Your never going to get anywhere in this industry without a EASA CPL/IR/ME, ATPL writtens passed or equivalent.
How you get there is entirely up to you.
How far you go, is also entirely up to you.
It's not up to L3, CAE or FTE.
They are a business, in business to make money for the share holders.
Not to make your dreams come true.
Rather than just talking about it.
I suggest you start working on it.
No matter how you start, or who you start with.
It's a long hard road, full of twists and turns and a lot of pot holes along the way.
But like the longest journey it starts with the first step.
It's called a PPL.
Please, please stop talking about Ryanair Vs Easyjet.
Your not ready for 'prime time' yet.
It took me five years from first lesson to first paying job.
And then another five to a major airline.
And I was lucky.
I can't imagine starting later in life.
Especially if your the bread winner with wife and kids and a mortgage.
I've know 'kept men' kicked to the curb for following their flying passion at her expense.
Personally, I don't see how you can make it.
But I'm not stopping you from trying.
Just exercise caution.
If you only make it as far as PPL, then you are still a pilot.
Last edited by button push ignored; 12th September 2017 at 23:26.