I dont know if i'm considered to be a cabin crew wannabe but here goes...

I recently obtained my commercial flying licences and have been looking for a job for some time now.

For obvious reasons its quite difficult to get a flight deck job at the moment, particularly in europe and particularly with relatively little experience.

I was advised that one way of getting onto the flight deck may be to work as cabin staff and eventually work your way to the cockpit.

Can anybody advise if this is a good option? I'd like to hear from people that have maybe done this themselves or know of people who have as well for which airline.

Thanks

I know of several flight crew that have made the transition from back to pointy end... I`m hoping to do the same thing myself.

Hey Fella...

Have you looked Etihads Cadet Pilot scheme??? Its been removed from their careers website but it was like a training camp for new pilots- not too sure of the ins and out but im sure if you contact them they will be more than happy to fill you in.

Hope it helps. :)

Nav, I already have my commercial licence!

Not sure how its done in Europe, but in the US its definitely not a possibility to move from FA to FO/CA just on employment alone. I'm sure thats not what you meant when you posted your question! My advice to you is to keep building your hours and wait. Watch the industry - as you know its cyclical.. so maybe summer 2010 the airlines will start hiring again once some of the seniors have retired. If you just want to travel a bit while you waiting for the hiring to start, then sure, go ahead and join the airlines as an FA. When hiring resumes (which it eventually will) you'll be competing with other pilots who've been furloughed and have 1000s of hours TT. Keep flying, keep building them hours - it'll keep you competitive when the time comes. :ok:

Like Anagard said, cabin crew to flight crew is not natural career progression. It's not like going from Sales Exec to Senior Sales Exec in an office for example. However, if you have your licences and are ready to go, then it is a great job to be doing whilst you are waiting. For me, cabin crew is the next best thing until I get my licences and am able to start hunting the driving jobs! You get a great insight into airline operations and how commercial airports work not to mention riding the jump seat on the flight deck for takeoff and landing! And if you're lucky and in a small enough company, you may just be in the right place at the right time to meet the person who gives out the jobs! Beats an office job any day.

Best of luck.