On yer bike!
Quote: " The situation as it stands would have been almost impossible to predict 2-3 years ago when most of the holdpoolers applied to CTC. And CTC itself couldn't have seen it either until quite late when airlines suddenly started reacting to strong market downturn."
Actually CTC's managers and Training staff are experienced enough to have seen at least 3 cycles in this industry. It is the poor wanabees that didn't see this coming and paid £60 to £100k upfront who did not look at history.
It is not hard to find a flying job if you persevere - it may take 100 rejected CVs but you will get there as an FI or Hour Building CPL. Far better to be building time without having to pay for it rather than working at MacDonalds waiting for the banks to loan you £60k at 10%APR. By which time the upswing may have happened and you graduate into another downturn.......
Lots of schools are looking for instructors - just get a copy of Pilot or Loop magazine or even Google it! - you might even do a deal on the cost of the FIC course with a job at the end of it. There are still plenty of potential PPLs out there and Trial Lessons are often seen as good value gifts at £100 for 40 mins in the South East.
Also worth joining AOPA and or IPA/IPF for more contacts.
Other options include Safari Flying in Africa - but the competition is fierce.
This business is ALL about who you know and the connections you make. You can't simply rely on 3rd parties to do the work for you! Join a flying club and buy an FI a coffee - yes it's hard work at times and no the money is not good but your flying skills will improve and you will be in current practice when the interview comes.
Airlines like Flybe love FIs. Those that teach........