Singapore Flying College Review: Official SIA & Scoot Pilot Training

Singapore Flying College (SFC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines and the official training school for cadet pilots joining Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines Cargo. Established in 1988, SFC has trained over 3,000 alumni and is renowned for producing world-class airline pilots to exacting standards. Headquartered at SIA Training Centre near Changi Airport with flight training facilities at Jandakot Airport in Perth, Western Australia, SFC offers both Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) training for airline-sponsored cadets and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) programs for self-sponsored students seeking careers in aviation.

School Overview

Singapore Flying College was established in 1988 under the Singapore Airlines Group with a singular mission: to provide the highest standards of training to produce world-class pilots. Originally operating from Seletar Airport in Singapore, SFC shifted flight training to Jandakot, Western Australia in 1990 while maintaining ATPL ground school in Singapore. The Jandakot accommodation facility opened in 1992, creating a dedicated training environment for cadets.

SFC holds dual regulatory approval as a Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) approved flight school and a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Part 141 Approved Flight Training Organisation in Australia. This unique structure allows SFC to deliver comprehensive airline-oriented training across two countries while maintaining Singapore Airlines Group's exacting standards.

SFC operates as an independent entity within the Singapore Airlines Group, with its own pool of instructors from Singapore Airlines and Scoot. The college's focus on airline-specific training ensures graduates are thoroughly prepared for the operational demands of modern commercial aviation, whether flying widebody long-haul or narrowbody regional routes.

Training Programs

Singapore Flying College offers several training pathways depending on your sponsorship status and career goals:

MPL Training (Airline Cadets)

The Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) program is SFC's flagship training course for Singapore Airlines and Scoot sponsored cadets. This competency-based program combines theory, simulator, and in-flight training to prepare cadets as First Officers capable of operating in multi-crew airline environments from day one.

MPL Program Structure (4 Phases)

Fleet Assignment

Cadets do not choose their fleet assignment—it depends on operational requirements. Singapore Airlines cadets may be assigned to Airbus A350, Boeing 737, Boeing 777, or Boeing 787 (with A380 available for senior pilots). Scoot cadets are typically assigned to either Airbus A320 or Boeing 787 before Phase 1 training begins.

CPL Training (Self-Sponsored)

The CAAS Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) program is designed for self-sponsored students seeking professional pilot careers. This comprehensive 200-hour program provides extensive flight experience on both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.

CPL MEIR Program Structure

• CAAS ATPL Theory: 14 subjects over 6-8 months (750 hours), Singapore
• Phase 1: Single-engine training on Cessna 172 G1000 (Jandakot)
• Phase 2: Multi-engine training on Piper PA-44 Seminole (Jandakot)
• Total Flight Hours: Approximately 200 hours
• Outcome: CAAS CPL with Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine class rating

Costs & Financing

*SIA cadets repay training costs (SGD$150,000-$250,000) through salary deductions over several years.
**Type rating cost depends on airline: Jetstar Asia ~SGD$50,000, Scoot A320 ~SGD$60,000, Scoot B787 ~SGD$70,000. SIA sponsors type rating for successful applicants.

SIA Cadet Financing

Singapore Airlines fully sponsors cadet training—one of the most prestigious and valuable sponsorships in global aviation. Cadets receive a monthly allowance during training. Upon graduation as Second Officers, cadets repay the training cost (SGD$150,000-$250,000) through salary deductions over several years while earning a competitive pilot salary. The 7-year bond ensures commitment to Singapore Airlines.

Command Progression

While SIA cadet training is the most prestigious and economical path, promotion to Captain typically takes 15-20 years due to the airline's seniority-based system. In contrast, Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) pilots at Scoot or Jetstar Asia may qualify for command in 3-5 years due to higher flight frequencies and faster hour accumulation.

Fleet & Facilities

Training Aircraft

SFC's Cessna 172 fleet features Garmin G1000 glass cockpit avionics, bridging the gap to commercial aircraft technology. The modern avionics ensure cadets develop proficiency with integrated flight displays from day one. Full-motion Level-D simulators at SIA Training Centre accurately replicate aircraft handling, systems, and cockpit environments for the MCC and type rating phases.

Historical Fleet

SFC historically operated Cessna 152 aircraft from Seletar Airport (phased out April 2010), Beechcraft Bonanza/Baron transitional trainers, and Learjet 31 aircraft for Advanced Flight Training (AFT). The AFT phase was discontinued in July 2013, with MCC/Jet Conversion now conducted entirely in Level-D simulators.

Training Locations

SIA Training Centre, Singapore

SFC headquarters is located at the purpose-built SIA Training Centre near Changi Airport. This premier facility houses:

• ATPL theory classrooms for 14 CAAS subjects
• Full-motion Level-D flight simulators (A320, A350, B737, B777, B787)
• Flight Training Devices (FTD)
• Briefing rooms and e-learning facilities
• Access to Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA) for CAAS examinations

Jandakot Airport, Perth (Western Australia)

SFC's primary flight training facility is located at Jandakot Airport—one of Australia's busiest general aviation airports and largest aviation training bases. Opened in 1963, Jandakot provides:

Tamworth, New South Wales (Australia)

SFC has added a supplementary campus in Tamworth, NSW, providing access to extensive airspace and modern training facilities. This campus supports MPL training capacity alongside Jandakot.

How to Apply

Singapore Airlines Cadet Program Requirements

• GCE A Level, Polytechnic Diploma, or Degree
• Alternatively: Minimum 5 GCE O Level credits (English, Mathematics, Science) at one sitting
• Myopia ≤800 degrees, astigmatism ≤300 degrees (correctable with optical aids)
• Minimum height 1.58m
• CAAS Class 1 Medical Certificate
• Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident preferred (international applications accepted)

Selection Process

1. Online Application: Submit via Singapore Airlines careers website
2. Computer Assessment Test: Aptitude and cognitive testing
3. Interview: Panel interview with senior management
4. Simulator Assessment: Basic aptitude evaluation
5. Medical Check-up: CAAS Class 1 Medical certification
6. Final Selection: Offer of cadetship

Scoot Cadet Program Requirements

• Minimum 18 years old
• Legally entitled to work in Singapore upon completion
• GCE O Level with 5 credits (English, Mathematics, Science—preferably Physics)
• CAAS Class 1 & 2 unrestricted medical
• Visual acuity ≥6/60 correctable to 6/6, not colour blind
• Ability to commit to 18 months consecutive training
• The "Scootitude" DNA—fun, laid-back, professional!

Contact Information