Originally Posted by
rikesh
I have drawn up three ways of 'getting to the top':
1. Join the RAF. Then, after 14 years (minimum service), apply for airlines.
2. Complete A-Levels, then do modular training towards an fATPL while keeping my part-time job to pay for it. Possibly take out a loan to assist, depending on the actual costs. Then, apply for airlines.
3. Complete A-Levels, then do a university degree. Do modular training (either during degree or afterwards). Then, apply for airlines.
From 2008, the OP is probably a retired TRE by now!
1. Like scholarships and sponsored schemes, great if you are one of the 0.01% who get in.
2. The most realistic option. If you can hold down a day job, an evening job and a weekend job for a couple of year whilst living at home then you'll never have an issue with money or work ethic.
3. Great if you can afford it. Unnecessary for a pilot career and expensive - Fees plus living expenses for 3 years is more expensive than fATPL training part time over 3 years. To put it another way, if you can afford to go to university you can afford flight training.