Hi 'no sponsor'!
thanks for your comments. I, of course, will apply to sponsorship schemes even if many others apply - I think I've got just as much chance as anyone else - I was not saying that I would give up.
I don't think it's a sign of a 'lack of motivation' to be realistic about these issues though, and question one's chances. It is a tragic shame that the past five years have left everyone in this DIRE situation.
Equally, the comment about suggesting I wouldn't go for it if I couldn't get sponsorship. The simple fact is that there is no way on Earth I could afford it. Again, I'd like to be realistic. I'm willing to chase my dreams, but for several tens of thousands of pounds it would cost to train...well, they don't come everyday. Including, of course, the fact that during this time I won't be earning.
Of course, air travel WILL pick up as more people are travelling by air every day, but with thousands of people screaming for sponsorship, it's tough. And as a career move, even if it's something one loves to do, would it be sensible to invest, say £30,000 and by the time I am 25 be left without a job, and a huge loan to pay back? In honest, I think not.
That shouldn't be a ground to question my motivation, and those who do are probably fooling themself that they are somehow more motivated. Just because you'd sell your right arm off to get on a sponsorship scheme doesn't mean you're doing the scheme for the right reasons, or even that you'd make a good pilot. Hence the reason I asked how 'representative' these message boards are, and how many people posting on here are, in reality, serious candidates.
However, I've tried to do as you suggest, and find a means of funding myself. I'm 21 and launching my own company this Autumn throughout every university in the UK, and some in the Northern USA. I'm co-director of another company at uni. Not many 21 years can say they are director of two companies.
So, to end this mammoth post, please do not think my post reflects negatively on my motivation - I ask merely out of curiousity. For me, it should be about the best person getting the job, and I hope everyone here believes that they are that best person. I am, it is admitted, slightly concerned to read some of the posts to see whether it really IS the best person getting the job - whether the selection procedures really are indicative. As they say, 'one man's rubbish is another man's treasure' - at times it seems like two different companies are looking for completely different things from their sponsored trainees:
Science education/ Non-science
Flight experience/ no flight experience
Good grades/ Good experience
Young/ Experienced
One day we'll know...but that day will be when we've been accepted onto a scheme!
To everyone here, by the way: good luck. And thank you for the replies to my post as well. 'no sponsor' - i didn't mean this reply in a negative way, I just wanted to clarify a couple of my points. Your response is thoughtful, and highly valued.
Regards,
Baz