifically: with Cranfield ab-initio no longer available, Acron's UK offering is limited to type ratings and MCC. Students seeking UK-based ab-initio training should look at alternatives such as other European schools or Acron's overseas facilities.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Acron Aviation Academy website. For type ratings and APS-MCC at the Crawley centre, contact the UK office directly. For ab-initio programmes in the USA, Thailand, or India, applications go through the respective regional offices. As the rebrand is still relatively recent, some information may still appear under the L3Harris name — verify directly with Acron for current programme availability and pricing.