Hi all, theres a lot of good information on here which is really useful to me, so thank you. I'm finishing my Masters this year and looking to start flight training in the summer.
Apologies in advance for the lengthy post, but I would massively appreciate any input, if I may ask a few questions:
One option is the EasyJet MPL at CAE...but terrified of those delays and CAE incompetencies! The reason I'm still considering the MPL is for the job security and Type Rating, however I've heard that the job with EasyJet isn't guaranteed after finishing training, so can they really take £80k from you for the MPL and then just not hire you at the end of it and leave you with a useless licence? This, stacked on top of the horror stories I've been reading about the delays in the MPL at CAE, I'm wondering if its still a route worth considering? The reason it's attractive to me is EasyJet have brilliant training standards and BA hire directly from them, and I would like to end up at BA. I know there has been movement from EasyJet MPL to BA after 500hrs and this kind of recruitment will carry on for a few years (hopefully!)
My second option is Modular, which is what I'm currently leaning towards. I have a Mod Route planned out:
PPL - Local Flying Club
ATPL Theory - Bristol Ground School
Hour Building - Concurrent with ATPL Theory at Local Flying Club
MEP-R - Stapleford
CB-IR - Stapleford
CPL - Stapleford
AUPRT & APS MCC - Leading Edge Aviation
rudestuff, if you're reading this, I think this is more unless the route you suggest, but would you mind correcting me if theres a better optimal way to do this that might save me some cash? I saw that another option is IR(R), SE-IR, MEP, ME-IR?
These are my reasons for each stage:
PPL at my local club is £8.5k, which I believe is a real bargain at the moment.
ATPL with BGS, most affordable option, can take my time, can hour build over 6-7 months at home, potentially work part time to earn some cash.
Stapleford - best prices I could find and seemingly a reputable training provider.
Leading Edge - actually not unaffordable for a big school for this stage of training, seems like a very good course, A320 sim - enhancing job prospects to go into an A320 carrier like Easy or BA.
My questions about Modular are:
1. Are job prospects the same as going Integrated? I don't want to invest my life savings and be left struggling to find a job. I think I can mitigate this by going to Leading Edge for the final phase of training so I have their name on my CV, and would be able to utilise their industry links and contacts with airlines. Most of their students go directly to BA or EasyJet, which is my absolute dream scenario.
2. I heard that many airlines don't want more than 2-3 ATOs for the ATPL, IR/MEP/CPL, and MCC phases of training - so I think I'm safe with BGS, Stapleford, and Leading Edge?
If you've read all of my waffle and can provide any insight I would massively appreciate it, I think I may be repeating a couple of things mentioned previously on this thread, but just wanted to make sure information is up to date and I'm not making any silly decisions! I also hope this post and any replies will help others in my position.
Thank you all so much!