Very interesting posts from the moderators there and very much appreciated as always.
In my view there is quite a big problem for the would be self-sponsorer in that there's very limited resources available for them to test their aptitude before they part with their money.
OK so there are the GAPAN tests at Cranwell. But these tests only assess hand-eye-foot co-ordination and number retention. That's it. No Maths and no Physics and certainly no personality testing. I am not knocking the GAPAN tests at all because without them the self-sponsorer would be well and truly up the creek without a paddle.
You do not need two A-Levels and/ or a degree to self-sponsor at any FTO. You cannot apply for sponsorship to gain experience at the interview process unless you have the above qualifications. A PPL is going to go someway in improving ones confidence for an integrated course but is it going to tell you wether you can cut it at CPL level? I doubt it.
We debated a while ago the subject of FTOs screening self-sponsored cadets and it got a little heated mainly (IMO) because the vast majority of wannabes thought it unreasonable that FTOs should test them. How mad is that? My view is that they should test us and BAE, as far as I know, are the only approved JAR integrated school to do this.
If nothing else it makes a mockery of pilot training that anyone with the money can effectively stroll into an FTO and next week be training to fly commercially without having any level of assesment made of them before they hand over their cash. Before I get shot down in flames for saying that I would like to make it clear that I don't think it is wrong of the student but wrong of the industry that this can happen. I am not saying that all FTOs should test as stringently as OATS plans to for it's new course but at least lets be put through some sort of interview/ aptitude assesment and not just be able to flash our GCSE certificates, money and be shown to our dorms.
It just doesn't seem right and I think that the JAAs should do something about it. The FTOs won't like it, the students with the money will moan about it but at least it *may* save a few more parents losing their houses and failed students being in debt for the best part of their adult lives.
I will be starting an integrated course later this month and I sat the aptitude tests and acheived a result which was enough for the FTO to offer me a place on the course.
I am greatful that they did this (they could have done more but I am greatful that they did aptitude test me), more schools should follow suit.
I only have GCSEs which I hope through private study over the past few months I have managed to improve on somewhat. I don't know for sure wether I am at the required level because it was seven years ago since I left school and to be frank - the jobs I have done (mainly music) do not require an awfull lot of numerical ability and knowledge of Physics! Well, how to lift a thirty stone Hammond Organ down three flights of stairs at 01:00 surrounded by drunk jazz fans is a bit of a mechanics poser but not at the level required by this profession I fear!
It would be nice to have the educational side of my aptitude tested. I know I may appear to be asking alot but is it really considering the profession and the money involved?
As it stands though we have to do this ourselves so if any self-sponsorers fail to either a) pay their £150 for the GAPAN tests b) Get their PPL or c) have the qualifications that will allow them to apply for sponsorship, then they really should not be going for it because, if anything, it shows they don't have the presence of mind to be responsible.
In my view the OATS scheme is a good thing. Shame about the price but that's aviation. I just hope that those who can't afford it manage to satisfy themselves of their abilities before they spend their money.
Good luck everyone,
VFE.
[ 03 September 2001: Message edited by: VFE ]