The choice of the first Airline

[watyson]

Hey there,

I was wanting to get some opinions/advice on what are good European commercial airlines to start with ?

I am in my last month of training, and will be passing my CPL,IR and MCC in the month.

I have got lots of colleagues joining Ryanair, maybe is that the way to go ? i have been checking out Wizzair and Wow recently, to then join maybe Easyjet ?

What do you all think ?
Thanks.

[parkfell]

In the absence of lots of offers coming your way, you need to consider the best way to start your apprenticeship.
Go with the first sensible offer with a multi crew operator.

If you want a really solid foundation, consider a turbo prop, flying multi sector days to a variety of airports, flying various approaches. With this experience, you are ideally placed to fly a medium sized jet. A320/B737 etc.

Those with high debt to repay often say that they must start on a jet. This is understandable, and the stronger junior birdmen will transition well.

Get the experience and then the long term job prospects will open up. :ok:

[Anunaki]

I think that you need a reality check. Choice of Airline? there will be thousands of people with the same qualification fighting to get a job, there is no choice sunshine. You will have to apply to whatever is available and hope you are better than the next guy, or even better, work to be better than the next guy. That's not how it works.

[foliot-pilot]

:D What he said. Concentrate on getting a first series CPL/IR and decent MCC first.

[parkfell]

Watyson

Don't be put off by what Anunaki says. I think he has been waiting a while now to move to multi crew flying? The older you get, the likelihood your first job will be turbo-prop.

I agree with foliot-pilot ~ pass your flight tests the first time, and do well on the MCC course. If funds permit, do a MCC/JOC course with an ATO which has a solid reputation.
There is sufficient feedback from previous threads to put you on the right track.

[watyson]

thanks for the advice, will take note !

[flyingmed]

You will be incredibly lucky if you can choose. Apply everywhere and cross your fingers for an interview. Some people have waited years for that first interview, but maybe your lucky and get called straight away.

[Anunaki]

Parkfell

Hahaha What exactly do you know about me?

You are not doing the boy any favours. That's why we are creating a generation of ''whimps'', by sugarcoating everything. Tap him in the back, everything is pink unicorns for the cadet market isn't it? he will get a job straight away I hear...

Help him with the truth.

Watyson

Mate, there is no choice of airlines until you have a few thousands of hours under your belt. Even cadets from reputable schools on whitetail courses, aren't getting a choice.

You are way ahead of yourself, take a step at a time and focus on a good course a be prepared for disappointment.

That's sound advice.

[parkfell]

Anunaki

In common with all those who contribute, I think your posting history can give a clue as to your "state of play" ?

If you were to read my posts a bit more carefully, you would see that I am saying only those who do well will succeed.
The MCC/JOC phase is the most critical part of the initial training, as invariably a jet sim assessment as both PF & PM will determine your fate, not to mention the interview etc.
All elements need appropriate training

[Northern Monkey]

I actually think it is more complicated these days and the OP is asking a valid question, albeit perhaps without realising why.

As a cadet you are arguably at your most valuable in todays recruitment market. Many airlines would prefer to recruit cadets due to cost considerations. Just look at what is happening at British Airways, where experienced pilots are swimming in the holding pool while cadets join the airline and today a new cadet scheme was launched.

Making your first move in aviation the right one is becoming increasingly important in my view, since should you be made redundant at some point, the next lot of cadets behind you will be competing for the jobs, and guess what, in many cases, they'll probably win.

[foliot-pilot]

Even cadets from reputable schools on whitetail courses, aren't getting a choice.


I can confirm this. I finished CTC in the last 4 months or so. No word of a job yet. Lots of guys trying for Ryanair with a low success rate at the moment.

[Anunaki]

Parkfell

I would have waited a little longer or take more consideration with the choices of training available, had I been told the truth. Although I take responsibility for my choices and I know that the industry owes me nothing. My contributions are to ensure that cadets see the industry for what it is. I won't apologise if I sound cynical, I won't sugarcoat anything either.

If he feels discouraged with what I said, then let the 'Lord have mercy on his soul', as he won't last in this industry. Take it for what it is, I am not insulting anyone, we are here to help each other.

[PA28161]

No! You've got that wrong. Most airlines wish to recruit experienced FO's and Captains NOT cadets. Training/TR'ng cadets take time and money.

Take the Monarch scenario, the captains have been/are in the process of being recruited first, then senior FO's, then FO's.

The pilot job market was just looking better until the Monarch fiasco occurred so an even slimmer chance for airlines to think about recruiting cadets

[Cirrussy]

PA28161, what's your experience and background again?

[parkfell]

In fact both experienced guys from Monarch are of immediate interest to airlines, as were/are cadets to EZY with the ink not yet dry on their licences.

Call it luck, or simply right place (ATO) at the right time.

[momo95]

There is no choice for your first job, you literally grab whatever you can find and run.

[AlphaEcho86]

Get a Flight Instructor rating, in the meantime you can start building time and not just that, you will even understand better the syllabus and get a better feel of the aircraft. Salary is not great, but it´s a good stepping stone and if teaching or sharing knowledge with others is something you like doing, go for it.

Now with the open schemes around Europe, most of the flight instructors are leaving the schools and certainly you can find a job there.

[AirbusLover]

Seriously?Best choice of your FIRST airline job?These schools have driven you crazy troops..
Answer: the one you pay to fly.

[Meester proach]

Forget turboprops , forget instructing.

The starter jet airlines - easy and Ryan aren't interested. It's simply if you fit their profile and pass the tests, and can buy the TR.

Nobody cares for hours building anymore - I do t think this is a good thing but my young colleagues who mostly come from RYR tell me this is the case.

[WestonFlyer]

There is no choice

[Tangozulu28]

I don't know what is your age, but it seems to be you have a problem with the reality.

By the way, if I have a piece of advice, just take all selections as you can.