CTC Wings/NetJets v USA/Canada

[ElSupremo]

Hi,

I've recently (i.e. the last few months) been searching for the best (i.e. essentially the cheapest) way to attain a JAA fATPL so I can fly commercial airliners. I've realised that the two cheapeast options are either to apply to either a scheme such as CTC Wings where the tuition is essentially paid for or whether I should apply to a N. American school which offers it from around £20k.

The answer seems obvious, however, I have heard that on the CTC Wings style schems cadets get a cadet salary on graduation and so earn potentially less than they should. Is there any truth in this? Would it be cheaper to shell out for the training in N. America and be able to earn a higher wage from the start?

Has anyone else been stuck with this problem? Additioanlly, how did you guys feel with financing a £60k secure bond for CTC Wings etc? Are there dissadvantages with qualifying in N. America?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[hollingworthp]

Not sure why you have included NetJets in the title of this thread, but the only way into NJE as a low-hours fATPL is through OAA.

[superjet777-300]

#1
Start with this article.... http://http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/07/10/225169/european-pilot-training-industry-heads-for-paralysis.html (http://http//www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/07/10/225169/european-pilot-training-industry-heads-for-paralysis.html)

#2
The reason schemes such as CTC, Oxford, FTE etc are so popular is because they are well respected and, more importantly, well known by the airlines which I'm guessing you'd like to join.
At times like this when even these flight schools are having difficulty in placing cadets with airlines, I wouldn't like to think what the success rate is for other non 'well-known' flight schools.

#3
The Cadet Salary recieved by CTC cadets is in all airlines (as far as I know) exactly £12,000 less than the equivilant 'normal' First Officer's salary. This missing £12,000 is then given to the cadet on a monthly basis with 'tax benefits' to enable cadets to pay back their training bond quicker.

SJ777-300

[angelorange]

If you want fun and lots of experiences - go to the USA.

Even with EASA changes (which are at the early development stages) you can still convert to an EU licence later on. This option can give more control over your finances - but don't pay £20k up front - where possible pay as you go.

If you want huge debt (some cadets have over £100k loans), minimal flight time, constant assessment with the possibility of an introduction to an airline - go the EU standard sausage machine route.

Either way if you persevere you can achieve an airline job.

Airlines have differing requirements - some prefer instructor backgrounds and others the cadet route. However even the latter are questioning the current system and the arrival of the MPA licence.

All the best!

[Adios]

Every bank I know of has a loan limit of £50-60K. Some wannabes may invest £100K if they do an integrated course and fund their own TR, but that doesn't happen to CTC and OAA airline cadets. There just aren't any banks loaning £100K, so the ones who do spend that much will have started with a large chunk of cash.