30ies and looking at starting training... modular folks please chime in? (EU)

[mclovin5891]

Good day all, first time poster, long time lurker here!

Long story short, having always considered/wanted to become a pilot, I'm at a stage in my life now where I am ready to make that move. 31, solid foundation of experience in IT Project Management so there's my backup if it ever all goes tits up becoming a pilot.
Looking at the modular routes, as the integrated/MPL courses are just too costly, plus I hope to be able to work and train to continue building my nest egg.

Still stumped at how this works in the EU - are we modular folks expected to go all the way to (F)ATPL on our own time then pay for type ratings before even having a chance of landing a job? Seems like the US has it easier in that respect, 1500hrs TT, far more low-hour pilot jobs available.. or am I just not finding the right information here? Any sort of information or insight as to your own experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[portsharbourflyer]

In the US everyone has to do GA work Instructing, survey, FO on part 23 types, para dropping and such to build 1500 hours before they are even allowed to undertake a type rating on a part 25 type. These hour building jobs will be low paid, but when they get 1500 hours the type rating will be covered by the airline and the pay will be good. The 1500 hour rule doubled salaries for Regional FOs in the US.


By contrast in the EU the commonly accepted practice is to pay 30k for a rating at 200 hours.

Alot on here will tell you modular is equal to integrated. Modular infact gives the opportunity for hour building that can be far more constructive and challenging than the 70 hours of student solo on an integrated course.

While in 2019 more operators started to recognise modular post covid it is apparent integrated schools are still dominating recruitment again.

Your age is no issue. The secret to succeeding in flying is being able to relocate any where on not much money for 3 to 5 years.

[rudestuff]

are we modular folks expected to go all the way to (F)ATPL on our own time then pay for type ratings before even having a chance of landing a job? Seems like the US has it easier in that respect, 1500hrs TT, far more low-hour pilot jobs available.. or am I just not finding the right information here?
Pretty much. That's the worse case scenario but I would expect things to get much better as the supply of pilots dries up. Aviation is cyclical, and due to the training time of 1-2 years there are usually too many pilots or too many jobs. There are still airlines that hire cadets, and one of the best ways into the industry is via a ground based job.

[mclovin5891]

Thanks all! Looks like some hard decisions need to be made. I am a US citizen living in the EU in the process of applying for citizenship here, which would necessitate giving up my US citizenship and thus closing the door to training and living stateside. I do plan on retiring here in the EU so that's something also to consider. However, I also have Hong Kong PR, which would mean that the CX Cadet Pilot programme is also an option, but from everything I've read and heard speaking to people on the inside, that seems like a crap shoot (years as an SO with non-transferable hours, working conditions on the decline)...

[Alicantino92]

Maybe no answers to your questions but I am in exactly the same situation: 31 years old, living in NL, working in IT as a developer and planning to start modular flight training this year if I pass the medical examination next month.

My plan is roughly as follows:

PPL + ATPL theory (Austrocontrol) to be done in the Netherlands,
Hour building tbd,
URPT, CPL ME/IR at Bartolini Air/Adriana/Smart Aviation/Global Aviation/DFA,
APS-MCC at AFA/VA/Simtech/Simnet/EPST

Note: All ATOs in no particular order.

Happy to get in touch with you!

[Speed_Trim_Fail]

Still stumped at how this works in the EU - are we modular folks expected to go all the way to (F)ATPL on our own time then pay for type ratings before even having a chance of landing a job? Seems like the US has it easier in that respect, 1500hrs TT, far more low-hour pilot jobs available.. or am I just not finding the right information here? Any sort of information or insight as to your own experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Of the modular students I know who have got jobs post Covid in the UK, precisely one has paid for a type rating. The rest have got jobs bonded onto aircraft varying from the ATR to the 757. The “you have to pay for a type rating trope” needs to die a death, there are a lot more airlines out there than RYR; as a modular student with life experience under your belt you are in a position to network and do the legwork that can result in some amazing opportunities.

If you think the US has it easy you have missed out on how things were at the regionals in very recent history. That said, right now if you have a US passport and aren’t flying out there then you need to take a long hard look at your decision making. Lifestyle and money are better in the states.

[paco]

Changing citizenship doesn't preclude you training in the US. You could also look at Canada, particularly Harv's Air in Winnipeg

Phil

[selfin]

paco, you are clearly a committed fan of Harv’s Air. Can you say a bit more about the place?

[paco]

They're great guys, get on with the job, well respected by Transport Canada and there are nearly 300 clear days a year, so no interruptions.

[rudestuff]

Why would you need to give up your US citizenship?

[Dre93]

hi!

I want to send you a PM but your inbox is full.
can you send me a PM?

Maybe no answers to your questions but I am in exactly the same situation: 31 years old, living in NL, working in IT as a developer and planning to start modular flight training this year if I pass the medical examination next month.

My plan is roughly as follows:

PPL + ATPL theory (Austrocontrol) to be done in the Netherlands,
Hour building tbd,
URPT, CPL ME/IR at Bartolini Air/Adriana/Smart Aviation/Global Aviation/DFA,
APS-MCC at AFA/VA/Simtech/Simnet/EPST

Note: All ATOs in no particular order.

Happy to get in touch with you!

[Alicantino92]

hi!

I want to send you a PM but your inbox is full.
can you send me a PM?

Dre93, PM sent.

Alicantino92