OSM Aviation Academy Review: Scandinavian Airline-Ready Pilot Training

OSM Aviation Academy is one of the largest and leading flight training organizations in Europe, providing professional "Airline Ready®" pilot training since 1963. Originally founded as Bromma Flygskola in Stockholm, Sweden, the academy has trained over 1,500 professional pilots with a remarkable 99% exam pass rate. With modern training campuses in Arendal, Norway and Västerås, Sweden—plus a FAA facility in Fort Lauderdale, USA—OSM Aviation Academy combines Scandinavian quality standards with direct airline career pathways through partnerships with Norse Atlantic Airways, Norwegian Air Shuttle, and Widerøe.

School Overview

OSM Aviation Academy traces its roots to 1963 when Bromma Flygskola was established at Bromma Airport in Stockholm, Sweden. The school received Swedish Civil Aviation Authority approval for Commercial Pilot (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR) training, and soon partnered with Scandinavian Airline Systems (SAS) and Linjeflyg for commercial pilot education. In 1987, the company was renamed Scandinavian Aviation Academy (SAA).

In October 2017, OSM Aviation acquired majority shares in Scandinavian Aviation Academy. The merger created the largest flight training organization in the Nordic region. In 2018, OSM Aviation Academy opened a new training campus at Arendal Airport Gullknapp in Norway, with the first class starting in September 2018. Today, Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen owns 73.5% of OSM Aviation Academy through his company BTLCO—creating unique airline-academy alignment.

The academy has earned strong industry reputation—graduates frequently report that airlines recognize OSM's high standards during interviews. Students have gone on to fly for Norwegian Air Shuttle, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Transavia, TUI, Eurowings, and numerous other European carriers, with the majority finding relevant employment within one year of graduation.

Training Programs

Airline Ready® Integrated ATPL Program

The OSM Airline Ready® Program is a competency-based integrated ATPL course designed in cooperation with airline partners to prepare students for immediate employment as First Officers. The 20-24 month program takes candidates from zero or minimal flying experience to holding all certificates required to work for European airlines.

Program Structure

The Airline Ready® Program is divided into theory and flying phases, with ATPL theory taught in three phases and practical flight training in three phases:

Qualifications Upon Graduation

• EASA CPL(A) – Commercial Pilot License, Airplane
• Instrument Rating (IR) – Single and Multi-Engine
• Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) – Class Rating
• EASA ATPL(A) Theory – Frozen ATPL (unfreezes at 1,500 hours)
• APS MCC – Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation
• Night Rating – VFR Night qualification

USA Training Option

OSM offers an option to complete Flight Phases 1, 2, and 3 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida while working toward EASA licensing. The USA program includes housing in both Norway and the USA. Benefits include excellent weather (faster hour accumulation), busy airspace experience, and tropical climate exposure—valuable preparation for diverse operational environments.

Airline Partner Programs

OSM Aviation Academy collaborates closely with three major Scandinavian airlines, offering direct career pathways for graduates:

Norse Atlantic Airways

OSM and Norse Atlantic Airways launched a cadet program in 2022 to develop the next generation of long-haul pilots. Norse operates 15 modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on transatlantic routes between Europe and North America. The connection runs deep—Norse CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen owns 73.5% of OSM Aviation Academy.

Successful OSM graduates can progress to Second Officer or First Officer positions on B787 operations. This provides a unique pathway to widebody long-haul flying directly from ab initio training.

Norwegian Air Shuttle

OSM Academy trains Cadet First Officers for Norwegian Air Shuttle through the Airline Ready® Program. After successful graduation, selected candidates get the opportunity to join Norwegian flying Boeing 737 NG and MAX aircraft as First Officers across European and international routes.

Widerøe

Widerøe, one of Norway's leading regional airlines, partners with OSM to select Airline Ready® pilots throughout their education for potential career opportunities upon graduation. Widerøe operates DHC-8 aircraft (Dash 8) on regional routes throughout Norway—an excellent entry point to airline flying with challenging Nordic operations.

Costs & Financing

Financing Options

• Norwegian Students: Government loans available through Lånekassen
• Swedish Students: CSN (National Board of Student Aid) funding eligible
• Payment Plans: OSM offers structured payment schedules
• EPST (Netherlands): European Pilot Selection & Training program with Flight Finance support
• Private Loans: Bank financing available in most countries

Fleet & Facilities

OSM Aviation Academy operates a modern, standardized fleet equipped with glass cockpit technology. Students receive an iPad with ForeFlight and Boeing Jeppesen charts, plus access to Bose Aviation headsets—the same equipment and procedures used by partner airlines.

Training Technology

In 2024, OSM implemented VRpilot virtual reality procedure training tools across their fleet. Students use VR for standardized procedure training from first flight through APS MCC, arriving better prepared for cockpit sessions. The MPS Boeing 737NG FNPT II simulators are built with actual aircraft parts for authentic airline cockpit experience.

Training Locations

Arendal, Norway (ENGK)

OSM's Norway campus is located at Gullknapp Airport in Arendal, a coastal city in southern Norway approximately 260km from Oslo. The location opened in September 2018 as OSM Aviation Academy's flagship facility.

Västerås, Sweden (ESOW)

The original Scandinavian Aviation Academy campus at Stockholm Västerås Airport offers inland flying with typically better weather conditions. Located approximately 100km west of Stockholm, Västerås provides efficient training progression.

• Continental climate with less precipitation
• 200-220 flyable days annually
• Numerous airports within 10 minutes for varied experience
• Both controlled and uncontrolled airfields, IFR approaches
• Faster training completion (2-3 months vs. Norway)
• Swedish government (CSN) funding eligible

Fort Lauderdale, USA (KFXE)

OSM's Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport facility offers FAA Part 141 integrated programs and Part 61 courses. Students can complete EASA flight phases in Florida's excellent weather before finishing in Scandinavia, or pursue FAA Commercial Pilot License independently.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• Age 18+ at program start
• Secondary education (high school diploma) with mathematics and English
• EASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
• Proficient English (all instruction in English)
• Valid passport/ID
• Pass OSM entrance assessment

Application Process

1. Entry Requirements: Verify you meet all requirements
2. Entrance Assessment: Complete OSM admission test (valid for one year)
3. Medical Certificate: Obtain EASA Class 1 Medical
4. Application: Apply at least 2 months before desired start date
5. Pilot Open Day: Attend to meet instructors, tour facilities, experience simulators
6. Enrollment: Confirm place and arrange financing

Contact Information