Gap between completing CPL and IR course

[Odai]

Hello,


I am currently studying for the ATPL theoretical exams, and am trying to make a plan for completing the CPL/IR course.


Due to study/work commitments, I may have to do the CPL and the IR separately - likely the CPL+MEP over one summer and then the MEIR a year later.


Is this likely to have a significant negative impact on my training, given the reduced consistency? Are potential employers (including airlines) likely to view this negatively also? Or is it not that big a deal?


I intend to stay current in the year between my CPL and IR - but only around 1.5 hours a month.


Thanks!

[redsnail]

I can't answer your question WRT continuity and job prospects. You're doing it modular so it's going to be tough either way.
One advantage is that your IR will be more "current".

However, be very aware of exam validity expiration dates. This will be an issue of the IR drags on.

[172510]

IR training is not difficult if you have time to study your training notes thoroughly, provided the notes are good of course. A simple PC trainer is helpful. The most difficult thing if you get a job is to find enough time to study efficiently, ie without being tired by a full day at work. Take your time for the IR, don't rush it, make a thourough revision of your notes after each lesson, and take lesson n+1 only if you have fully assimilated lesson n, choose a school with good and thorough training notes. IR is very structured, you can learn most of it at home.

I would recommend to separate in simple steps: CPL, IR SE, MEP-IRME.
I also would recommend to keep a simple ATPL exam (com VFR) to take just before your first CPL lesson, so that you can have the full 36 month to complete yout training. Note that CPL IR SE must be done in 36 month (including paperwork), and that you have time afterwards for MEP IRME.

[Odai]

Many thanks both of you for your advice.


Any ideas on how it is likely to affect job prospects?


I have seen airlines stipulate that the CPL and IR are to be completed at the same FTO, but nothing about whether it needs to be done in one go or not.


I am not overly concerned about the difficulty of either of them on a personal level, as I will be able to take time off to do them both full time. It's just that there will be quite a significant gap between them.

[172510]

As soon as you choose modular, it won't be in one go. I don't think employers would care if there is a gap between CPL and IR.
Many employers if not all will require a recommendation from your school. Being studious is I think the most important.

[redsnail]

Odai,

Who are you looking at for your first job? If it's easyJet, forget it. Unless you went to either CTC or OAA on an integrated tagged scheme, they will not look at you. :( Only recently have they interviewed experienced pilots.

I don't know Ryanair's "hiring" policy but I suspect it's not too dissimilar.

You'll need to be researching smaller airlines and their hiring practices. Most importantly "do they take low houred pilots" is the question you need to ask.

If they do, where are they currently getting them from.

Chances are you'll be looking at a smaller outfit for your first job. Hopefully you'll be talking to a human or two. Then you can explain your training. At that stage, most companies will be looking for someone that is "trainable" and who won't annoy the crap out of them on the flight deck.

I do know of one bloke who held a CPL/IR with ATPL subjects who after several years of working in Ops in Monarch has an offer of a place on a A320 course with them.

[Jwscud]

Gaps between CPL and IR should be no problem. I didn't fly for 4 months between my CPL skill test and starting my IR as I had to go back to work to save up for the next bit.

For Ryanair, as long as you have the required qualifications it doesn't matter how you got them. They take cadets from all walks of life. Jet2 are the same. Those are still very long odds.

[Odai]

Thanks again for the help guys.


I have only looked at airline recruitment pages for the purpose of understanding the general requirements for modular cadets. When I refer to airlines stipulating that the CPL/IR be done at a single FTO, here is an example (under "First Officers"):


Flybe | Corporate | Careers | Careers home (http://www.flybe.com/corporate/careers/)


Although from what has been posted it would seem that a gap would not be a deal breaker.