6
Steps
Admissions · How to Apply

Six steps between
you and the left seat.

No deposit at inquiry. No bank statements at application. No financial verification until after acceptance. Every step has a document, a week-range, and a clear handoff. Continental Aero runs admissions the way we run the airway system — predictable, documented, humane.

Since 1980 CAAP 84-11 14 Nationalities Zero Deposit at Inquiry
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/ The Admissions Principle

An application to fly should read like a flight plan — known waypoints, clear handoffs, a single authority in the cockpit. Continental Aero has run it this way for forty-six years.

Continental Aero · Since 1980 46 Years · CAAP 84-11 Mactan-Cebu International Airport
/ The Six-Step Journey

Six handoffs from first email
to the left seat.

Every step has a week-range, a document, and a clear handoff. We drive the paperwork — you drive the decision. No tuition deposit is required at any step. Tuition is invoiced only after Step 4 (acceptance) — and every invoice is tied to a verifiable training milestone. Full package detail lives in the Tuition Resource Library.

Step 01 · Inquiry Week 0 · Free
30-minute consultation with Head of Training
Video call or in-person visit. Tour the hangar, MCIA ramp, Elite PI-135 simulator, and classrooms. Ask any question — cost, timeline, visa, which license is right for your goal. Foreign applicants get live translation (Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Indonesian, Arabic, Spanish).
You provide Your motivation + rough timeline
We provide Program recommendation + package reference
Step 02 · Application Week 1 · 15 minutes
Complete the online application
Our application runs entirely in your browser through the Kryvox portal — 12 sections: intended course, passport details, education, language levels (written/spoken/listening), source of funding, emergency contacts. You upload supporting documents directly and sign digitally at the end. No paper forms, no notarization, no mailing in. No bank statements required at this stage — just self-declaration.
School verification code
The first section of the Kryvox form asks for a 4-letter school code. For Continental Aero Flying School, enter:
Code CAFS
This links your application to the right school. Without it, the form can't route your submission to CAFS admissions.
You provide School code CAFS · form · passport scan · transcripts
We provide Application receipt within 24 hours
Step 03 · Assessment Weeks 2–3
Aptitude test + ICAO English + Head of Training interview
Three-part evaluation. Aptitude test (spatial reasoning, reaction time, working memory) online, ~45 minutes. ICAO English assessment — Level 4 minimum, Level 5 preferred (this is non-negotiable; it's an ATC requirement). Final interview with Head of Training via video.
You provide Time + honest answers
We provide Written assessment report within 7 days
Step 04 · Acceptance + Pre-docs Weeks 4–6
Acceptance letter + visa (for foreigners) + medical prep
Congratulations. CAFS issues your formal Acceptance Letter. For foreign students, we manage the 9(f) Student Visa + SSP (Special Study Permit) through our BI-accredited partner (partner processing fees apply). You begin arranging the CAAP Class 2 Medical Certificate at a CAAP-accredited Aviation Medical Examiner (home country or on arrival).
You provide NBI / home-country police clearance + medical appointment
We provide Acceptance letter + visa paperwork + AME referrals
Step 05 · SPL Issuance Weeks 6–8
Submit SPL documents → Student Pilot License
Your CAFS admissions team assembles your Student Pilot License (SPL) application package with CAAP. License issuance follows the CAAP official fee schedule (official receipt provided). The SPL authorizes you to fly under instructor supervision. Without the SPL, no flight — this is the gate before Stage 1.
You provide Notarized app form + 1×1 ID pics in pilot uniform
We provide CAAP liaison + TOCID clearance + full package submission
Step 06 · First flight Week 8+
Kryvox portal · Ground school · Sim · First flight
5-day orientation on campus: uniform + flight gear issued, Kryvox student portal login, local SIM + bank setup (foreigners), first ground school class. By Day 10, you're in the Elite PI-135 simulator. By Day 14, you fly Stage 1 Lesson 1.1 — Introduction Flight in a Cessna 152 or 172.
You provide Uniform, rest, focus
We provide Instructor, aircraft, simulator, checklists, snacks
/ Choose Your Intended Course

Five intended courses.
One continuous pathway.

The Application Form's first field asks Intended Course. Choose one license, or skip the arithmetic entirely with the Pro Pilot Bundle — a single cohort that stacks PPL → CPL → IR → ME + Frozen ATPL into one 18-month airline-ready pathway.

Recreational + foundation 40 hrs
PPL — Private Pilot License
Fly yourself, friends, and family. 4 stages, 12–14 months. Foundation for all higher licenses.
Download package → View program
Career track 200 hrs
CPL — Commercial Pilot License
Fly for hire. Requires prior PPL. 4 tracks: airline, corporate, flight instructor, utility.
Download package → View program
Instrument flying 40 hrs
IR — Instrument Rating
Fly in clouds, fog, rain. 3–4 months add-on. G1000 glass cockpit. Required for airline career.
Download package → View program
Twin-engine 15 hrs
ME — Multi-Engine Rating
Fly Beechcraft Baron BE58. 1–2 months add-on. Required for regional airline jobs.
Download package → View program
Flagship · Most popular 18 months
Pro Pilot Bundle — PPL + CPL + IR + ME + Frozen ATPL
Zero to airline-ready in one continuous pathway. Single-cohort integration across every phase. Skyway Airlines MOU included. Cohort-based intake.
★ Skyway routing Cadet graduates are routed into the Skyway Airlines MOU placement track on completing the Frozen ATPL milestone — admissions handles the routing automatically; no separate application required.
Download package → View cadet program
Also available: Discovery Flight (45-min taster), Flight Instructor Rating (FI), License Validation, Conversion, and Recency refresher courses. All listed on the Application Form's Intended Course field.
/ The Document Checklist

Exactly what papers you'll need —
verbatim from CAAP.

Most schools give vague answers ("we'll let you know"). Continental Aero publishes the exact CAAP requirements, split by local versus international student — sourced directly from our CAAP Part 141 training procedure manual. Knowing in advance is how you avoid surprises.

00
Admissions Package Before you apply online
Gather these before starting the online application · Uploaded in-browser during the form · No printing, no notarization, no mailing
  • Transcript of Records (TOR) + Diploma — for college graduates
  • OR High School Report Card (Form 138) — for high school graduates
  • Original copy of Birth Certificate (NSO / PSA certified)
  • Original NBI Clearance
  • Eight (8) 2×2 photos · pilot uniform · white background
  • Ten (10) 1×1 photos · pilot uniform · white background

Photos look like overkill — they're not. CAAP requires them across multiple licensing stages (SPL, Pre-Solo, PPL, NTC Radio, Airport ID). Bringing the full stockpile at application saves several studio visits over your 18 months of training.

01
SPL · Student Pilot License
CAAP issuance · Official fee per CAAP schedule · Timing: Step 5 (Week 6–8)
  • Routine slip
  • Duly notarized and attested application form
  • Class 2 Medical Certificate
  • NBI (original copy)
  • Photocopy of Birth Certificate (NSO certified)
  • Waiver (if 18 years old or below)
  • Two ID pictures (1×1) in pilot uniform
  • License fee official receipt (CAAP)
  • TOCID clearance
02
Pre-Solo · Stage 2 authorization
Required before first solo flight · Timing: PPL Stage 2, Lesson 7
  • Routine slip
  • Pre-solo endorsement in pilot logbook
  • Duly notarized flight time certificate
  • Photocopy of SPL (current)
  • Photocopy of Medical Certificate
  • Pre-solo fee official receipt
  • Photocopy of Radio License (NTC)
  • TOCID clearance (2nd floor annex building)
03
PPL · Private Pilot License
Final CAAP issuance · Official fee per CAAP schedule · Timing: After check-ride pass
  • Routine slip
  • Duly notarized and attested application form
  • Certificate of Ground Training on PPL
  • Duly notarized Certificate of Flying Time (breakdown)
  • Pre-solo exam + Pre-solo exam result
  • Photocopy of current license (SPL)
  • Photocopy of Radio License (NTC)
  • Photocopy of current Medical (validated SPL → PPL)
  • Photocopy of English Proficiency Level 4 (ELP) or higher
  • Two ID pictures (1×1) in pilot uniform
  • License fee official receipt (CAAP)
  • TOCID clearance (2nd floor annex building)
04
NTC · Radio Operator's License
National Telecom Commission · Required before first solo
  • Application for Radio Operators Examination
  • Information sheet
  • Three ID pictures (1×1) — white background, uniform
  • Photocopy of SPL
  • Authorization letter (liaison officer — we provide)
05
ELP · English Language Proficiency
ICAO Level 4 minimum · After 40+ flying hours · Required for PPL
  • Routing form with control number
  • Application form
  • Photocopy of current license (SPL)
  • Photocopy of Medical Certificate
  • More than 40 hours flying time
  • ID picture (2×2)
  • ELP payment receipt
06
Airport ID · Mactan-Cebu International
MCIA ramp access · Required for all training operations
  • Application form
  • Request letter
  • NBI (original copy) or Police Clearance
  • Three ID pictures (2×2)
Before you arrive in the Philippines: You'll need a 9(f) Student Visa (CAFS manages · partner processing fees apply) and a SSP — Special Study Permit. Both are prerequisites for every checklist below. We handle the paperwork through our BI-accredited immigration partner.
00
Admissions Package Before you apply online
Gather these in your home country before starting the online application · Uploaded in-browser during the form · Originals verified on arrival
  • Passport · valid for at least 18 months from intended arrival
  • Educational transcripts (degree + mark sheets) translated into English & notarized by your home authority
  • Home-country police clearance (equivalent of NBI)
  • Eight (8) 2×2 photos · pilot uniform · white background
  • Ten (10) 1×1 photos · pilot uniform · white background
  • Prior aviation certificates · if applicable (e.g., home-country PPL, ICAO ELP)
  • Philippine NBI clearance · obtained locally with CAFS assistance after arrival
  • CAAP Class 2 Medical · booked via our AME partner after arrival
  • 9(f) Student Visa + SSP · processed through our BI-accredited immigration partner

Items marked in lighter grey are obtained after you arrive — CAFS coordinates them. You do not need to arrange these from home.

01
SPL · Student Pilot License Foreign
CAAP issuance · Official fee per CAAP schedule · Timing: Step 5 (Week 6–8)
  • Routine slip (LCD 1st room)
  • Duly notarized and attested application form
  • Class 2 Medical Certificate
  • NBI (original copy)
  • Photocopy of current Passport / Visa page
  • Photocopy of SSP (Special Study Permit)
  • Waiver (if 18 years old or below)
  • Two ID pictures (1×1) in pilot uniform
  • License fee official receipt (CAAP)
  • TOCID clearance
02
Pre-Solo · Stage 2 authorization Foreign
Required before first solo flight · Timing: PPL Stage 2, Lesson 7
  • Routine slip
  • Pre-solo endorsement in pilot logbook
  • Duly notarized flight time certificate
  • Photocopy of SPL (current)
  • Photocopy of Medical Certificate
  • Photocopy of Passport / Visa
  • SSP (Special Study Permit)
  • Pre-solo fee official receipt
  • Photocopy of Radio License (NTC)
  • TOCID clearance (2nd floor annex building)
03
PPL · Private Pilot License Foreign
Final CAAP issuance · Official fee per CAAP schedule · Timing: After check-ride pass
  • Routine slip
  • Duly notarized and attested application form
  • Certificate of Ground Training on PPL
  • Duly notarized Certificate of Flying Time (breakdown)
  • Pre-solo exam permit + Pre-solo exam result
  • Photocopy of current license (SPL)
  • Photocopy of Radio License (NTC)
  • Photocopy of current Medical (validated SPL → PPL)
  • Photocopy of English Proficiency Level 4 (ELP) or higher
  • Photocopy of current Passport / Visa
  • Photocopy of SSP
  • Two ID pictures (1×1) in pilot uniform
  • License fee official receipt (CAAP)
  • TOCID clearance (2nd floor annex building)
04
NTC · Radio Operator's License
National Telecom Commission · Same requirements for local + foreign
  • Application for Radio Operators Examination
  • Information sheet
  • Three ID pictures (1×1) — white background, uniform
  • Photocopy of Passport / Visa
  • Photocopy of SPL
  • Authorization letter (liaison officer — we provide)
05
ELP · English Language Proficiency
ICAO Level 4 minimum · After 40+ flying hours · Same requirements for local + foreign
  • Routing form with control number
  • Application form
  • Photocopy of current license (SPL)
  • Photocopy of Medical Certificate
  • More than 40 hours flying time
  • ID picture (2×2)
  • ELP payment receipt
06
Airport ID · Mactan-Cebu International
MCIA ramp access · Same requirements for local + foreign
  • Application form
  • Request letter
  • NBI (original copy) or Police Clearance
  • Three ID pictures (2×2)
/ The Application Form · QA-001

One form.
Twelve sections.
Fifteen minutes.

Our official application form (QA-001, revision 09/30/2023). Below is a live preview of the twelve sections you'll fill out. No bank statements. No deposit. No financial verification — Continental Aero does not ask for money until after acceptance.

01
Intended Course
PPL · CPL · IR · FI · Validation · Conversion · Recency
02
Key Dates
Date of application · Date of starting training (dd/mm/yyyy)
03
Student ID + Passport
Passport name (Last, First, Middle) · Number · Expiration date
04
Personal Info
Address (Barangay, City, State, ZIP, Country) · Nationality · Age · Gender · Marital · DOB · POB · Religion
05
Contact + Physical
Email · Telephone · Mobile · Height (m) · Weight (kg)
06
Emergency Contacts
Two contacts with relationship, email, and phone
07
Educational Background
Pre-school · Elementary · Secondary · College (institution/country/qualification/years) · Extra-curricular
08
Languages
English + 1 other · Level for Written / Spoken / Listening
09
How You Heard About CAFS
Radio/TV · Social media · Google · Family · Friends · Influencer + referral name
10
Source of Funding
Government · Self-financing · Private · Other
11
Payment Mode
Cash · Bank draft · In Philippine Peso · Payment only upon acceptance
12
Signature + Agreement
Acknowledge CAFS rules, regulations, student handbook · Applicant signature + date
Start online application Questions? Book a 30-min consult
/ Before You Commit

Three rules that
break more pilot timelines
than cost ever does.

CAAP publishes these. Most schools don't explain them until after you've paid. Continental Aero surfaces them at admissions — the way a friend in the industry would, not a salesperson. Know what's real and what's marketing before you sign.

CAAP regulation
The 90-day check-ride rule
CAAP requires your check-ride to be completed within 90 days of your last training flight, due to recency requirements. If you pause training for more than 3 months near the end, you'll need refresher hours before the practical test. This is the #1 reason ambitious students delay finishing. We track your days-since-last-flight in Kryvox.
ICAO standard
ICAO English Level 4 minimum
This is non-negotiable — it's an ATC and airline requirement, not a school preference. If you come in at Level 3, we offer a student English prep program before you start training. Don't lie about your level on the application; you'll be tested formally in Step 3.
CAAP medical
Class 2 for PPL · Class 1 for CPL
The application form mentions Class 2 Medical. That's correct for SPL and PPL. If you're continuing to CPL, you'll upgrade to Class 1 Medical (stricter — vision, cardiovascular, hearing). We recommend Class 1 from day one if you intend an airline career; failing it later wastes the entire PPL if you can't progress.
/ Funding & Payment

Four funding sources.
Two payment modes.
Zero surprises.

The Application Form's Sections 10 and 11 cover how you'll fund and how you'll pay. Here's what each option means in practice — so you can have the financial conversation before you start the journey. For the full three-installment structure, cross-industry benchmarks, and career ROI math, see Financing →.

Source 01
Government
Military, civil aviation authority, or state-backed scholarship. Most common for cadet programs. Direct invoicing to the agency — no student cash flow. Documentation: endorsement letter from the sponsoring authority.
Source 02
Self-Financing
Personal or family savings. Most common for PPL and Discovery Flight. For larger programs, we can stage payments across milestones (SPL → Pre-solo → Check-ride) rather than one lump sum. See /admissions/financing for stage-payment details.
Source 03
Private
Airline sponsorship (Skyway Airlines MOU), corporate training budget, bank loan, or private scholarship. Documentation: sponsorship agreement or approved loan notification. Payment flow depends on the sponsor's rules.
Source 04
Other
Crowdfunded, community-raised, or combined (e.g. 50% self + 50% government). If this is you, our admissions team will help structure a split-billing arrangement so each source receives proper invoicing.
Payment Mode · Section 11
Cash or Bank Draft · Philippine Peso · Upon acceptance
CAFS accepts cash (in person at our Hangar 11 office) or bank draft (wire transfer). All amounts denominated in Philippine Peso regardless of your home currency. Payment is only due after you've received your Acceptance Letter — never during Steps 1–3.
East West Bank
2000046024 62
UnionBank
0032 2000 3562
Account holder: Continental Aero Flying School, Inc.
Reference: Include your full name + intended course (e.g. "Juan Cruz — PPL")
/ Common Questions

Eight questions
almost every family
asks us first.

Do I need a medical certificate before applying?
No. The medical certificate is collected in Step 4 (after acceptance), not Step 2 (application). We refer you to a CAAP-accredited Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Examiner fees follow the CAAP medical schedule and are billed directly by the AME — CAFS does not mark them up.
Can I start training if my English is below ICAO Level 4?
Not for flight training — but we offer a CAFS student English prep program (8–16 weeks depending on starting level) before you enter Step 3 assessment. Level 3 → Level 4 is typically achievable in 12 weeks with focused aviation phraseology practice.
How do I submit my application?
Online, in your browser. Applications run through the Continental Aero / Kryvox portal — you complete the 12-section form, upload supporting documents, and sign digitally at the end. No paper forms. No notarized printouts. No email submissions. Start at /apply; if you prefer to speak with someone first, book a consultation via /contact.
Do I have to pay anything at application?
No. Zero fees at Steps 1–3. Tuition is invoiced only after you've received your Acceptance Letter (Step 4). Pre-acceptance costs you pay directly to external agencies: CAAP Medical (AME schedule), NBI clearance (CAAP schedule). We don't charge application or assessment fees.
How long is the SPL valid?
The Philippine SPL (Student Pilot License) is valid for 24 months. Medical Certificate validity is 24 months for age ≤40 and 12 months for age >40. Plan to complete PPL within the SPL window — extensions require fresh medical + English check.
What if I can't complete my check-ride within 90 days of last flight?
You'll need refresher hours with an instructor to re-establish recency. Typical refresher: 3–5 dual hours + a mock check-ride, quoted against your residual recency. The 90-day clock resets with each flight, so as long as you're flying any hour at least every 3 months, you're OK.
Can I apply for multiple licenses at once (e.g. PPL + CPL + IR)?
Yes — that's exactly what our Pro Pilot Bundle is. You apply once, enter a single cohort, progress continuously from PPL → CPL → IR → ME → Frozen ATPL. Bundling keeps the path continuous and is materially more efficient than stitching separate licenses together. Cadet intakes happen twice per year (January + July). Package details: Tuition Resource Library.
What documents do I need to bring from my home country? (Foreign student)
Essential from home country: Passport (valid 18+ months), educational transcripts (translated), home-country police clearance (NBI equivalent), 3 passport photos, and any prior aviation certificates. Obtained in the Philippines (we help): 9(f) Student Visa, SSP (Special Study Permit), CAAP Medical Certificate, NBI Philippines clearance, TOCID clearance.
/ Ready for Step One

Book Step 1
in your language.

Thirty-minute consultation with our Head of Training. Free. No commitment. Every question is worth asking — cost, visa, timeline, whether your English is ready. Live translation available in Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Indonesian, Arabic, and Spanish.

Book consultation or start the online application →
CAAP Air Agency Certificate No. 84-11 · Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Philippines
admin@continentalaero.com · +63 32 492 3615 · +63 917 859 2762 · Est. 1980 · 46 years of heritage