Originally Posted by
4KBeta
As above, there is lots of schemes available right now - you should be applying now if you have the opportunity to do it. If family or work isn't a blocker to applying to the schemes, I wouldn't suggest waiting / holding off for the "perfect scenario" - it won't happen. If you're serious about doing it, it's never been better in terms of recruitment and opportunity of these schemes.
Don't leave it too late, to when you might have a family, people dependant on your income and actually you can't disappear for 6 months for sunny weather flying (trust me, I know what I'm talking about).
There is nothing wrong with going modular, you just need to accept that you will be paying all of the cost yourself. It seems to be pretty common now that most don't want more then 3 different ATO's, expect 85%+ on ATPLs and first time on IR.
I'm going to be putting in for all of the sponsored schemes I'm eligible for as they become available, no family commitments etc. at the moment so I have options.
Originally Posted by
4KBeta
If I'm honest - the cadet schemes are astronaut selection level. BA is taking 70 on this intake, likely 5-10,000 will apply.
Now I'm not suggesting you aren't good enough OR "you don't stand a chance". In maths terms, just over 1% of people that apply will get offered (less <1% if towards 10k). For many people, it has taken multiple attempts to get through - there is lots of blogs that confirm this.
Are you going to continue holding out hope for that, or can you start now and plan effectively to make it happen?
Good luck.
I faced "astronaut odds" for two out of the last three jobs I've been in, the one which didn't have such odds was an internal promotion. Hopefully the likes of Jet2, Easyjet, Loganair etc. will join the ranks of airlines offering sponsored training and there will be 5-6 opportunities per year to apply. Any sought after job will have plenty of people applying in the internet age.
One question worth asking I think is how ATPL theory schools log the 650 hours of study which must be completed for the course. I don't suppose it would be possible for someone who is saving up to buy all of the ATPL theory books, sit no exams (to remain eligible for sponsored programmes) and study the subjects over and over again for a few years so that they memorise as much of it as possible before smashing all of the exams within a timeframe of two or three months?