Academy news

Your route to the Tempest Ice Runner Type Rating

Many pilots ask how to obtain the Tempest Ice Runner Type Rating. It is issued by the Halcyon Type Certification Office, co-signed by the IFSB in the type rating category. Scope: Any of the three pilot seats on the…

A letter from the Principal: our year in numbers, and what comes next

Pass rates, placements, new courses and new campuses: the Principal reviews 2187 and sets out plans for the coming intakes.

Now enrolling: Shuttle Operations

Applications are open for the next intake of Shuttle Operations, a Intermediate-level course at Lumen Pilot Academy. The cohort begins in November 2187.

Licence, type rating, endorsement: how pilot certification actually works

The question I hear most often is how to get certified to fly a particular ship. The answer depends on three different kinds of qualification, and here is how they fit together.

What our 2187 First Solo results tell us about learning to fly

Four intakes, 64 students and a 91 per cent first-time pass rate. Here is what we learned from a year of first solos at Tasman Field.

Certification guide: Leviathan Ore Hauler Type Rating

The Leviathan Ore Hauler Type Rating is issued by the Halcyon Type Certification Office, co-signed by the IFSB and sits in the type rating category. It authorises the following: Any of the six pilot stations on the…

Your route to the Basilisk Salvage Tug Type Rating

Many pilots ask how to obtain the Basilisk Salvage Tug Type Rating. It is issued by the Halcyon Type Certification Office, co-signed by the IFSB in the type rating category. Scope: Pilot or co-pilot of the Basilisk…

Inside the simulator hall: 60,000 hours a year of things going wrong

A tour of the Lumen simulator centre at Kepler Yards, where 14 full-flight simulators let students rehearse every emergency before it can happen for real.

Preview: Medevac Flight Operations: November Cohort Induction

Medevac Flight Operations: November Cohort Induction takes place on 23 October 2026 at Olympus Ring Medical Flight Bay 4, Olympus Ring.

Three pilots, one deck: teaching crew cooperation on the Atlas

The Atlas Heavy Freighter needs three pilots working as one. After 14 years flying it and five teaching it, here is how we build that teamwork.

What to expect at Belt Pilot Careers Fair

On 7 November 2026, Ceres Commerce Concourse in Ceres hosts Belt Pilot Careers Fair.

Now enrolling: Survey Corvette Rating

Applications are open for the next intake of Survey Corvette Rating, a Intermediate-level course at Lumen Pilot Academy. The cohort begins in November 2187.

Certification guide: Valkyrie Survey Corvette Type Rating

The Valkyrie Survey Corvette Type Rating is issued by the Halcyon Type Certification Office, co-signed by the IFSB and sits in the type rating category. It authorises the following: Pilot or co-pilot of the Valkyrie…

Six seats and a small moon: learning to fly the Leviathan

The Leviathan Ore Hauler is the largest ship in regular civilian service and needs six pilots at once. Our Ceres outstation is where they learn to work together.

Preview: Deep Explorer Command Selection Day

Deep Explorer Command Selection Day takes place on 11 December 2026 at Titan Lakeside Training Annex, Titan.

Why train on Passenger Liner Command?

Pilots often ask what separates Passenger Liner Command from other Advanced training. The short answer is small cohorts and real flying: 8 students per intake, guided by 4 instructors.

Dropship Landing Certification: next cohort starts November 2187

Our Advanced course Dropship Landing Certification opens its next intake in November 2187, and seats are being allocated now.

How much does it cost to become a Starliner captain?

A frank breakdown of the tuition, time and experience needed to go from complete beginner to captain of a Halcyon Starliner, and how sponsorship changes the numbers.

Save the date: Shuttle Operations: November Intake Welcome

Mark 16 November 2026 in your calendar. Shuttle Operations: November Intake Welcome comes to Shackleton Base Training Wing, Kestrel Hangar, Luna.

Flying for someone else's life: inside Medevac Flight Operations

Rescue pilots fly fast, but the hardest part of the job is flying gently. Our medevac course lead explains what makes Seraph crews different.

What it takes to earn the Medevac Operations Endorsement

Holders of the Medevac Operations Endorsement, granted by the IFSB with the Orbital Aeromedical Council in the endorsement category, are certified as follows: Rescue and air-ambulance missions in the Seraph Medevac with…

Diving into Jupiter: a beginner's guide to gas giant skimming

What actually happens when a Nimbus Gas Skimmer dives into Jupiter's atmosphere, and how we train pilots to do it safely from our Ganymede detachment.

Sponsored seats: how operators pay for your pilot training

Most Lumen students do not pay full tuition. Here is how sponsored seats work, who offers them and what you commit to in return.

Now enrolling: Gas Giant Skimming

Applications are open for the next intake of Gas Giant Skimming, a Advanced-level course at Lumen Pilot Academy. The cohort begins in January 2188.