Where is best to train?

[Shadowpurser]

I'm interested in becoming a pilot and have significant funds to do so. However there seems to be a multitude of places to do this e.g. oxford, US, South Africa, etc. NOW! I already have done my time at B.A. 4 1/2 years as PSR but it's gettin a bit dull and wage s are not going to get significantly better. There are different schools of thought from various pilot friends but if I want to get a job with B.A. for example what would I have to do? ( I am too old for the cadetship 27, 28 this year). I know times are tough at the moment but I'm confident they will get better. SO.... anyone with thoughts on where is best, how long it's gonna take, and how much it's gonna cost, would be great. I don't mind spending more cash for a better chance of getting a job - for example done OXFORD U.K. look better on a C.V. than Port Elizabeth S.A.? Please any responses greatly recieved. Thanx people!!

[jonathang]

I am in a similar position as you are in trying to decide where to do the training.. .. .Best thing to do first seems to buy a book called.. .. .Guide to Getting a Commercial Pilots Licence. .By Clive Hughes.. .. .Use the search facility on the site and u will find many people have asked the same questions before.. .. .Thanks

[JT8]

As the above post states, buy the Clive Hughes book. If training full time it will take just over one year, and cost a minimum of about £35k (modular) or £49k (integrated) excluding living expenses. . .The benefits of each route have been debated many times on pprune so I would suggest a search on 'integrated vs modular' or similar. . .. .I'm working to save money for a bit, but have decided on an integrated course at Cabair. BA seem very keen on BAE Systems in Jerez. My advise would be to have a chat with someone in the Compass Centre - they should be able to give you some good advice. . .. .Best of luck,. .JT8. . . . <small>[ 10 March 2002, 18:12: Message edited by: JT8 ]</small>

[BIRGIL27]

Shadowpurser. .. . I have been getting myself together for the past year and deciding where to train. Well I have been lucky enough to speak to certain people who are involved in major airline pilot selection.. . First point that comes across most often is Hours. Obviously jet are preffered. Also they can obtain how well and how times you took your exames.. . So it seems that you will need to choose a school who is going to give you wide a spectrum of experience in weather, a/c, ATC environments and top-class teaching.. .. . I myself have always had three schools recommended to me Oxford, Jerez and West Michigan. All with great or growing reputations.. .Oxford has had rumors of placing self sponsored pilots second to airline sponsored. There is a discussion about it now "Oxford bad for self sponsored?". I suggest you make your mind up about that one by using evidence from the debate.. .. .If you want to hear more of my wise words (dribble to some) and what I thought when I visited the schools! Email me.. .. .Good Luck! I know it's difficult to choose.

[259dww]

I am currently at Oxford and highly recommend it for your training. It is a lot more expensive than most of the other schools but it probably does look good on your CV and it is/was the chosen school for BA cadets so the quality isn;t really in doubt. It can be a frustrating experience though as there are changes happening there at the moment and often news takes ages to filter down to the students (if at all!). Good Luck deciding!