Petition · Department for Education

Commercial Pilot Training to be VAT exempt and introduce new funding options

Closed 445 signatures

What the petition asks

I am urging the Government to make all commercial pilot training fees VAT exempt and provide government-backed loans or grants for aspiring pilots. I believe that this would lower financial barriers which in turn would promote diversity and provide a sustainable future for the aviation industry.
I believe the heavy financial burden of pilot training prevents many talented individuals from entering the field, with VAT adding 20% to an already substantial cost, and makes aviation careers inaccessible to many from non-wealthy backgrounds. Research shows the UK could face a major shortfall of pilots in the years to come. I believe removing VAT and introducing government-backed support would be a vital step toward ensuring a more diverse, skilled, and sustainable future workforce.

Timeline

11 Nov 2024 Petition opened for signatures
11 May 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 445
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 11 Nov 2024
Closed 11 May 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 4 Aug 2026.