Hi Colin2fly,
Firstly like you have stated airline sponsorship is few and far between.Most of the current one's still require you to take out a bond or partly pay for your training which may amount to £30,000 of your own cash.As far as I know Brittania run a psonsorship aswell as FlyBe.FlyBE run theirs through Cabair.You may also try CTC McAlpine as they train pilots for Thomas Cook and Easyjet.
My education consisted of 8 GCSE's and 2 A-levels.Which for me meets the requirements for the training providers I have narrowed my choice down too.Last year I went off to the States got my PPL and certainly know now that commercial aviation is the path I wish to follow.In 12 weeks I'm off once again to hour build in preparation for my commercial fATPL training next year if all goes to plan medical wise.The degree I
PERSONALLY wouldnt say is essential.As a matter of fact I was speaking to an A319 pilot who only had 5 GCSE's and passed in 2000 from Jerez.
With regards to university I chose not to go myself.After completing my A-levels I went onto work at Tescos(YAY
) then moved on after a year to work where I am at the moment.Belfast City Airport as a ramp rat loading/unloading planes and carrying out pushbacks.I wanted to get a foot into the aviation industry gain little tit bits of info from pilots and managers.I've met many pilots even made friends with a few of them!!
All offering advice and opinions on modular/integrated and training providers.
Certainly finances are the big problem to me too,so sponsorship is preferred but with the numbers applying it is like winning the lottery.You can either get a "Career development Loan" from the government up to £8000 to help your studies.Otherwise the best place is the HSBC with their "Professional Studies Loans" Be under no illusions though you will have large amount of debt.For my circumstances I'm going modular,just too much risk involved with my parents home.!!
Another point to say is your 17,you still have plenty of time to think things thru,save up some cash etc.I'm 22 and will be starting training next year,many students average age is 25-30 i believe so again no hurry.But I do know what it is like.
Anything else you want to ask PM me and I'll get back to you.
Regards Gavin
P.S. Good Luck in your future!!
