How do I become a pilot?

[VS744]

Hi,

Im 23, degree educated (1st class IT degree), have had a whole hours flying experience in a cessna 152 and want most of all to become an airline pilot.

1) I can't afford to pay the £50k required to do it,
2) There aren't many sponsored schemes in the uk
3) I dont want to join the RAF

Any suggestions of how to go about it?

Thanks

[Sagey]

Mmmm same position although I don't have an IT degree, economics instead.

Well sponsorship on hold in 99% of the case. Hopefully us 23 year olds might get the odd crack at one before we are considered over the sponsorship hill.

Otherwise you are just going to have to pay for it. As you don't want to pay 50k in one go, you will probably have to do the modular route and pay for flying and exams whilst in full time work.

Only way I think you can work round it.

Could be wrong!! I know I am in the identical position.

Sagey

[VS744]

Sagey,

I did get the BA sponsored pilots scheme pack through 2 years ago with the view to actually apply, but when I saw the amount of questions related to flying experience, I decided that I didnt stand much of a chance against all those people who have been given flying lessons in their teens.

So at the moment, the closest im getting to flying is on Microsoft Flight simulator on the 757!

Im that eager to fly, that I would do it for free!!

[twistedenginestarter]

Read Getting a Commercial Pilots Licence by Clive Hughes.

There are many ways to become a pilot. The easy ways are similar to winning the Lottery. Possible but not probable.

[Sagey]

VS although I never applied to BA had the form filled in and ready to go when Sept 11th happened, flying experience doesn't really matter to them. I was told they like to see that you have had a go ie a couple of hours.

There is regularly a debate about PPL against non PPL do they prefer PPL or not. Personally I reckon it was down to individuals not whether you had a PPL or not.

Anyway at the moment this is a non existant debate sadly, lets hope for everyones sake that the position clears soon, and that BA and co start up the cadet schemes again, and that those pilots that have been made redundant and are still seeking work find suitable positions shortly.

Sagey

[C Harrison]

Try a modular course (this involves a lot less money). Buy the book from Clive Hughes -very good and worth money.

His website can be found by typing Clive Hughes Guide to getting a Commercial Pilots licence into a search engine

[GlueBall]

In the USA FAA Commercial/Instrument/MultiEngine package courses cost about 50% less than in the UK. Living costs in sunny Arizona or Florida are relatively cheap,...and major credit cards are accepted methods for payment at all flight schools!

[VS744]

Thanks everyone!

Im looking for the book now!

[4g_handicap]

You could do your training is South Africa.

You could do a South African CPL/IR for under 10 000 GBP!

I know there are questions surrounding the conversion of said licence to JAR standards, but still you would have a licence & 200 hours plus in the logbook, which is a damn fine start.
:)

[Icarus Wings]

Just because oxford charge 50K it doesn't mean you have to go and pay it. There are plenty of schools in the uk who can offer a frozen ATPL for considerably less.

[DJXL]

Sagey matey,

As we discussed at Dons v Barnet a few months ago, surely the merits of having a PPL and a couple of hundred hours outweigh any disadvantages???

Michael Owen didn´t walk into the Liverpool first team without ever kicking a football did he?

[StressFree]

Gents,
I know that £50k is a huge amount of cash but if it buys you passage into a well paid career that you love and that could last you 35 years surely its worth it?
I faced this dilemma and borrowed the money and am now a captain and TRI on a 737 NG and have paid off the debt ages ago. Dont be scared if you have to borrow - if you want it enough. Believe me its worth it.

I really hope it works for you.

:cool:

[VS744]

The only thing is, that what if you spend 50K on getting a passenger transport license, and at the end of it, there are no jobs to go to? then you will struggle to pay off the debts.

Is there a maximum age for new pilots?

If I learnt to fly by the time I was 30 (in 7 years!) would airlines take you on at that age with no real experience?

[sickBocks]

Re training at 30

ATP Academy limit is 34-years-old. To join Britannia as a Second Officer (i.e. less than 1500hours) you had to be under 30 during the last recruitment drive.

Don't think any other companies would be too bothered at that age.

[clutchcargo]

If you want to get it reasonably cheaply (if there is such an application to aviation), then it might pay to have a look at the Australian or New Zealand flying schools.

The cost would be about 1/3 of what you would pay in the UK. Plus with your IT skills I daresay you could work over here and subsidise the cost.

The only downside to that is that you would need to do all of the UK ATP subjects and another flight test, which would add to the cost.

Worth looking into.......

[Semaphore Sam]

If you're American, wait til there's a war, get drafted, then work into a military pilot slot; that's what the last generation did. Otherwise, you have to buy your way in. There are many idiots who only respect the military option, whereas the really motivated will sell their souls for their shot; they really deserve respect (BTW, I started in the military). Ultimately, each case is different, but you do what you have to do. A few £ or $ now could mean the opportunity for a Captaincy in a few years; I suggest those who want a shot GO FOR IT now!

[Pen it off!]

Condier a Full Frontal Labotomy and leave the best jobs for the Engineers. :) :) :)

[Sliding member]

Judging by most crews you will need to have all traces of common sense removed, enjoy having your arse wiped and then moan bitterly when having to work more than a 4 sector day. I appreciate your not all like that. Anyway, good luck as nowadays its a long hard struggle especially if "daddy" won't pay for you.

[Pen it off!]

Sliding Member,

i now know why they have 4 rings on their arm. So they can tick off eack sector on a ring and then they know when it's time to go home. <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[twistedenginestarter]

Your problem is that, like a porn star, it's a line of business that people actually want to be in. There are a lot of people, and therefore a significant number with large amounts of disposable cash. These laws of supply and demand mean it's a seller's market.

If you are good enough you can get there but it might take many years and don't expect it to support your normal drinking requirements for a long time.