CTCwings cadet

[kalsh]

Hey,

I just wanted ask a question about CTCwing cadet programme.
Long story short i have been offered a place on the wings programme, i just wanted to know do you get to chose between the training location of New Zealand or Pheonix Arizona?

[average-punter]

This is a question you must really direct to CTC themselves, although I know they are reluctant to answer it! I asked a senior manager this exact question directly not so long ago and the answer was 'they are still working it out'. I didn't buy this and think there is a plan in the pipeline. A pretty strong rumour seems to be airline and MPL programmes to Phoenix and Wings cadets to Hamilton, but as I say it's just a rumour.

You must press this issue with CTC, remember that you are a customer paying an eye watering amount of money. This information should be readily available to prospective customers.

[CaptainCriticalAngle]

It will almost certainly alternate between the two between courses, that is to say Hamilton next month and then Arizona for the course after, although eventually they are hoping to give cadets a choice. This is what CTC told me.

[byrondaf]

I'm in NZ on the Wings Cadet course. We were asked our preference but were not given a definitive choice per se. Majority coming over to NZ due to not having all the aircraft required in AZ for the volume they want, yet. Next 2 CP's will both be coming to NZ. Maybe it will change to every other CP soon.

average punter, I'm afraid that rumour isn't correct.

There is a big mixture of Wings Cadet, Wings IPP, Qatar, Monarch, Easy MPL and also FPP cadets. Some CP's have FPP and Wings Cadets, just depends on their start dates.

[10987654321]

Average punter is in fact correct they are trying to send all MPL courses to Phoenix in the future but for the moment the MPL guys are staying in NZ.

[average-punter]

Sorry, I should have made it clear that this is the plan I heard from senior management going forward in the future. Of course at the moment there are all sorts down there.

[halfofrho]

I'm in NZ on the Wings Cadet course.

Out of interest, are they managing to fit everyone into Clearways now or are they still using Peachgrove as overspill?

[27/09]

NZHN is bulging at the seams air traffic capacity wise from what I've heard. CTC's satellite operation failed to get off the ground at NZWK and has put the pressure on at NZHN.

[kalsh]

Thanks for the reply, it seems like the subject is pretty sceptical and there is no definitive answer. I have emailed CTC just because I was curious to know but they have yet to get back to me on the matter. If I do find out anything I’ll be sure to post it on here. But from what I’ve read on here it seems unlikely ill hear anything back!!!

[byrondaf]

best thing to do is to just phone them at southampton or bournemouth, they are notoriously bad at emails, even when you're a cadet...

ok average-punter, misunderstood.

as far as I'm aware everyone is in Clearways now, there are now 6 main blocks and extension blocks for 1 and 2. Would probably prefer to live in town as there is nothing remotely near Clearways! only plus is it's quiet and around the corner from the training centre.

Air traffic isn't too bad, never much more than a 5 minute delay at the holding points and that's only when there's a dash 8 or something t/o or landing.

[27/09]

Air traffic isn't too bad, never much more than a 5 minute delay at the holding points and that's only when there's a dash 8 or something t/o or landing.

That's not what I hear from people who fly out of NZHN. 20 minutes at the holding point is not uncommon. I've even heard of students not getting airborne as they've used their lesson slot up before they've had time to get airborne. Also I have been told that circuit requests for an aircraft joining from a sortie are often refused as the circuit is full.

From what I hear most locals would love it if the Phoenix operation was to result in a reduction in flying at NZHN.

[byrondaf]

if you don't book circuits then yes you can get refused, but thats the whole point of booking them in. planning ahead resolves that issue.

20 minutes at the holding point would be a highly unusual event. and yes maybe locals would like a reduction in flying, but thats the nature of living near an airport. Do you believe everything you hear? CTC is full of rumours, they seem to enjoy them.

[27/09]

NZHN is the only airport in the country that has a booking system for day VFR circuits. I wonder why that is if it's not bulging at the seams?

The booking system is only available to two operators. How can anyone else book to avoid getting bumped? Planning ahead doesn't come into it.

By locals I was referring to the local aviation community. Living nearby has nothing to do with my comment.

I also know the aviators at NZWK were pretty happy the CTC satellite operation there was canned. They didn't want NZWK to be another NZHN.

As for believing or not believing all that I hear. I do fly into NZHN from time to time so have seen and heard things first hand and have had my observations confirmed by others that operate there every day.

[Up North Like]

Clearways is now the only site where cadets are housed when out in NZ.

The Hamilton traffic situation was nightmarish about 5 months ago with aircraft who were in the VFR circuit routinely being told to land because there were so many aircraft outside the zone waiting to come in and traffic needing to depart. Not to mention the scheduled movements when the training aircraft would stop and literally back up to the fuel pump while this traffic landed/departed.

The NZWK operation has been canned in terms of operating there as a second base however it is routine for cadets to be sent there in the first month or so of training in order to get their first few solo flights complete in a 'quieter' environment. These lesses are all circuits and cause the circuit traffic is so quiet at WK compared to HN that this seems to happen with most courses now.