PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - New Sponsorship (ish) scheme OAT
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Old 22nd Jun 2006, 12:53
  #75 (permalink)  
scroggs
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
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This scheme is very similar to the CTC one, at least in the financial aspects. For all of you who are considering it, be absolutely certain of one thing: the airline and the school are promoting it because it is financially attractive for them. If they can package it so it appears not to hurt you too much, then they'll get a sufficient number of applicants to achieve the savings they're after. Inevitably, these schemes are designed to appeal to the younger, or more financially-naive wannabe. The kind of person who would buy a TV from Comet/Dixons/Currys etc. at 29.8% interest because they only see the monthly payments, not the total cost.

I have no doubt that the training you will get will be excellent, and, if you are lucky enough to find that a job is still available when you graduate (not guaranteed), you will be one of the very few who starts their working life as an airline pilot on a large jet. However, you will be among the worst-paid jet pilots on the planet, and the financial dead-weight you have signed up to will make it very difficult to move to a better-paid job - because, as soon as you do, the loan will have to be paid from net income, not gross. That will be expensive!

If you are considering this, or any similar, scheme, have someone who is financially literate look over it and explain to you exactly how it works. Compare it with the alternatives, and don't forget to consider what happens if you fail the course or if the jobs aren't available once you graduate. Go in with your eyes open.

Scroggs
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