C_C - you're spot on. There are just too many ifs and buts.
The premium you pay for your cpl/me/ir through CTC, the cost of the AQC and a FI ticket is extremely close to Ryanair TR money.
Why not go modular through another FTO and if you don't fail any flight tests, have a crack at Ryanair. Would I prefer to work for EZ, you bet (Flex T&Cs aside). But aside from the first 6 months, you are on proper money with Ryan and not on a 8 month 'flex' cycle with EZ.
And if EZ recruitment is slowing down, will they ever empty the integrated holding pool and get to th AQC pool? And besides, you can always go down the AQC route at a later date (if CTC still accept non 'Take-off' cpl/ir?).
The problem with the CTC route is that as soon as you have started, you are committed to paying a premium for your training. You then have the pressure of jumping through hoops as a 2nd class citizen and treading water for a long time in the pool. What happens if you get lucky and get a job with another operator? You've just blown nearly the equivalent of a TR! (premium for training + AQC).
Plus, should you make it all the way through to the RHS with EZ, you have to factor in working for peanuts for the first 8 month contract with the real possibility of being stood down for the winter to make way for the next batch of CTC cadets.
There are just so many variables. But with the possibility of your first job being on a A320, now that's something quite special. So it's not all bad but you pays your money and take your chances or whatever the saying is!?
Last edited by 119.35; 29th Dec 2012 at 19:37.