Which MMC APS to choose in UK

[sposner]

Hi
Im about to finish my MEIR and intend to widen my opportunities for jobs as much as possible. So intend to apply to airlines as well as busjets and corporates.
I have a CPL and the ATPL exams under the UK CAA.
I will be looking to do the MMC APS course shortly after I finish the MEIR. I have been advised to do my research carefully.
I heard of a few good places like VA Aviation in Cambridge, CRM, Jet master class…
I am aware that these centres are feeder courses into particular airlines.

Does anyone know which centres I should consider for which airlines? I live in North London with a family and not willing to relocate. So can consider airlines that fly out of Luton, Stansted, Heathrow. Any other considerations I should be aware of when selecting a course?

MTIA.

[parkfell]

Visit the ATOs that you have listed before deciding.
I see from a previous post that you are aged 53 this month. Whilst that is just a number, the majority of airlines don’t take that pragmatic view.
Historically aged 40 was the cut off to go jet & that is with previous turboprop experience. You are deemed by virtue of age to be a training risk & will possibly be required to fund any type rating.

Having said that, the MCC/APS course will be the hardest training to date. The learning curve will be steep. Only punctilious preparation on your part will produce satisfactory progress. The HoT will be totally honest as to your prospects if you ask the right Q.
Turboprop operators are your best bet. Loganair or similar but as you can’t / won’t relocate your options are even more limited?

Always interested in feedback post APS completion.

[sposner]

Thank you for the detailed and honest response. It is because I am aware of my age that I enquired with a senior figure at EasyJet as to my prospects. His view was very different in as much as - If we can get 10 years out of a pilot nowadays, we are happy. And was advised to make an application when ready.
Notwithstanding his response, I agree with you my age might be an issue which is why I was veering initially towards turboprop operators for the reasons you mentioned.
I will be considering these too.
Can you please expand on this area from your knowledge/experience, companies, names, etc....If I get an offer from one of these I would seriously consider.

Thanks

[DMavsPilot]

I did mine with JMC and found the instructors very helpful and patient. They focus purely on manual flying during the MCC, and more on automation throughout the APS. I have heard good things about VA also.

[rudestuff]

De-age yourself. Don't put your age on your CV and limit how far back your work history goes. They'll find out at some stage, but it might help you through the initial sift with some of the less scrupulous carriers who ignore age discrimination laws.

[sposner]

I did mine with JMC and found the instructors very helpful and patient. They focus purely on manual flying during the MCC, and more on automation throughout the APS. I have heard good things about VA also.

Thanks for that. Do you know which airline/s they feed into?

[clarkeysntfc]

You won't get in to EZY as a cadet modular student unless things change.

[Planner01]

You won't get in to EZY as a cadet modular student unless things change.
Based on what I've heard, yes, but I do know one modular guy who they took on recently but he's a natural pilot and could probably fly anything. He could fly a SID inverted.

[PPRuNeUser0203]

Based on what I've heard, yes, but I do know one modular guy who they took on recently but he's a natural pilot and could probably fly anything. He could fly a SID inverted.

So, if you can get in front of the right person and demonstrate you have what it takes, it’s possible.

[Alex Whittingham]

It's speculative, but things may indeed change at EZY. When CAE were awarded the exclusive contract one of the training captains on their recruitment team told me that it was exclusive only as long as CAE were able to supply the quality and quantity of output that EZY wanted. If they fell behind EZY were free to recruit from anywhere. See recent posts about how well the CAE EZY MPL program is going. What I don't know is what EZY's current requirements are. Their recruitment team should be at the Pilot Careers Live show at LHR this weekend so I will ask.

[sposner]

That would be awesome Alex.
Would really appreciate that. Thanks.

[VariablePitchP]

Visit the ATOs that you have listed before deciding.
I see from a previous post that you are aged 53 this month. Whilst that is just a number, the majority of airlines don’t take that pragmatic view.
Historically aged 40 was the cut off to go jet & that is with previous turboprop experience. You are deemed by virtue of age to be a training risk & will possibly be required to fund any type rating.

Having said that, the MCC/APS course will be the hardest training to date. The learning curve will be steep. Only punctilious preparation on your part will produce satisfactory progress. The HoT will be totally honest as to your prospects if you ask the right Q.
Turboprop operators are your best bet. Loganair or similar but as you can’t / won’t relocate your options are even more limited?

Always interested in feedback post APS completion.

Not 1976 anymore, most people go straight into a jet. How many turboprop pilots do you think there actually are in the uk!

OP, get the MCC somewhere at least semi-reputable and carpet bomb applications. Wizz, BA Euroflyer, Jet2 apprenticeship etc etc.

There’s jobs out there, your age won’t matter if you’re good enough. If anything you may inadvertently tick a diversity box and get a leg up.

[parkfell]

…There’s jobs out there, your age won’t matter if you’re good enough….

Entirely correct…and the MCC/APS course will be the acid test which will demonstrate individuals learning curve.