Other Options

[Shauna]

Ok so realistically i cant come up with the funds for an integrated course. I am 21 and i do not own my own home and im not asking my parents to secure theirs as i would be afraid of something happening.

I have been reading threads about modular courses....can anypone shed some light on the benefits of these?

I might also do a night course on a-level maths and physics so as i could apply for a sponsorship scheme but from what ive been told a-levels just arent enough to get accepted onto a sponsrship.

Can anyone point me in the right direction or give me a bit of advice?

Thanks ;)

[Shunter]

If you go modular you have the advantage of being able to take it a bit at a time, not commit vast sums of money all in 1 go.

Get yourself started with a PPL and take it from there!

[richmanpoorman]

If you are really short of cash, then taking up gliding in the short term might be worthwhile. It will give you some flight experience and should improve your chances of gaining sponsorship. :ok:

It shows you've got a desire to get your feet off the ground and gives you a better knowledge of Nav & Met etc..

Good luck with whatever you do

RP

[Wilton Shagpile]

Modular is good - gives you a chance to do everything at your own speed and to select schools that are good at the particular thing you're doing at the time.

You can pace your training out and pay for it as you can afford to. Plus, you need to go off and get 100P1 hours prior to your CPL.....a great opportunity to head off to the USA and fly all over the place to build time...it will be an amazing experience!

Downside is that some integrated schools will "help" you to get a job.......personally I have no regrets about going modular....I wasn't saddled with huge debt and it was around half the cost of an integrated course. Also I felt I was in control of my training not part of some corporate sausage machine..

There are loads of threads here about integrated vs modular so take a look at these but at the end of the day you get the SAME licence examined to the SAME standards.

PM if you want more info.

[Irish_Stu]

I think doing a couple of A-levels is a lot of hassle just to get onto an integrated course. You could be almost finished modular training by the time you were finished the A-Levels.

You say you're from County Down, why not pop into the Ulster Flying Club in Newtownards and have a chat with some of the instructors there. A good few of them are airline pilots and will be happy to give you advice. I'm doing my PPL down there at the minute and love it.

I chose the modular route as I can fit training in around my job so I'll end up with the licence I want but without getting into a huge amount of debt. I realise it'll take me a bit longer but I'm not bothered by that.