CTC Takeoff [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums

chris2309

29th Jan 2011, 17:06

I'm looking into starting a modular course late spring of this year and currently looking at all the different schools etc so would be grateful if anyone else could share their experiences of this scheme. I know it's only fairly new so suppose not many people may have gone through the modules.

Also, I couldnt find anywhere on the website that mentioned prices for ATPL Theory, do they provide this for modular students does anyone know?

CTC TAKEOFF - modular training (http://www.ctcaviation.com/ctctakeoff/modular.htm)

Jugs08

21st Jan 2012, 16:06

If you with Bristol Gs you will get £500 off the Modular CPL/IR/ME at CTC. Bristol gs you wont go wrong with:ok:

NovemberRomeo

22nd Jan 2012, 17:40

I completed my CPL/ME/IR with them on the TakeOff scheme. Absolutely first class tuition. You do NOT get treated ANY differently from the integrated guys. And there is no preference to them either. I had the whole lot completed within 3 months with first series passes. If you'd like any more info pm me.

WhiskyTangoFoxtrott

23rd Jan 2012, 11:22

At my age, my only choice is modular; preferably modular that may get me a job! The (part) sponsored schemes have a better promise of work at the end, but it means taking 18 months out, which I cannot do.

So I've been looking at CTC Takeoff and OAA Weypoint as the next best alternatives.

What I didn't get is that for less money, you get the same bits of paper and opportunity as the integrated route. Now it's reassuring that people on here have had positive experiences in their modular training at CTC, but something has to give for this to make economic sense. Maybe the below quotes from the CTC web site may explain:

SPECIAL OFFER FOR CTC TAKEOFF PILOTS - COMPLETE YOUR ME CPL/IR WITH CTC TAKEOFF AND YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SELECTION FOR OUR SOUGHT AFTER CTC WINGS ATP (Licensed Pilot) DATABASE (subject to meeting the ATP entry requirements
and
The CTC Wings ATP database augments the CTC Wings Cadet hold pool. Pilots on the CTC Wings ATP database will be called up for type ratings when we do not have enough cadets ready and available for type rating.

i.e. You'll get trained well, treated well, but be at the back of the queue in cadet hold pool (if you qualify).

Has anybody on here completed the Takeoff course and been selected for TR via the cadet pool?

Many thanks

ChriSat

23rd Jan 2012, 13:26

Sounds good NovemberRomeo, I would be interested in knowing more about the CTC Takeoff Scheme if you have time.. Did you do your CPL in NZ or UK? Do you plan on doing the ATP/AQC or FI(R)?

By the looks of it CTC Wings Cadets are top of the holding pool and will be selected first; but do those who have gone through the Take Off modular scheme with CTC get a higher priority than applicants that have done their CPL/IR elsewhere? Or is it a level playing field if your modular? Is there anyone out there that has done Take Off and the AQC?

:)

NovemberRomeo

23rd Jan 2012, 13:52

I did all my training in the UK. My understanding is that it is a level playing field once you are in the holding pool with the other modular students. I didn't go down the AQC route. I chose to do the MCC/JOC elsewhere and a FI rating instead.

Shuttle 3 Whiskey

24th Jan 2012, 18:44

Highly recommend them.
I finished the CPL/ IR end of September 2011. All the instructors we're top class as well as the facilties. I had a couple of issues with the length it took to get the CPL (3 students to 1 instructor, with the instructors only allowed to fly 2 sorties a day). It took 9 weeks in total (including 2 days for a Partial retake of the skills test).
The IR took 6 weeks from start to IR skills test. I had 2 excellent instructors and miss it immensely.
The CPL cost me around £8K (excluding test/ aircraft hire for the test) and £13K for IR (excluding test/ aircraft hire for the test).
I did a shortened CPL/IR as I already held a MEP rating and completed in min hours (bar the partial retake of the CPL).
I opted to go elsewhere for the MCC/JOC and happy I didn't do the AQC.

Good luck :)

WX Man

26th Jan 2012, 08:07

Why are you happy that you didn't do the AQC?

LAI

28th Jan 2012, 22:56

Well I can echo Shuttle 3's views (in fact, we were on the same course!). Excellent training and a great bunch of people. I would happily recommend them to anyone.

In fairness, when a couple of issues did arise, they worked to sort them out quickly for us. Like every organisation, not everything goes to plan all the time, but the impression I got was that they always did their best to fix it when it didn't. As far as I'm concerned, that's always the best test of any business :ok:

WX man:

I think he was happy he didn't do the AQC course as, considering the number of people in the pool and the length of time they've been there, it is perhaps not the magic solution that some people think(/hope) it is. From what I hear though, the course itself is very good. In reality though, it is just that: a course. Anything that may come from it through the hold pool etc should be viewed as a bonus and not relied upon IMHO. At the end of the day, it comes down to individual choice as to whether one believes it to be a worthwhile investment... :)

AirbusLover

29th Jan 2012, 09:47

as you have inside experience,could you please explain how ctc's holding pool works for takeoff cadets?

RNAVapproach

21st Jun 2012, 16:20

Could someone who has been through the takeoff programme give me a shout.

I am looking to gain a better understanding of the AQC and the potential for placement with an airline after training.

BUGS/BEARINGS/BOXES

21st Jun 2012, 22:40

Is there something wrong with the MCC/JOC training during the AQC? Or just the fact recruitment isn't as rapid post completion as hoped for?

Libertine Winno

22nd Jun 2012, 09:07

I was looking at the AQC course at CTC based entirely on the fact that it seems to give a better opportunity of being placed with an airline post-training.

I have no evidence to actually back this up, and of course CTC would tell you this, but I know that you can do a CPL/ME/IR cheaper at the likes of Stapleford or BGS and certainly the MCC/JOC courses are cheaper than the AQC. However, as far as I can see the extra money invested in CTC is purely down to the (supposedly) better opportunity it provides post-training.

Happy to be corrected, of course, but as far as I can see it is the only reason they would cost more than elsewhere, given that I'm led to believe the standard at the likes of Stapleford and BGS is also very high.

RNAVapproach

22nd Jun 2012, 20:06

Are takeoff students who complete the AQC getting a look in with EZY or is it still early days with the programme?

Matt7504

22nd Jun 2012, 22:30

Im due to start my ATPLs with TakeOff on the 28th August. My understanding of the AQC is that there are two pools: One for the Cadets and then one for non-cadets. However, apparently in 6 months, CTC will be closing off the ATP programme to Modular students who do not complete their CPL/IR with them, so from that point on, to get in the pool you must be either a cadet or a CPL/IR student. In theory the secondary pool should have less people in it in 6 months time.

Airbusboy

23rd Jun 2012, 10:48

The ATP scheme according to their website, is currently closed. Perhaps they are getting too many external modular applicants.

ChriSat

23rd Jun 2012, 11:16

I think you need to have completed the ATPL's prior to starting the Takeoff course, which entails only the flying components of the (f)ATPL (ME CPL and IR)

CTC's greatest asset is their ability to place cadets with partner airlines.

What with the recruitment situation the way it is at the moment, the more I think about it the more it makes sense; why would CTC offer this coveted service to external modular candidates? In some ways the AQC and ATP degrade the Wings course, why would you do the Wings/iCP when you can do modular for half the price and then sneak in right at the end for the bargain price of £8k to essentially get in the same holding pool.

They can make more money by putting someone through the CPL/IR on the takeoff course, and to be honest it understandable why they have closed the ATP scheme for the time being (or permanently). I imagine its looks better on the training report (and for contniuity of training) and to be fair to them, by the time the CPL/IR are complete, the cadet is a known quantity to CTC, warts and all. This probably makes it easier for the assesors to make judgement and to decide the suitability of placement etc.

Libertine Winno

25th Jun 2012, 10:59

As much as we might hate it, that does seem to make sense. Why else would people pay twice as much for an integrated course if they could get the same licences and pretty much the same opportunities by going modular and then doing the AQC?

Worrying news for us modular mob I suppose, and the drawback of placements being monopolised by the likes of CTC and Oxford via their subsidiaries. Ho hum!

ChriSat

25th Jun 2012, 20:31

Yes exactly, I think the Takeoff scheme is a sort of intermediate though.

From what I understand, if you complete the CPL/IR through Takeoff with CTC, the ATP and AQC scheme is still open "internally".

Libertine Winno

26th Jun 2012, 07:53

Wait and see then I suppose!

Though when the Takeoff course costs about £4-5k more than a CPL/ME/IR set up with the likes of Stapleford or Bristol GS, and the AQC is about £3k more expensive than a MCC/JOC course with similar providers, it could become expensive just for the 'honour' of going through CTC...though I suppose that is the premium for getting better access to the coveted low hours RHS jobs!

MrBrightside

27th Jun 2012, 14:41

Can anyone tell me do CTC takeoff offer ATPL ground school? And is there a selection procedure to be accepted onto CTC wings ATP after AQC?

Matt7504

27th Jun 2012, 17:31

Im starting ground school with CTC Takeoff in September, so I assume thats a yes?

ChriSat

27th Jun 2012, 17:52

Im starting ground school with CTC Takeoff in September, so I assume thats a yes? :/

Oh apologies that must be my mistake then. I assumed, because the Res ATPL groundschool module isn't explicitly advertised on their website, it wasn't available.

I've already completed the ATPL's but was under the impression if you were modular, they would send you over to Bristolgs, as they have ties with them. Out of interest, how long ago did you book the course. Good luck with the groundschool :)

Can anyone tell me do CTC takeoff offer ATPL ground school? And is there a selection procedure to be accepted onto CTC wings ATP after AQC?

wrt to the AQC, yes I believe there is a selection process before (and during) the AQC if you wish to go onto the ATP holdpool.

chris2309

27th Jun 2012, 21:24

ChriSat

27th Jun 2012, 21:31

Has anyone else applied for the CPL/IR course and got a start date?

I sent an application form in at the beginning of April and contacted them last week for an update to be told that the waiting list went into February of next year as they are only taking 6 modular students on per month.

Just wondering whether any earlier places crop up from people putting their start dates back or pulling out of the waiting list.. I sent my application in March earlier this year and got an estimate of February next year aswell.

Someone else I know sent their application in Dec 2011 and starting Oct 2012 so there seems to be a 10 month wait at the moment, (although he was offered a place to start in May/June this year due to a cancellation.)

Airbusboy

27th Jun 2012, 21:41

Sent mine in April, they estimate Feb 2013. Long waiting list.

Fostex

27th Jun 2012, 21:50

Although they list the expected schedule of the courses in hours do they give any stats on what the average amount of time ( in weeks ) for the average student to complete the course. I'm not talking about student ability but things like daily instructor/aircraft availability along with weather factors?

ChriSat

27th Jun 2012, 22:00

They estimate 6 weeks for the CPL and 8-9 weeks for the IR in the email i've got, both full time. Although someone earlier in this thread stated it took 9 weeks for the CPL due to tech/wx issues.

Yep very long wait.. Not sure if its a good sign or a bad sign, hopefully it'll be worth it!

Fostex

28th Jun 2012, 07:00

Do they make an mention of accommodation, can Takeoff students use the same accommodation as integrated students and what are the rates?

Airbusboy

28th Jun 2012, 12:45

As a TAKEOFF student they don't offer accommodation.

MrBrightside

28th Jun 2012, 14:40

Have been in contact with CTC via email just asking for some information.. No mention of ATPL groundschool. Just ME/CPL IR MCC or AQC?

It was mentioned that accommodation would not be available.

Was also told that Spring 2013 would be the earliest available date for commencement. Looks like they are busy anyway.

Matt7504

28th Jun 2012, 16:53

I have just noticed that the CTC Takeoff website has been changed since I last looked at it. It says their two crew training centres are in Bournemouth and Southampton. Does this mean that Modualr student do not go to New Zealand anymore?

Fostex

28th Jun 2012, 20:56

Still shows NZ and UK for me.

CTC TAKEOFF - crew training centres (http://www.ctcaviation.co.uk/ctctakeoff/centres.htm)

chris2309

28th Jun 2012, 21:21

When I was at the open day in March they said they were postponing any modular training in NZ.

They didn't say why but I'd heard rumours that they were short on instructors over there and were struggling to get the cadets trained.

There are two websites on the go for some reason, but I think the one which just lists the UK for training is the most up to date one with regards to info and pricing:

Costs and Bookings - CTC Aviation (http://www.ctcaviation.com/individual_pilots/ctc_takeoff/costs_and_bookings)

Airbusboy

28th Jun 2012, 21:23

Modular courses are not offered in NZ anymore, CPL/IR/ME are conducted at Bournemouth training centre.

Airbusboy

24th Oct 2012, 18:14

Any one starting in December?

bwfly88

27th Oct 2012, 12:14

January 2nd here

taxistaxing

26th Dec 2012, 15:52

Hi All,

Thought I would "bump" this thread, and see what current thoughts were on the CTC Takeoff scheme now that it has had some time to bed in. Do people reckon it's worth the premium over traditional modular providers?

Are there any examples of people who have been through Takeoff and succesfully achieved employment with an airline or corporate operator as a low hours cadet?

My hour building is largely finished and I'm getting through my ATPL exams, so I'm weighing up options for CPL/IR training (probably to start this summer). I note the Takeoff MCPL/MEIR offering isn't that much more expensive than, say, Stapleford's CPL, MEP, MEIR course. It also offers more twin time as the entire course is done on the DA42.

If there is a genuine advantage to going with CTC, I would consider it. If, on the other hand, you're just paying for the name and end up in no better a position, I'll stick with one of the traditional modular providers.

The other consideration for me is that I work full time and would ideally like to avoid taking 3 months off work in order to train - although this is probably doable if absolutely necessary.

Grateful for peoples' thoughts!

Cirrus_Clouds

26th Dec 2012, 23:42

I like yourself have also been considering CTC Takeoff.

BUT.... you seem to be missing some crucial information (you don't mention it here):

To book CTC course, the waiting period is about 12 months currently, or longer (I spoke to them in August 2012 and the waiting time was 10 months THEN)

CTC is about £7000-£8000 more expensive for the CPL/ME/IR when you factor ALL the additional costs in, compared to other modular training places e.g. Flying Time at Shoreham.

Having completed the course, you get the option of being put into a "secondary" holding pool - AFTER passing selection and completing AQC/JOC course (current time in the pool is 12-18 months (in Aug.) ).
Integrated pilots are placed into the "main" holding pool for selection first, then once the "main" pool is empty are pilots then taken from the "secondary" pool.

This was research I obtained and was told directly by CTC staff.

In an ideal world CTC would be an option, but common sense is telling me that for my circumstances I make quite good savings doing it at Shoreham (locally), living in comfortable accom. with the girlfriend rather than a cheap student house/flat and using any additional sums on something else and with the "hope" of getting into an airline during that 12-24 months in the secondary holding pool.

OH.... don't forget you can still do your AQC/JOC with CTC after doing your training with another provider (after passing selection tests) and still end up in that holding pool.

Each to their own. Hope this helps if you didn't already know of this information and I wish you all the best with your CPL/IR and maybe hear you on the Airwaves. :ok:

UberPilot

27th Dec 2012, 08:50

My understanding is that only those who gain their professional licenses through CTC Take-off are eligible for AQC selection due to the reduced need for this source of pilot with the current supply of integrated cadets.

Cirrus_Clouds

27th Dec 2012, 09:32

Not according to what I read the other week. They will accept external people soon who already have CPL/IR.

CTC stated to me that if I did my training with them through CTC Takeoff, CTC will pay for the selection fee (approx. £197) for the AQC/JOC course.

Even if you do you training with them, you have to go through this test and complete this course successfully to be placed into their holding pool.

I wasn't impressed when they mentioned the current lead time in the hold pool was typically 1-2 years, let alone the waiting period of 12 month before you can actually start a course with them, "but we do have excellent links with easyjet etc etc" ... both those statements from them cancelled each other out; making it sound great in one aspect, but not so great in the other, which again questions whether the extra money spent is value for money.

Also note the AQC course has just gone up from £7800 to £9360 (incl. accom), which I was informed about when I spoke to them.

There are people here, like me, who would think it's best to get into a holding pool than nothing and hope for the best.
Already these extra costs within CTC amount up to quite an extra sum that would pay off nearly half the funds towards a self-funded TR (which I don't intend to do).

There are positives and negatives with CTC as I see it currently, question is, whether it's really worth it.

taxistaxing

28th Dec 2012, 23:59

Thanks for the responses.

Cirrus Clouds I certainly wasn't aware of the 12 month lead time before starting the course! That puts me off as I'm keen to crack on with the CPL this summer.

Hopefully they let you sit the selection tests for the AQC programme before you start the training? Otherwise you're running the risk of paying extra for CTC and still being turned down for the hold pool!

Cirrus_Clouds

29th Dec 2012, 09:13

No problem. Your in the same situation like me, I am also aiming to complete the training within the next 4-6 months.

The things I mentioned above did put me off also. They can't be doing that bad if there is a massive queue of people at the door waiting to do the course. That's ok if you're prepared to wait more than a year.

I am personally still questioning the holding pool scenario, haven't decided if I will pursue that or not, seeing as people are sitting in it for up to 2 yrs, but can change with supply and demand, so could be longer......

CTC mentioned to me after CPL/IR training I would have to sit the AQC/JOC test, even if I did prior training with them. I guess it's a way they sort best of the best. You may be able to do this test before the CPL/IR, you would have to ask them.

This situation reminds me of Oxford a bit. You pay much more to do the course and if you look at their graduate stats, most have gone to Ryanair, where you pay another £30,000 for the TR.

We all need an open wallet :ok: but also need to see beyond the glossy brochures and reading the finer details.

The other important point I've just recalled, as long as you meet CTC STANDARDS throughout your training and the requirements for the AQC, then you can be put forward. ... so it's based upon many factors, which in some ways are in your control and not.

AQC requirements here: ATP Scheme | Commercial Pilot Training | Selection Process | CTC Wings (http://www.ctcwings.com/europe/courses/atp/selection)

I would personally try to do it cheaper, in the time scales I want, try to get that first time pass on the CPL/IR and then lead it off from there.

If you don't get a first time pass, then well at least you haven't just spent £8000 extra + re-take fees e.g. £2000!

DCS136

29th Dec 2012, 12:10

Hello all (first time poster).

I am in a similar position to you guys, I have passed 6 ATPL exams and will complete the remaining 8 next year (distance learning). I am looking to begin CPL.ME/IR full-time in early 2014.
I am also facing the dilemma over which modular training route to pursue when the time comes, but having looked at the lead time stated in the posts above if I want to use CTC I will have to make a booking soon.

My current plan is to carry out my training at a traditional modular school, followed by an FI rating to allow me to fly and build experience whilst trying to gain the elusive first flying job. However, I am currently 35 years old with a young family and a mortgage to pay. I have factored the low FI wages into my financial planning and will have saved enough to supplement the FI income for up to 12 months. After that time I will have to return to my old industry to make ends meet again.

The CTC Takeoff route sounds attractive, purely for the hold pool aspect and future employment opportunities. Being slightly older than the average candidate I am beginning to wonder if the CTC route would be better placed to provide me with well paid employment in a shorter time frame than my current plan. Although the course is more expensive, from a financial viewpoint it is actually better for me, I am fortunate that my employer has provisionally sanctioned a 6 month sabbatical in 2014 which would allow me to return to a well paid job straight after flight training whilst awaiting a hold pool call or pursuing other avenues.

My current plan of following the FI route was to allow me to gain further experience and keep current whilst job hunting which is something that I would hope the airlines still value.
Although financially the CTC route would be easier on the pocket in the long term.
What I want to know is, what do people do once they are in the hold pool? How do they stay current with their flying skills and knowledge?

Does anyone have an insight into the preferred path or any successes/non-successes from an airline recruitment point of view?

Are there any indications of a maximum waiting period in the hold pool?

Thanks

119.35

29th Dec 2012, 16:13

You will be getting close to 40 by the time you complete training. Are you sure that EZ will take you at that age?

I seem to recall someone posting about this a while ago and I think CTC pretty much said that it was unlikely? Have you asked CTC directly about his?

Obviously the difficulty with this is that CTC may say that EZ will take you on as they have to be careful about anti-ageism laws. But the reality maybe that at some point through your training, probably as late as the AQC, that for whatever reason they say that you don't make the grade. I personally know an integrated CTC student who was cut during the AQC phase, so it does happen.

You mention well paid employment. You do know what the first flexicrew contract pays? A lot of flexicrew guys didn't get their contracts renewed this winter. They will probably get picked up again in the spring but who is to say that they won't get stood down again next winter?

Another factor to consider is when do EZ stop taking delivery of new airframes and their current expansion stop? I don't know when that is but it is likely to be in the next couple of years? Things may look very different in a few years time and there may no longer be a route into EZ via CTC by the time you complete your training?

I know that you don't just mention CTC Takeoff in your post but you need to consider more factors than just time periods. The pressure during training is high enough without the added pressure placed on you to pass everything first time and within minimum hours, just to keep jumping through CTC's hoops with the EZ carrot dangling!

You are in a fortunate position to be able to afford to do a FI ticket and instruct for a year. If I were you I think I would seriously consider going to another modular provider and saving a whole bunch on the course price and AQC. You could afford to instruct for say 2 years and increase the chance of you finding a RHS job in the meantime?

How much do CTC charge for the TR post AQC if you make it out of the hold pool by the way? I would be very wary about banking on making it all the way into the RHS with EZ by close to the age of 40. Good luck with your choices.

Cirrus_Clouds

29th Dec 2012, 17:19

119.35, very good post. You've raised some very valid questions and many of the answers are "unknown" and the terms of training are very much in CTC control and can cut you loose/come up with any excuse at any point, especially at the end when they have got what they wanted out of the deal.

Here's a sample from the FAQ from CTC link above:

"There are no guarantees but, since 1994 when the original 'ATP Scheme' started, all those who reached the ATP Database pool of short listed pilots were placed with an airline. It is just the timing that is hard to predict. As we mentioned before, on successful completion of the AQC course to CTC Wings standard, you will be placed in the ATP Database' to await type rating training and airline placement.

The ATP Database serves to augment the CTC Wings Cadet numbers and we will put CTC Wings ATP pilots forward for placement when we are unable, for whatever reason, to place cadets with our partner airlines"

This again highlights your being treated as a second class student (if you want to call it that), with Integrated students spending much more and get preferential treatment (not surprised and if vice versa, all hell would break loose).

There are just too many IF's and BUT's with CTC's terms. If you have the money to spend and your willing to risk much more than you need too, then that's up to you.

There are many other ways in to becoming a pilot and EZY are only 1 airline out of the 1000's of companies out there around the globe.

The cost of AQC + FI is approx. £16,000. This is equal to a TR with some providers (who may assist with the finance) and not far off Ryanair TR - which ISN'T a Flexi contract.

Having invested £££££ and £££££ in your own training only to find e.g. EZY don't need you is not only a kick in the teeth but questions why bother with them in the first place, when you have a mortgage and loan to pay back.

Do it the most sensible way to get the most out of it.

You also need to ask yourself what other type of flying would you be prepared to do if not via CTC and with their partner airlines?

Would you accept a flying job if not via CTC contacts, even if you are within the holding pool?

I know of many modular students from the past who made it into the RHS of not necessarily an A320 or 737 but smaller either Turboprop or Business Jet, who then progressed further into the likes of an A320 in the Middle East etc. So the whole world doesn't revolve around CTC or OAA/CAE, it's about how one job can benefit another, or by a stepping stone way of doing things.

119.35

29th Dec 2012, 19:30

C_C - you're spot on. There are just too many ifs and buts.

The premium you pay for your cpl/me/ir through CTC, the cost of the AQC and a FI ticket is extremely close to Ryanair TR money.

Why not go modular through another FTO and if you don't fail any flight tests, have a crack at Ryanair. Would I prefer to work for EZ, you bet (Flex T&Cs aside). But aside from the first 6 months, you are on proper money with Ryan and not on a 8 month 'flex' cycle with EZ.

And if EZ recruitment is slowing down, will they ever empty the integrated holding pool and get to th AQC pool? And besides, you can always go down the AQC route at a later date (if CTC still accept non 'Take-off' cpl/ir?).

The problem with the CTC route is that as soon as you have started, you are committed to paying a premium for your training. You then have the pressure of jumping through hoops as a 2nd class citizen and treading water for a long time in the pool. What happens if you get lucky and get a job with another operator? You've just blown nearly the equivalent of a TR! (premium for training + AQC).

Plus, should you make it all the way through to the RHS with EZ, you have to factor in working for peanuts for the first 8 month contract with the real possibility of being stood down for the winter to make way for the next batch of CTC cadets.

There are just so many variables. But with the possibility of your first job being on a A320, now that's something quite special. So it's not all bad but you pays your money and take your chances or whatever the saying is!?

DCS136

30th Dec 2012, 08:36

119.35 and C_C.

Thank you both for your balanced and thought provoking posts. I have certainly learnt some new information from your observations.

The modular FI route has always been my intention and would be a better fit for my character. I have no great desire to reach the RHS of an A320, I would be far more interested in a long term progressive career with a regional TP operator or charter operation.
I was half-drawn to the CTC route purely because of my age, from reading some posts on here it would appear that age can be a barrier in a lot of cases. However, as 119.35 points out, there are no guarantees in either route so I think I will stick with my original plan, it will certainly be more enjoyable and the extra flying experience will stand me in good stead.

Thanks for your replies.

119.35

30th Dec 2012, 13:50

Age certainly can be a barrier, but generally not so much of an issue in TP and Private Charter operations.

DCS136, I think you have a sound plan and you would be wrong not to explore all avenues which obviously includes CTC Take-Off. I considered it at the time when it first came out and then they were actually offering a discount on the initial courses believe it or not!

I tend to look at training as very much tailoring what's best for you and not what might be considered the best training at the time. Although, if you're 21 and footloose and fancy free, then that's different. But generally career changers have considerations such as partners, mortgages, children and whether that all illusive first job will pay the bills.

Flight instructing used to be a well trodden route into TP operators. It's not as reliable as it once was (what is!?), but it is still a very sound route in. We might get lucky and 'Mad Jock' might say a few words about it?

I would consider going through one of the FTO's that Flybe favour. You never know, in a couple of years time when you are doing your cpl/ir, Flybe might start taking candidates from their preferred modular providers again. And besides, they are all good FTOs, else Flybe wouldn't use them. Or Humberside for Eastern?

Another main consideration that a lot of people over look is what are you are you going to do with your new blue book? You need to have a plan. A lot of people think they will send out a load of CVs and hey presto. This rarely works and how many recruitment online applications have there been this year into airlines that have accepted fresh 200 hr CPL/IRs!?

DCS136, you've obviously considered this as you mention about wanting to instruct. A lot of people see this as a default route into the RHS or if all else fails without really wanting to become an instructor. So it is refreshing to see someone actually want to do it! But getting a FI gig isn't easy either. But leading nicely back into your choice of FTO, a FI with a 1000 hrs plus is an entirely different proposition to a new 200TT pilot. You are no longer in the bottom pile of CVs and where you trained and whether you got first time passes in everything no longer matters. Try and instruct at a regional that has TP and Private Charter operators that you can get to know. But don't under estimate how hard the cpl/ir are and the pressure that it will put you and your family under. It's no walk in the park and you need to have a very supportive missus!