Orbit Groundschool

What Orbit Groundschool does

Orbit Groundschool is a Netherlands-based aviation theory training provider founded in 2003 and headquartered in Arnhem, operating with approximately 10 employees. The company delivers distance-learning ground school courses for aspiring and active pilots — covering PPL(A), CPL(A/H), ATPL(A), ATPL(H), IR/CBIR, ICAO-to-EASA conversions, and military pilot conversions — and runs APS MCC programmes alongside an Alsim ALX flight simulator rental service for other ATOs. Self-described as Europe's largest aviation theory educator, Orbit is CRKBO-registered, ILT-approved, and operates as an Austro Control examination centre, allowing it to administer official theory exams in-house.

Core products rest on two proprietary digital assets: ATPdigital, a custom Computer-Based Training platform covering the full ATPL/CPL syllabus, and the BGSonline question bank licensed from Bristol Groundschool. Courses are sold as one-time licences per theory track (PPL €995, CPL €2,995, ATPL(H) €3,095, ICAO→EASA €2,500, military €3,500), with per-subject exam fees of €61.50–€83; APS MCC and simulator rentals are priced on application. The delivery model is asset-light and largely self-paced distance learning, supplemented by instructor support and in-person exam sittings at the Arnhem facility.

The business model combines a high-volume, low-ticket B2C stream of individual trainee pilots with a small institutional and B2B tail. Named partners — Transavia (flagship career pathway), Air Astana, SAS, KLM Aeroclub, AIS Flight Academy, the Dutch Police, and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences — function primarily as referral and pipeline relationships rather than disclosed enterprise revenue customers, though the APS MCC and simulator rental lines introduce higher-ticket B2B exposure. No external funding rounds are disclosed; the firm is privately held and self-financed.

Name

Orbit Groundschool

Legal name

Orbit Groundschool

Website

https://orbit-groundschool.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Orbit Groundschool is a Netherlands-based aviation theory training provider, founded in 2003, delivering distance-learning PPL/CPL/ATPL courses, ICAO-to-EASA and military pilot conversions, and APS MCC training via proprietary CBT platforms to individual pilots and airline/academy partners across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Training

NAICS

Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Aviation theory training
• Pilot license education
• EASA examination services
• Flight simulator rental
• Distance learning aviation

Headquarters

HQ city

Arnhem

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Theoretical Training Courses: Revenue from comprehensive theoretical aviation training programs including ATPL, CPL, PPL, IR, CBIR, ICAO to EASA conversions, and military pilot conversions. Distance learning model with software licenses and support services.
2. EASA Examinations: Fees charged for conducting EASA theoretical examinations as an Austro Control-approved examination centre. Exam fees range from €61.50 to €83 per subject depending on license type.
3. Simulator Training: Revenue from Alsim ALX flight simulator training sessions. Offered to both Orbit Groundschool students and external ATOs and airlines for rental.
4. APS MCC Training: Premium airline-style multi-crew cooperation training with 40 hours simulator time and 25 hours classroom instruction. Price on application.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Orbit Groundschool delivers EASA-approved aviation theory training programs — ATPL(A), ATPL(H), CPL, PPL, IR, CBIR, ICAO-to-EASA license conversions, military pilot conversions, and APS MCC — primarily via distance learning using proprietary ATPdigital CBT software, with mandatory in-classroom brush-up courses concluded by exams at their in-house Austro Control examination centre in Arnhem. In parallel, the organisation rents Alsim ALX simulator time to external ATOs and airlines and serves as an exam venue for students of other training organisations.

Product overview

Orbit Groundschool offers a comprehensive portfolio of aviation theory training programs with distance-learning architecture. The core offerings include ATPL(A/H), CPL(A/H), PPL(A), IR, CBIR, ICAO to EASA conversions, Military Pilot conversions, and APS MCC training courses. Programs follow a consistent structure of distance learning (self-study with ATPdigital CBT software) combined with mandatory Brush-up courses and in-house examinations. Supporting services include an Austro Control examination centre, Alsim ALX flight simulator rental, and a Student Portal for exam management. The company positions itself as Europe's largest provider of aviation theory education, with all programs approved by the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) in accordance with EASA regulations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ATPL(A) Theoretical Knowledge Training EASA-aligned theoretical knowledge course for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane), delivered via distance learning with ATPdigital CBT, mandatory classroom brush-up, and final exams at Orbit's in-house Austro Control centre. Targets aspiring airline transport pilots.
• ATPL(H) Theoretical Knowledge Training EASA-aligned theoretical knowledge course for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Helicopter), delivered through the same CBT/brush-up/exam pathway as ATPL(A). For helicopter pilot candidates.
• CPL(A) / CPL(H) Theoretical Knowledge Training EASA-aligned theoretical knowledge course for the Commercial Pilot Licence in aeroplane and helicopter categories. Aimed at students pursuing professional flying careers short of ATPL.
• PPL(A) Theoretical Knowledge Training EASA-aligned theoretical knowledge course for the Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane). Targets private/recreational flyers seeking PPL certification.
• Instrument Rating (IR) Theoretical Knowledge Training EASA Instrument Rating theory training covering IFR procedures, navigation, meteorology, and instrument flight rules. For pilots adding an IR rating to an existing licence.
• Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CBIR) Training

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Austro ControlcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertification authority partnership for EASA theoretical examinations. Orbit Groundschool operates as an Austro Control examination centre, conducting digital EASA exams on iPads in accordance with EASA guidelines. Students from any ATO worldwide can take exams at this centre.
• TransaviaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAirline partnership for career placement. Students completing APS MCC programme including pre-selection and 2-day coaching may apply for Transavia First Officer selection procedures when vacancies arise. Orbit may actively recommend candidates for airline selection.
• KLM AeroclubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAviation organization partnership. KLM Aeroclub logo displayed as partner/reference, indicating collaboration in pilot training ecosystem.
• HeliCentre Helicopter ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHelicopter training organization partnership for ATPL(H), CPL(H), and PPL(H) training pathways.
• AIS Flight AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFlight academy partnership for integrated training programmes and student referrals.
• EACM (European Academy of Civil Aviation)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEuropean civil aviation training academy partnership for pilot training collaboration.
• ExxaerominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAviation company partnership for training referrals and potential career pathways.
• EFTC (European Flight Training Centre)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFlight training centre partnership for student referrals and training collaboration.
• ASL Group AcademyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAircraft management and charter company academy partnership for pilot training pathways.
• Netherlands Police (Politie)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment aviation unit partnership for pilot training and conversions.
• Hoge School van Amsterdam (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partnership for academic recognition and potential degree pathways in aviation.
• Bristol GroundschoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based aviation theory school partnership for knowledge sharing and student exchanges.
• Air AstanaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational airline partnership for pilot training and career development.
• SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerScandinavian airline partnership for pilot training pathways and recruitment.
• Breda AviationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional flight school partnership for PPL and advanced training referrals.
• Wings AlliancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAviation training network alliance for collaborative training programmes and student mobility across member schools.
• Wings Over HollandminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal flying club partnership for PPL training referrals.
• Vliegclub RotterdamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRotterdam-based flying club partnership for pilot training referrals.
• Sky Medical CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMedical services partnership potentially for pilot medical examinations.
• Logo 80minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAviation services company partnership for training and operational support.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• FTEJerez: Spain-based integrated flight training organisation offering ATPL theory and flying training. Comparable ATPL/CPL theory and APS MCC stack and competes with Orbit for European airline-track cadets.
• Skyborne Aviation Academy: UK-based integrated airline pilot training academy delivering ATPL theory and airline-ready MCC. Comparable integrated theory-to-type-rating proposition competing for the same European trainee pool.
• Airways Aviation: European integrated flight training academy with locations in the UK, Spain, and elsewhere offering ATPL theory and integrated programs. Direct competitor for European and international ATPL ground school students.
• Bristol Groundschool: UK-based aviation theory training school offering ATPL, CPL, PPL and IR distance learning programs with the BGSonline question database. Orbit is even listed as a strategic channel/referral partner to Bristol, and both compete for European ground-school students.

Broad incumbents

• CAE: Global aviation training leader offering integrated ATPL cadet programs, simulator-based training, and exam preparation across multiple continents. Comparable at the theory and MCC/simulator level though CAE operates at far greater scale and a much broader portfolio.
• FlightSafety International: Major global provider of professional aviation training, including simulator-based pilot training. Competes with Orbit in the advanced/simulator training stage but at much larger scale across crew and maintenance domains.
• Pan Am Flight Academy: US-based provider of pilot and aviation training including ATP/CTP ground-school and simulator-based MCC. Comparable theory-plus-simulator training model, though primarily serving the US market.
• Lufthansa Aviation Training / European Flight Academy: European integrated pilot training organisation affiliated with Lufthansa offering ab-initio ATPL and MCC. Comparable theory and APS MCC training stack, though with major-airline backing and broader scope than Orbit's theory-only focus.

Regional players

• OSM Aviation Academy: Norwegian airline-affiliated pilot training academy with integrated ATPL training. Comparable ATPL theory offering, primarily operating in Scandinavia with a Nordic airline placement pathway.
• Aviation Academy Copenhagen: Denmark-based airline pilot academy offering integrated ATPL training. Direct competitor in the European ATPL theory segment, but with a Scandinavian focus and stronger geographic lock-in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/orbitgs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/orbit-groundschool
• Instagraminstagram.com/orbitgroundschool

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Orbit Groundschool