Self sponsored training, CTC or FTE?

[imran_x66]

Hey guys,
I will be doing my assessment with both CTC and FTE in the next 2 weeks for self sponsored programme. Having a very difficult time in making a final decision on which one to chose. I want to work in the middle east, which of those two FTOs will give me an advantage in getting a job in middle east? I know that FTE trains the Emirati and Qatari pilot for Emirates and Qatar Airways, so they have a good contact with the HR teams of the respective airlines. Any advice guys? Thanks

[student88]

You have next to no chance of getting a job in the middle east as a low hour pilot. Typically you'll go there after working for a few years for EZY/Ryanair. Having said that something rings a bell about some CTC pilots being taken out of the hold pool for positions with a middle eastern airline, perhaps someone can refresh my memory..?

So, to answer your question, I'd say CTC.

[average-punter]

Student 88: I believe it is Qatar Airways


I don't mean to be too negative here. I'm also a wannabe checking out the 2 schools aswell.

The recent developments at CTC are a bit of a cause for concern in my opinion. Now easyJet are only offering summer-only contracts, how the hell are you meant to make a living from that?! For those who started before it was announced are, in my opinion, in a very unfortunate position. Especially those that have used the services of BBVA who will be demanding their money back every month... It's not so good when you earn nothing for 6 months of the year. The EZY contract as I understand is soon up for renewal. I am aware that other airlines do take CTC cadets but nowhere near the numbers of EZY. The hold pool could potentially become very deep!

FTE: I've booked an assesment soon. With a large percentage of cadets ending up at Ryanair the point of integrated training disappears. Ryanair couldn't give a s*** where you trained... Also 80k + 30k for TR is a large amount of money... What will happen to the Spanish economy is also very doubtful. If there is a mass recession in Spain, how will this affect FTE? What is their financial record like? What protections are there in place should the company go into administration?! I will be asking all of this on my visit.

Anyway I don't wish to be too negative and as I've said I'm only a wannabe so this is essentially me thinking out loud... Whatever you choose best of luck :-)

[BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES]

There have been a number of FTE graduates that have gained places with QR that were not cadets. Not sure if that is still the case, but it was not that long ago. best to ask for numbers. Two of those I have seen were placed straight on the a330 as SOs.

[Sagit89]

Although most of the students of FTE end up at Ryanair, as was mentioned there is a number of students who join flybe/fly emirates/qatar etc. who were self sponsored.

I am starting at FTE in October and here are some points why:

- Everything is in one location. For some it might seem as a drawback, although personally I see that as something comfortable.

- Price is approx. 20k less euros. I am not UK/Spain/France resident and cannot mortage family house for a loan, therefore this amount does matter for me.

- If you go to FTE you still can join CTC ATP and end up in the same position as CTC Cadets for the less money. Drawbacks? None.

- The management and location and the campus everything is friendly ad amazing.

[Groundloop]

What will happen to the Spanish economy is also very doubtful. If there is a mass recession in Spain, how will this affect FTE?

Probably very little. FTE takes very few Spanish students so student numbers would not be significantly affected. On the other hand, FTE provides valuable employment and income to the Jerez area, very welcome in a local recession.

[student88]

FTE have a severe lack of instructors at the moment and that situation is only going to get worse. As I understand it FTE isn't as desirable to work at as it used to, mainly thanks to :mad: management.

[future-pilot]

- If you go to FTE you still can join CTC ATP and end up in the same position as CTC Cadets for the less money. Drawbacks? None.
That's not true, the ATPers are put in another hold pool and they are taken by the airlines only if the Cadets' hold pool is empty. Moreover, the ATP scheme is now closed for external candidates, it's only open for CTC takeoff candidates.
In my opinion CTC has the best deal for pilot training, the problem is Who knows the future of CTC/OAA/FTE ???? You can start training with them but who knows after 2 years if they still have good partnerships! It's risky, but if you don't risk you won't gain anything.

[Kristoff]

CAE/OAA Rae Barelli supply Qatar, Indigo and the likes of other SEA airlines. You might want to check it out.

[PrestonPilot]

20k less euros at fte? really?
just checked the website, its £86,000 or 104,000 euros. This is not 20k cheaper than CTC, don't believe this guy.

[imran_x66]

Thanks for you reply guys. CTC seems to be favourite to more people.
Well, I met people from both the FTO in the last few months and I think FTE is more honest than CTC. I have been told by CTC last year that they will launch cadet programme with a middle eastern airline that will be open for everyone but nothing happened yet and they seem to ignore any questions related to that.

[Bealzebub]

Qatar airways?

[ford cortina]

Well if I were a cadet or thinking of becoming one, I would wait and see what happens now that CTC have been sold.
I am not saying anything will happen, but why take a chance.:E

[ford cortina]

CTC wings costs.
£69,000 Security Bond? Whatever that means
£10,000 Foundation Course
£10000 Living Expenses.
£89000 Total. Or €110200
What they don't include is Medical renewals.

FTE
£86000 or €104000
Included, three meals a day.
Renewal of medicals.

So there's not much in it, but FTE haven't just even bought out.:cool:

[imran_x66]

Yeah they said they were in talks with Qatar.

They also told one of my friend that Emirates will be training their cadet with them from 2013 but Emirates is already building their own FTO in Dubai which will be ready by 2013. So I think CTC chats a lot of :mad:

[ford cortina]

Funny you should say that Imran, I felt that way about them many years ago when I started training and I still haven't changed my mind:D:ok:

[student88]

CTC chat a lot of s**t but then again so do all FTOs.

Qatar have their own pilot training centre in the middle east so don't bank on the chance you'll be selected by them through FTE.

Let us know how your assessment days go, good luck.

[flystrathclyde]

Why not look at the PATH program from Air Service Training at Perth Airport in Scotland.

Cost difference is huge.

[imran_x66]

Which airline are you working for now?
How was your training with CTC? Satisfied?

[pudoc]

If there is a mass recession in Spain

If? Spain is more messed up than England.

[ford cortina]

Imran, I am flying a 737. and no I did not go to CTC, I went modular, I decided to save some money.