Hi all
I have followed this thread over some years now. I want to give the guys thinking about applying some info regarding the current situation.
So by bow everyone knows how the application process works, and there numerous experiences in this forum of what to expect on THE DAY.
Once you get selected, expect a lot of emails with all the steps to take, the paperwork you need and the money. Type rating is about 30k in euros. Apart from that you will need at least another 10k euros for the rest: uniform, company ID card, accommodation during Type Rating, Initial flight to the Type rating city, food and some money for after the type rating when your waiting to start line training and The first month to two months after starting the line training. Unfortunately, it’s not always been like this that you have to wait so long something like 2 to 3 months, can be a lottery. But not enough line training Captains for the number of cadets joining the company. So over all money wise you will need 40k to 45k depending as well what accommodation you choose and if you need extra stuff. It does sound a lot in the short run but it really is an investment. With the current salary, post line training, you will recover this money within the first 18 months. Remember that with Ryanair you build hours quick on a jet aircraft for the guys looking to maybe applying to legacy carriers back home or other airlines. For the guys looking to stay in Ryanair after gaining experience as an FO you can become an SFI or command within 4 years of joining the company, to be very honest, it is the one of the best opportunities out there in Europe, and the company is trying to improve their treatment towards its employees.
In terms of bases, you get to chose 5 bases. You might get one of them or none of them. If you wait, at some point its fairly probable you will get one of the bases. During summer a few bases open up for the summer period and you may apply for them. Ibiza, Alghero, Corfu, Burgas and one other is open during the summer.
The flying is great, lots of destinations, real good maintenance, friendly crews and ground crews.
To most cadets out there, the money can initially seem like a set back and not getting your preferred base initially will suck but let’s get honest here, starting an airline career on a 737 around Europe with 200h doesn’t give you the position to complain or choose much. When you get to the 1500hrs on type and many options open up, go ahead. Remember our friends across the pond can only get into regionals with 1500hrs. If you’re not in your chosen base try and enjoy it, make friends. Make a good and positive experience out of it. There will be other Cabin crew and pilots that are not in their preferred base but they make the most out of it and you end making some very memorable moments. One thing that everyone is doing is joining the local union, a good idea and initiative that everyone should take.
Good luck to everyone.