Well, there didn't seem to be any particular disagreement in either thread, and I drew out the point because it is an erroneous one. The topic was addressed to people who "are new to this game," which is probably why it is over simplistic. However, to state that one route is "money down the drain" is nothing more than one persons opinion that patently misses the wider reality.
For anybody embarking on a near six figure training course or courses, they need to understand those wider realities, and no matter how much it may be whistling in the wind, I make no apologies for pointing out those realities however drawn out the point is perceived to be.
Far too many people on these forums, and no doubt in the wider world, are of the firm opinion that a CPL/IR and 250 hours, places them on a level playing field for airline recruitment. To that end, it is only a matter of how you aquire
those 250 hours and CPL/IR, that really matters. Entrenched in that belief, follows the question, which is the cheapest way of buying in? From this is spawned much of the nonsensical debate about "modular" and "integrated."
The reality is that at 250 hours, the only realistic recruitment into this type of employment is via cadet schemes, and they follow an integrated format for reasons that I fully understand and have explained. I don't endorse anything, and it would matter little even if I did. That is the way the industry has evolved and looks set to continue. For those that secure this route, it is their best chance of low houred airline employment.
For those that can't, things are harder. Integrated training providers, provide a full time, structured and monitored course of training that has enabled a significant number of graduates to find employment via SSTR programmes with a a few companies. Undoubtably a number of modular graduates have also benefited from this route. However it is a crowded arena where any and every advantage matters. It is also a very limited market at the 250 hour level.
Once again, if you look at those airlines with cadet programmes such as Easyjet, Thomas Cook, Monarch, Flybe etc. You can see that they source all of their cadets from affiliated integrated programmes. Not one of them advertises for 250 hour pilots from any other source. They and other major operators also recruit experienced pilots. Other companies such as BA are currently recruiting experienced type rated applicants, however as they once again activate their own cadet schemes it is still likely to follow the tried and trusted schemes.
The SSTR employers seem to recruit with a heavy leaning towards those who have completed training through one of the integrated schools, though beyond that there is little guarantee of anything.
For the modular candidate and many integrated candidates, the best route is by working up to experience levels that airlines recruit from. This is achievable as indeed a great many people are testament to the fact.
I am only too happy to say "Go modular and save money! It doesn't matter how you get to those 250 hours because all the airlines will care about is that you have 250 hours and a licence." Unfortunetaly it isn't true. None of the 250 hour hour pilots I will be flying with this year will have come through this route, nor will that be the case in most other airlines.
This is why it is important to have a good understanding of the product you are buying, the realties in the marketplace, and just what is it you want. Properly armed, these people will still need a great deal of luck, determination and perseverence. Without a good understanding? Well, read through many of these threads for the tales of woe.