Ash Requires a little info on CTC Wings.

[ashmed]

Hi There,
I have just turned 16 and am about to start my JAA PPL with Millen Corperation at Rochester Airport. Then i hope to apply for the CTC Wings Cadet programme. Is it a good idea for me to do my PPL before i try to apply to CTC? Will having a PPL give me an edge in the selection process? Is there anyone who has done the course and doesnt think there is any need to get the PPL?
Thanks Very Much Ash.

[BerksFlyer]

Apart from showing that you're commited enough to flying to go and do a PPL by yourself and that you are actually serious about it, no.

I hear they often doubt the commitment of the applicants in the lower age bracket, so, yes it will be of benefit. Doesn't mean you will get a 'bye' through the whole process though, they will still need you to fulfil the requirements asked of all the rest.

[Locarno]

before starting a whole new thread, I would have read through the MANY already existing CTC threads.

However, in answer to your question - you're young, they wont expect you to have much. I'm 19 and just passed stage 3, i've only got about 4 hours powered flying.

It's not about how well you can fly, it's about what you've done with your life so far, your motivation, your determination, trainability (yeah, it's a word) and likeability...

Okay.

[ashmed]

Hi, thanks for the reply.
What GCSE and A-level grades do you have. I havent done GCSE or A-level Pysics and wont be doing A-level Maths. Does this throw me out the window for training at CTC Wings?
Thanks Ash.

[Locarno]

Nah I don't see why not.

Although they do PREFERE you to have English, Maths and Physics - I don't think it's mandatory...just make sure you can justify WHY you don't have them.

have a look on the actual CTC website, and see what it says about grades...i would do it, but Lost is on! ;)

[superjet777]

Don't bother with a PPL. Waste of money for what you're going to do on the course. Yes, have a few trial flights to see if you actually like flying but don't bother shelling out x hundreds of pounds for one.

Spend the time you would have spent doing your PPL on some vaulable experience. Work at your local flying club or airport, stack shelves at Tesco, do a paper round. Anything to build up your CV.

'Life experience' will be a much better string to your bow than a full PPL

SJ777

[BerksFlyer]

superjet777,

I'm sure Locarno will disagree with that, (if I'm not mistaken) he was turned down on his first attempt with CTC because they weren't convinced he was commited to flying. So he went away, did a PPL, went back after 6 months and they realised he was commited so they let him in.

Apologies if I've got this all wrong Locarno, but I remember reading a post of yours about a year ago explaining your experience with the selection process.

[superjet777]

Berksflyer,

That may well be true in that specific case, but for someone who has just turned 16, time (and money) can be much better spent doing other jobs experiencing 'real life' than just seeing the pilots side of things.

Once you are flying your jet, you will appreciate that piloting skills account for a very small part of your daily routine in the crew room and on the flight deck.

If you can prove that you are able to chat and get on with random people, empathise with other peoples probems and work in a rank based hierachy to name but a few qualities, you will impress the selection board a hell of a lot more than if you can just prove that you can fly a C152.

SJ777