The High Life

[stephenb]

I am now almost totally convinced that I should commit the thousands of pounds and hours required to train for a career in the sky....the one thing that concerns me (and more so, my family) is what I can expect on the other side of an integrated course....in short what kind of lifestyle does an ATPL holder have?. .I know it's a general question but I'm looking for general answers...so go on, tell us your life story.

[WangEye]

Basically, with a frozen ATPL, 250 hrs TT, a fresh IR, and no experience, your chances of getting a job flying an airliner is close to zero. Some very lucky ones walk straight into these positions but not that many.. .Realistically all you should expect is to spend a couple of years working as an instructor at your local field (being paid peanuts) while waiting for the lucky break into the airlines.. .It's a long way to go from ab-initio to employed airline pilot but from what I've heared it all ends up worth while.

[DeeTee]

I guess I was one of the lucky ones. Borrowed all the money required and bunged in £6k of my own. Spent £50k and was unemployed for a year and 3 months after getting my CPL/IR and frozen ATPL. Really struggled and didn't have enough money for a FI rating.

Anyway went through the ATP selection process (as it was then) and got my first job in the RHS of a jet flying for a scheduled carrier. Salary approx £32k. Normal day 2 sectors all short haul, occasionally 3 or 4 sector days and about 1 nightstop every 8 days. Rest of time at home.

I love it. I love the job and the lifestyle. Cannot see me doing anything else. But you never know in todays climate.

Best of luck.

edited for spelling...sorry.

[ 04 February 2002: Message edited by: DeeTee ]</p>

[Simon Z]

If after you've paid all that money for a frozen ATPL and you can still afford a few thousand more then apply to to the ATP scheme as that'll put you into the RHS or something "sexy". Big competition - but somebody has to get through!

[Pilot Pete]

This is how I did it;

<a href="http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=010430" target="_blank">http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=010430</a>

and an update here;

<a href="http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=012142" target="_blank">http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=012142</a>

Good luck

PP

[Flyswift]

PP

Mate - great to read your two gripping posts. If all fails in the Airlines (which of course it won't) you could bag yourself a job as a writer; no question.

Best Wishes to you and the family - It 'will' come good for you !!

FS <img src="wink.gif" border="0">