Hi Turbine King
Looks like a rumour that's come true - yes I am flying in India. Currently flying for Kingfisher Airlines on their Airbus A319/20/21 fleet. I was introduced to a number of UK based pilots by Stuart who used to work with CATS regularly. They in turn put me in touch with the right people to contact in India. So i suppose it was Stuart & CATS that got me into where I am right now. I in turn, have repaid my gratitude by also helping another ex CATS student who is now very close to finishing all his stuff in India, & landing a jet job.
There are a lot of opportunities for pilots in India at the moment. Ideally you need to be in one of two brackets. 1st - You either need to be an Indian or of Indian origin to qualify as an F/O. 2nd - Need to hold a current TR to join as an expat F/O.
The flying is a bit more challenging than what I was used to in the UK, but not to tough. However, the amount of flying being done on a monthly basis is tough. Don't expect to see anything less than 85-90 hrs on your monthly roster, sometimes upto 120hrs!!!
On a different note - its funny how aviation is such a small world. Having left CATS some yrs ago, and whilst in Toulouse doing my TR on the Airbus, I came across a number of TRE's/TRI's who knew about CATS, Stuart & the generally good reputation that follows its students. It's still nice to know that a the choice of groundschool made a long time ago was recognised at a different level, by some thoroughly professional & experienced folks.
Many thanks CATS - keep up the good work, & good luck to everyone studying there at present - not that you'll need it.