Going for ATPL

[Old_Belgian_Student]

Hello,

I'd like to introduce myself (being a newby here). I'm 31 and by profession an engineer in construction. Last year, after 6 years of extensive experience in the construction business as site-manager and project manager, i decided the time had come to go in pursuit of my dream to become an airline pilot. So far I have completed the theoretical examinations for ATPL in The Netherlands, and as of today i'm a happy holder of a valid Class 1 Medical. I'm now looking for a good flight-school to get a proper training to prepare myself for the practical CPL-IR examination. After that I'll probably need many hours and MCC to get to my goal: ATPL and a job in an(y)airline :)
I've noticed many discussions going on about pro/contra getting tuition in EU or USA,(FAA/JAA). Before i spend my hard-earned savings to the last penny, i'd like to be well informed and therefore i seek advice...
So, dear reader, whether you be a student pilot hanging somewhere in the process of becoming an airline pilot, or whether you are a professional pilot, 'I'm all ears'!!!
Many thanks for your attention!

Regards,

OBS

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edited to correct typo

[This message has been edited by Old_Belgian_Student (edited 09 April 2001).]

[Tristar Freak]

Since you have completed the exams in the Netherlands, you will have to take the flying training in the Netherlands as well. That is my understanding of the JAA regulations. If I have mis-understood then I am sure someoen will correct me.

Here are some links to some schools in NL:

http://www.nls.nl/
http://www.seppe.nl/
http://www.kls.nl/

be warned though, these schools will discriminate against your age.

[jlms]

Tristar,

Why should these schools discriminate because of age??? If anything it will be future employers who will be more weary about the age.

Anyhow, Old Belgian Student, track down the posts on the age business and you'll find many people who started later than you.

Go for it!!!!!!

jlms

[This message has been edited by jlms (edited 09 April 2001).]

[Flypuppy]

Here are a few more links to other Dutch websites that may be of use:

http://www.martinairvliegschool.nl/
http://www.dfa-fto.nl/
http://www.epst.com/
http://www.ph-nav.nl/
http://www.vliegopleiding.nl/

I know that the KLS will not accept anyone who was born before 1974 on to their courses. This is from a telephone call I had with them a couple of months ago. Things may have changed since then though.

[Old_Belgian_Student]

Thank you so far for all the usefull url's...
Concerning the age issue, i think future employers will appreciate the fact that i worked successfully as an engineer in order to save the fortune little by little to cover tuition expenses... Or do you seriously think being 32 or 33 is too late to start an airline carreer?

Regards,

OBS

[Flypuppy]

Airlines will consider you on your merits and qualifications. Basically if you have all the right bits of paper they will then look at your personality and experience coupled with your "portable skills" (ie management experience, PC skills etc). 31-32 is most certainly not too old.

For some odd reason many of the Dutch schools won't accept people on to their courses if you are over 28. Seems bizarre to me, but there you go thats the way it is.