Hi, my name is Adam, I'm twenty years old and I live in the UK. I'm currently in my second year of university studying web programming which would be something to fall back on if I were not to get into aviation. Although I do not have the required licence yet, I do have some experience gliding under instruction which was fantastic fun :). My plan is to save 50-75% of my income if not more, so I can afford an integrated or modular course with a flight training organization such as CTC, OAA, FTE Jerez or Pilot training college. I often read upon here about it being extremely tough getting into the industry which I can understand and that competition for jobs is fierce and unemployment for pilots is high. Am I incorrect on this?
In addition, I have mild Asperger's syndrome which is in the autistic spectrum. I do not let it affect me however would this stop me from becoming a commercial pilot?
Thankyou for any opinions you may give :)

Adam,

Lots of information on the costs and different types of schools if you look in the threads modular v integrated. Very experienced people in these threads that have been there, done it and have the t-shirt! Have a read as it really will help you with all the required information.

I personally come from an NHS background and am doing my integrated course in september, so like you also have a career to fall back on. This is for my own piece of mind a good plan, as the industry is still pretty bad.

However, regarding your medical condition, I would strongly suggest you contact the CAA Medical Department at Gatwick to check with them if this will prevent you from entering the commercial route. They may well be able to advise you over the phone, or they may discuss this with you at the initial medical, in addition, you may be required to see a specialist doctor for an in depth medical report on your condition.....

Either way, you would need a Class 1 Medical, which the initial must be done at Gatwick, and in my opinion would get this done before you even consider training schools because without a Class 1 Medical you won't be able to train as a commercial pilot.

Best of luck to you.

Good Morning Adam,
I could not agree more, talk to the CAA Medical Department and take their advise.

Second, why not see if your University have a Air Squadon, you may be able to get some flying in and see if it really is for you.

Third, cost, integrated is going to cost you near £100,000.00. I was 33 when I started and I had to sell my house, my car, my wife's car etc to fund me, we are talking a massive amount of money, how much are you going to earn on leaving Uni? Do you have to pay back your student loans?
I only say this because it could take you 10 years to save £100,000 at £10,000 per year, which is 50% Of a average Web Proramers Salary after Tax (25,000.00). I am not saying go modular instead, it's up to you, there are good reasons for both.

Fourth, getting a job is dammed hard, you come out with 200 hours total, £100,000 in debt, just like many others, what makes you different?
If you pay another £30,000 for a Type Rating (A320, B737) it will not get you a job, unless it is attached to a job offer.
You will most likely need to do something to make you more attracted to employers, but instructor jobs don't pay that well.

What ever you do, good luck

http://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/487076-do-ppl-first.html

Firstly, I must thank you all for your advice, I really appreciate it.

In response to part of the comment by 'ford cortina',
if you saved for it yourself you wouldn't be in debt.
Personally even if I got a job flying turboprops only paying 20k, the money wouldn't bother me, It's a dream job and I just want to fly even though it is a hard industry to get in to. I'd be happy doing that for the whole of my flying career :)

I do understand the differences between integrated and modular, and I'd prefer to go integrated.

On another note, why is the industry portrayed so negatively on PPRuNe? although the availability of jobs isn't great, People talking on Oxford Aviation Academy forms seem to be a little bit more optimistic. Maybe I'm wrong, I'm just giving my opinion.

If you want to fly turboprop you still need a type rating, and it will cost much the same as a jet type since it's all simulator with only six circuits flown in the aircraft. So you still need to budget for £120k +

True, I just want to fly as a career. Oh how I wish the training wasn't so expensive.

Adam, maybe the reason Pprune does not shed aviation in such a light is because some of us prefer to tell it like it is.

It is dammed hard to get into this industry and dammed hard to stay in it. Six monthly sims, medicals etc.
Yes it is a great job, I love it.
But don't think for one minute there aren't times I wish I was home in bed.
Son, I mean this in the best possible way, even if you can save £10000.00 per year, it will take you 10 years before ou can start integrated.
But anyway, the very best of luck

I understand. Thankyou I really appreciate advice given from all of you :)

I think you have had some very sound advice and I'm glad to see your grateful for it.

I'm now closing this thread

HWB