Hi all, this may seem like a particularly stupid post but here goes anyway. Before I part with my hard earned cash to start professional pilot training can you possibly help me out with a few burning questions I have that I am struggling to find the answers too?
1. What is likely to be the cost (approx) from start to finish for all my training, accommodation, CAA exams, Uniform etc. etc? I mean from start till actually starting on day 1 with an airline?
2. Do airlines expect you to have a type rating, this is obviously beneficial?
3. The USA has a lot cheaper cost for flying training, is this reflected in the standard of training and do the airlines appreciate the USA route as being equal in quality as the UK?
4. What is the best licence to aim for if working in the UK? I.e FAA, JAA, JAR. There doesn't seem to be a definite answer for this.
5. What would be the realistic amount of hours as a minimum that the airlines will be looking for?
6. What training establishments should be avoided in the UK and USA for Ab initio - ATPL training?
7. Has anybody used Rainbow Air in the USA for flying training of any kind. They seem to have a very good course of Ab Initio to full ATPL for $85k, this seems reasonable but what is the catch? The link is below.
http://www.rainbowair.com/academy_european_ptip.htm
8. Do any airlines still do cadet programs and are they likely to enrol a 35yo into them?
9. If airlines do not have a cadet program do any help with the cost of any training?
10. Would previous military aircrew service (not pilot) be considered an advantage at any point in training or recruitment?
11. Finally, are there any websites/books/magazines etc. that you would recommend that explain the whole process from start to finish or even just have general info about any of the process?
Thanks in advance and apologies if many of these questions have been repeated.
Heights good