Aspiring female pilot in Greece..

[magda.kot]

Hello, my name is Magda and i live in Greece.
I am a US citizen that moved to Greece 4 years ago.
This year I am finishing high school, with the IB diploma (being my only option for an english speaking school) I am quite confused with what I want to do in order to fulfill my dream of becoming a pilot.

My father is a CFI, and we do "lessons" on theory at home to get me ready for when I start training.

Up until last year, (junior year in high school), I was set on going back to America, specifically Florida Institute of Technology. However, not only was it difficult to obtain acceptance with scholarship (70,000-120,000$ at minimum), but I would also have to pay for housing and food, and trips back to Greece on holidays. (Being greek, holidays are a MUST with family.):ugh:
Then I decided to quit the application process for the US, and started working on my application for UK. (Closer so cheaper air tickets). I thought that it would only be the 3,000 pound minimum for each year, until I researched and found out that an extra 50,000 pounds would be required for training (therefore, UK possibly a no.)

Recently, me and my father discovered Egnatia Aviation, and since my dad has connections due to the fact that he is an english speaking CFI in greece, we realized that it may be the best option. I would also be living in Greece, (not exactly the city im living in now, but transport would be 30 euros at most, and if all else fails i can get a car). The prices in this school are also reasonable for maintaining an ATPL.

NOW, getting to the point.
A) i'm worried that since I am going to Egnatia Aviation, airliners won't consider it equivilant to me training in Oxford flight academy for example. Am I wrong? Is it equivilent? My father says that both schools give the same JAA ATPL license, but I want more sources :sad:

B) I am a female and I was wondering how different it would be for me to maintain a job? Would I be looked at differently? (considering a sexist point of view.)

C) Currently in high school, I do not take IB physics, but i take IB chemistry simply because it interests me. I take maths, and I recieve the highest grade you can get, 7/7, however I am not at higher level. I am at standard level. Will that affect me? My father says that the ATPL theory requires minimum knowledge in physics and math and that it will be simple to learn. Does that count?

I know I may have typed a bit too much, but I have been researching these questinos for months now and I do not have a good set of answers. :rolleyes:

Thank you to anyone who has the patience to read this and help :)

[Alexsky]

Hello Magda,

A. The majority of companies doesn't really care whether the OAA, or another FTO have provided the training, but rather what is your experience and current ratings. So, I think the same as your dad.

B. It is easier for men, but not that bad for femaile so not to be involved.

C. "standard level" is enough and shall not worry you.

[redsnail]

I'll have a crack at answering some of your questions.

1. With respect to airlines and recruitment, some in the UK "appear" to only take new pilots from certain institutions. However, you'll be paying a fortune for that privilege.
Research where you are likely to get a job. Then find out what they are looking for in new recruits. Being a US citizen does open up a lot of opportunity in the States.

I note about holidays with the family. What does that mean for work? Will you shift countries or need to take a job near home?

2. Being female how you are perceived is up to you. The vast majority of your colleagues will be male.

3. The physics etc is not particularly difficult. I find a picture tells a better story than a million words.

The first job is always tough. Even in boom times it is tough. The harder you work the luckier you'll get.

Good luck.

[LH2]

I will only comment on points #2 and #3 and say that in fact, being female is likely to aid in getting a job, as companies are keen to be seen getting on the equality bandwagon. At worst it won't be detrimental, so I wouldn't worry about it.

As for point #3, the only thing required for a pilot's licence is basic literacy (in the extended sense). If you have got a high school certificate, you are perfectly qualified.

[magda.kot]

If I get my ATPL at a uni, is it more accredited than a flight school? :confused:

[redsnail]

You get your ATPL after 1500 hours of appropriate flight time.
You'll get your CPL etc at flight school.

I am not a recruiter, but I doubt any one will care.
However, don't ask "us", write to the companies you have in mind.

The U.S.A. like their candidates to have a uni degree for the majors but no one gets a shot at the majors without a lot of hours.

[Pannenkoeck]

You get your full ATPL when you reach 1500 hours and until then you'll have to do with a Frozen ATPL (Europe.)

[Golf-Sierra]

But do you want to get the ATPL(f) and a uni degree, or just the ATPL(f)?

[poina]

Magda,

First of all, airlines are not concerned where you obtained your licenses from, only that you meet their minimum qualifications.
I feel you will be making a huge mistake by not getting said rating in the US. Again, you don't need Emery R. or Univ. of North Dakota, where money will be flowing through your hands like water. The easiest way is to buy a C-152 which will run you around $25k. Since your dad is a CFI, there you go!

You have an advantage being a woman as far as hiring is concerned, but be aware that you will be held to higher standards because of it. The future is very bright for US aviation, check out www.airlinepilotcentral.com to get an idea of upcoming retirements for US operators. Opportunities outside the US will be limited to holders of US passports.

Don't get bogged down thinking you need excellence in the math's and sciences to fly airplanes. If that were the case half the pilots would be walking the streets now.

Lastly, let me tell you I am a retired Capt. with 2 daughters, who will be doing exactly this as like you, they both want to fly! Best of luck!

[Pace152]

Magda,

You are in a really great position as far as aviation is concerned in having both American and European citizenship. If I was you I would go to one of the Flight schools in America that can also do European (JAA) licences and look at doing your American (FAA) licences and the converting them into JAA.

Due to the cheaper cost of training in America (at one of the JAA schools as opposed to one of the Aviation Colleges) this should end up costing about what it would just to get your JAA licences in Europe. Then you can hour build in America (where it is easier to build hours) on your FAA licence and when you have a few hours under your belt try your luck back in Europe/Greece if thats where you ultimately want to be.

[zafos]

Γεια σου Μάγδα :)

Of course Egnatia Aviation is equivalent to every flight school in the world.Don't bother.
The point is to take the best training and build hours of flight.Airlines don't really care from which flight school you came from but how many hours of flight you have.
The point is to find a small flight school with many planes and few students ;)

Being a woman pilot is not something you should worry about.I have met many female pilots so far and there is nothing you should worry about.We live in 21st century!!

Don't mind about your grades in maths,physics or chemistry.You want to be a pilot.Not a rocket scientist :)))
Just take a book of ATPL theory and read it by yourself.You won't have a problem I believe.

Καλύτερα να πας Αμερική.Αξίζει επειδή θα λάβεις την καλύτερη εκπαίδευση με το μικρότερο κόστος.
Αν θέλεις τα λέμε και μέσω pm :ok: