Is young age a barrier to the rotary job market in the UK?
Hi all,
I find myself in a situation where I'm feeling a bit lost for next steps. I'm a UK CAA CPL(H), but I'm only 19. I have been told by some that I should probably go and "do something else first" to build more life experience before aiming for the pilot's seat, which of course has logic to it, and I am currently aiming for groundcrew roles to further my experience but my main question is this:
Is having a CPL in the UK at this age actually a disadvantage over somebody who has one at 25? I do not have an MEIR, and the youngest working pilots I know are in their early twenties (22 to 24 years old) and they are working P2 IFR in Aberdeen etc.
I am aware that in places ike France, and continental Africa there are a multitude of VFR jobs going for pilots on aircraft like the R44 etc., with 200 hours TT which I almost have, but I have never come across such an opportunity in the UK.
Am I wasting my time pursuing a flying job at such a young age in the UK, and should I just be focusing on something else for the moment? If so, what would be a "reasonable" age to start searching again?
And if not, does anybody know of any companies that might be open to taking on a young and inexperienced pilot? I'm a hard worker and will travel absolutely anywhere for a job, I would be incredibly grateful for any pointers.
Thanks in advance.