For commercial pilots planning airline entry, an A320 type rating is a major career milestone. As the workhorse of the domestic aviation industry, a type rating on this aircraft is the most sought-after credential. It is often a key requirement for entry into major airline flight decks.

But the journey from Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to First Officer starts with a critical decision- Which is the best A320 pre-type rating school? In this blog, we will explain this decision. We will also provide a step-by-step framework to evaluate your options when selecting schools for the A320 pre-type rating course.

The Best A320 Pre-Type Rating School for Your Aviation Career

Your choice of A320 pre-type rating school should match where you plan to work as a pilot. Are you targeting airlines in India, Europe, the Middle East, or North America? The regulatory environment and specific airline preferences (EASA, FAA) can influence which preparatory foundation best serves you. Here are some of the approved training organisations (ATOs) for A320 pre-type rating you can consider:

BAA Training

BAA Training is an international aviation academy with training centres in locations such as Vietnam. Their A320 pre-type rating course is designed for pilots who want a strong foundation before starting a full Airbus A320 type rating. The program focuses on important A320 systems, flight theory, and operational procedures.

Their instructors deliver training in a structured manner, making complex topics easier to understand. Their advanced training tools and simulators help you build technical awareness. Their training sharpens your skills, deepens your knowledge, and prepares you to excel in airline assessments.

Global Training Aviation (GTA)

Global Training Aviation (GTA) is a professional aviation training organisation based in Madrid, Spain. Their A320 pre-type rating course is EASA-approved. The course is designed for pilots preparing to begin Airbus A320 training. 

The learning environment they provide is modern and supportive. The program covers essential A320 systems, standard procedures, and cockpit familiarisation. Their training includes classroom instruction and simulator exposure. Their experienced instructors guide pilots through real-world scenarios, helping with technical understanding.

Acron Aviation

Acron Aviation operates globally recognised advanced training centres in London and Bangkok, with a strong reputation for its Airbus A320 online training A320 Pre-Type Rating program. Their training program includes Cross Crew Qualification (CCQ), Zero Flight Time Training (ZFTT), and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). This preparation program helps pilots build essential knowledge before starting an Airbus A320 type rating. 

Backed by more than 30 years of experience in Airbus A320 pre-type rating, Acron Aviation has built long-standing partnerships with airlines worldwide. Their A320 pre-type rating course focuses on aircraft systems, standard operating procedures, and flight theory. The ground phase delivers the theoretical foundation necessary for pilots to progress to practical simulator sessions. Acron Aviation utilises RealitySeven full-flight simulators, which replicate operational flight conditions with high fidelity. 

AeroStar Training Services

AeroStar Training Services is a well-known pilot training centre with locations in Kissimmee, Florida, and is known for its A320 Pre-Type Rating. The school is an FAA-approved Part 142 training organisation that offers flexible, high-quality instruction for pilots pursuing advanced certification on commercial jet aircraft. Its training ecosystem includes iPad-based courseware, aircraft system software, and structured Level-D full-flight simulator sessions.

The curriculum includes 24 hours of simulator training per crew member. This includes LOFT (Line-Oriented Flight Training), reflecting airline operational training standards. AeroStar combines world-class ground school and advanced full-flight simulators. This is to give pilots strong A320 system knowledge and real-world practice before entering airline operations. Plus, experienced instructors with airline backgrounds support students throughout the course.

CAE

CAE is a globally established aviation training provider delivering structured A320 Pre-Type Rating preparation across North America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, the Indo-Pacific region, and the Middle East. They use advanced teaching tools and modern simulators to build a strong foundation in aircraft systems and procedures. This preparation helps pilots transition smoothly into a full A320 type rating.

The organisation provides access to airline-grade full-flight simulators that replicate real-world aircraft behaviour and flight scenarios. These simulator sessions are designed to reinforce procedural execution and awareness of aircraft system responses. Their expert instruction directly prepares pilots for airline assessments and a successful career on the Airbus A320.

How to Select the Best A320 Pre-Type Rating School

Selecting the right school is a systematic process. Treat it like a pre-flight briefing- methodical, detail-oriented, and focused on the end goal. Here are some important points to consider while selecting the best A320 pre-type rating school:

Instructor Expertise

When choosing the best A320 pre-type rating school, look for one where the instructors are recently retired A320 Captains who are certified trainers. Their real airline experience and deep A320 system knowledge are essential. 

Curriculum Focus

The best academy will have a clear, structured course that builds your knowledge step-by-step. It should cover all major A320 systems and procedures, providing a solid foundation before you begin the full type rating.

Read Reviews from Previous Students

Always check reviews and speak with students who have completed the A320 pre-type rating at the academy. Honest feedback from former students is the best way to assess the training quality, instructor support, and how well the program prepared them for their airline assessments.

Conclusion

Choosing the best A320 pre-type rating school is an important career decision. The best choice depends on your target region’s regulations and airline needs. You can prioritise aviation schools with expert instructors, a clear curriculum, and positive student feedback. By researching and selecting a program that matches your goals, you build the strongest foundation for your future as an airline pilot on the A320. 

Airship Aviation Academy plays an important role in this transition phase. Instead of joining an ATO directly without preparation, pilots can first take our classes that specialise in pre-type-rating fundamentals. Our classes improve your efficiency, learning capability, and assessment performance before you enter approved training organisations (ATOs). Contact us today.