What's the best route to be a commercial airline pilot?
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Im sorry to say this but u aint got a hope if u fail the medical the best thing to do is look at the medical requirments needed u can find these easily. If u want to be a pilot as much as u say u will b able to go out get fit an lose weight if u cant do this then u should really ask yourself the question is this really the job want.
PPRuNe Knight in Shining Armour
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The medical is crucial to getting an ATPL, but as you're only 16 I think you'll physically change quite a lot between now and say 18.
I presume you are progressing towards a PPL, or at least doing some flying. If you're looking at a sponsorship they tend to like some flying experience.
The other important thing is to make sure you do reasonably well with the GCSE and A-level exams, this is also what "they" look for.
Good luck.
I presume you are progressing towards a PPL, or at least doing some flying. If you're looking at a sponsorship they tend to like some flying experience.
The other important thing is to make sure you do reasonably well with the GCSE and A-level exams, this is also what "they" look for.
Good luck.
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I would'nt worry about your weight, so long as your healthy with low cholesterol levels etc etc you should be fine. I remember meeting a guy who shall remain nameless, he flys professionally and he is emmm "not thin". Dont worry yourself about it just go down to your local GP and get a checkup on things like cholesterol / sugar levels / blood pressure etc etc and it may be worth it to get more active anyway not necessarily to loose weight but when you do get to train and eventually work you gotta be resonabley "energetic"
Last edited by FLYbyWIT; 19th Dec 2003 at 19:51.
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First question to myself is, "Why am I typing this on Christmas Day?" - well, after all that Turkey and Lager, I'm kinda stuffed (no pun intended) - a bit of browsing the web should take my mind off things.
After reading this post (albeit slight repetition over the last few years) there does seem to be an awful lot of varying opinion over the usefulness of a degree and whether to do this course or that... or even forget the degree because why pay "2 loans instead of one?"
I'm 21. In my final year of a four-year degree. My degree is computing oriented. It has absolutely nothing to do with flying. When I was 18 I was so nieve and simple, that I took the degree on the basis that within a few months I would have been snapped up by an airline to begin a cadet pilot course. How wrong I was !
nearly 4 years later, I'm nearly graduated. I did an Industrial Placement, again, not airline related. Anyone serious about a degree these days needs to realise that EVERYONE HAS A DEGREE - what makes you stand out? SOMETHING ELSE! - Go to a rainforest for 6 months and save some trees. Visit a game park and herd some elephants - do a work placement and put your degree into practice - show that you can do it - show that you dont just turn up to lectures and hand in assignments that are predominantly plagiarised via other sources.
On the other hand, perhaps you are a "gung-ho", "all-out-for-it" , "die-hard" wannabee who WILL become a pilot at any cost. Brilliant attitude, and one that I constantly strive to achieve, but let's be realistic, there's probably several thousand of us out there and we need something that little bit extra to stand out above the rest.
If you're relatively young, 18, 19, 20 ish, like me, do a degree. Have yourself a fallback plan - the airlines will always recruit - but keep your options open. Airlines want a businessman/women flying their aircraft these days - they want someone who can show good management skills and organise the resources they have at their disposal - how does a graduate or twenty-something year old show that when they've just come out of education and are looking to start their career? They can't.
So how about organising your life and career paths in an "managed" fashion. Sort out your plans and build yourself some backup. Set some goals, meet some targets, cover yourself - and be prepared to accept mistakes and learn from them. Surely that's what being a good manager (and a pilot?) is all about?
Merry Christmas everyone.
After reading this post (albeit slight repetition over the last few years) there does seem to be an awful lot of varying opinion over the usefulness of a degree and whether to do this course or that... or even forget the degree because why pay "2 loans instead of one?"
I'm 21. In my final year of a four-year degree. My degree is computing oriented. It has absolutely nothing to do with flying. When I was 18 I was so nieve and simple, that I took the degree on the basis that within a few months I would have been snapped up by an airline to begin a cadet pilot course. How wrong I was !
nearly 4 years later, I'm nearly graduated. I did an Industrial Placement, again, not airline related. Anyone serious about a degree these days needs to realise that EVERYONE HAS A DEGREE - what makes you stand out? SOMETHING ELSE! - Go to a rainforest for 6 months and save some trees. Visit a game park and herd some elephants - do a work placement and put your degree into practice - show that you can do it - show that you dont just turn up to lectures and hand in assignments that are predominantly plagiarised via other sources.
On the other hand, perhaps you are a "gung-ho", "all-out-for-it" , "die-hard" wannabee who WILL become a pilot at any cost. Brilliant attitude, and one that I constantly strive to achieve, but let's be realistic, there's probably several thousand of us out there and we need something that little bit extra to stand out above the rest.
If you're relatively young, 18, 19, 20 ish, like me, do a degree. Have yourself a fallback plan - the airlines will always recruit - but keep your options open. Airlines want a businessman/women flying their aircraft these days - they want someone who can show good management skills and organise the resources they have at their disposal - how does a graduate or twenty-something year old show that when they've just come out of education and are looking to start their career? They can't.
So how about organising your life and career paths in an "managed" fashion. Sort out your plans and build yourself some backup. Set some goals, meet some targets, cover yourself - and be prepared to accept mistakes and learn from them. Surely that's what being a good manager (and a pilot?) is all about?
Merry Christmas everyone.
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Hi all
I decided not to go to uni, because just like many others, the debt situation wouldn't help, but prevent you from getting on with your flight training.
Coming out of uni with a debt of £10k + , then planning to start professional flight training - unless your damn rich or have won the national lottery, it would be wise to avoid uni because of the financial situation.
If your already heavily in debt, and then require a bank loan for flying, your chances would be quite slim, because the bank would see your already in debt, and would be worried about you paying back the money owed.
Yes, a degree is a great thing to have as a fall back or an alternative to flying, but as flight training is expensive and a degree is not essential, I would personally stick to the path of saving for PPL (showing commitment and dedication for flying), and then go for a loan, your chances in my opinion would be far greater...
.. this is what i'm doing.
You can go to uni at any stage in life, I personally believe it's best to deal with your dream/greater expense first and then consider uni if things don't work out (but at least you'll still have your flying qualifications + experience if that flying job comes along).
Anyway, good luck with your degree, and I wish you all the best
I decided not to go to uni, because just like many others, the debt situation wouldn't help, but prevent you from getting on with your flight training.
Coming out of uni with a debt of £10k + , then planning to start professional flight training - unless your damn rich or have won the national lottery, it would be wise to avoid uni because of the financial situation.
If your already heavily in debt, and then require a bank loan for flying, your chances would be quite slim, because the bank would see your already in debt, and would be worried about you paying back the money owed.
Yes, a degree is a great thing to have as a fall back or an alternative to flying, but as flight training is expensive and a degree is not essential, I would personally stick to the path of saving for PPL (showing commitment and dedication for flying), and then go for a loan, your chances in my opinion would be far greater...
.. this is what i'm doing.
You can go to uni at any stage in life, I personally believe it's best to deal with your dream/greater expense first and then consider uni if things don't work out (but at least you'll still have your flying qualifications + experience if that flying job comes along).
Anyway, good luck with your degree, and I wish you all the best
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Hi all,
I must agree with Spike001.
I am a Belgian Pilot, and education on the other side of the channel is a bit different.
Anyway, I wanted to study at the university, but I was offered a job if I changed my study from Science to Mechanical. I took the opportunity, ended up working for this guy for almost 8 years. In the mean time I used my spare time to
- study to become a pilot (usual way PPL-CPL/IR-fATPL) +
- take a second job to pay for studies mentioned above.
When I started my CPL, I was told the outlook was very positive (talking 1996, and doing everything in spare time, so no day course).
2000: After graduating, and in the middle of applying for a job (had 2 interviews, discussing about a third) rules changed to JAR.
All of a sudden I needen ME and MCC. no more prospect for a pilot job until I got these. To make mathers worse, The guy I was working for (day time job) went bankrupt.
All I could do was contract work (not aviation related) as the otheer guy I worked for could not afford a full time employee, yet I did succeed in getting an ME/IR.
I have no more "IoweU" left (bank has been refunded), and moved to Glasgow.
The strongest advice I can give to you young Wannabees (I'm 33 BTW) DO NOT THINK THAT FINISHING A TRAINING (no matter what training) WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A JOB.
I must agree with Spike001.
I am a Belgian Pilot, and education on the other side of the channel is a bit different.
Anyway, I wanted to study at the university, but I was offered a job if I changed my study from Science to Mechanical. I took the opportunity, ended up working for this guy for almost 8 years. In the mean time I used my spare time to
- study to become a pilot (usual way PPL-CPL/IR-fATPL) +
- take a second job to pay for studies mentioned above.
When I started my CPL, I was told the outlook was very positive (talking 1996, and doing everything in spare time, so no day course).
2000: After graduating, and in the middle of applying for a job (had 2 interviews, discussing about a third) rules changed to JAR.
All of a sudden I needen ME and MCC. no more prospect for a pilot job until I got these. To make mathers worse, The guy I was working for (day time job) went bankrupt.
All I could do was contract work (not aviation related) as the otheer guy I worked for could not afford a full time employee, yet I did succeed in getting an ME/IR.
I have no more "IoweU" left (bank has been refunded), and moved to Glasgow.
The strongest advice I can give to you young Wannabees (I'm 33 BTW) DO NOT THINK THAT FINISHING A TRAINING (no matter what training) WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A JOB.
PPRuNe Handmaiden
It is absolutely essential you have other skills other than flying to survive in this world.
You have to be very flexible. I have washed aircraft/cleaned offices etc until I could get a start flying. I have other qualifications as well.
Here's something for you all to think about.
Checkboard (the tech log moderator) has about 7500 hours, about 6000 on jets. Ansett collapsed leaving him and many other as experienced pilots out of work in Australia. He found it very difficult to get another job outside of aviation. After a year he gave up on Oz and came to the UK. Now he had to convert his licence a JAR one. In the meantime while waiting for an interview he looked for work. Was his flying quals and experience useful? Not to any one other than airlines. His job? Pouring beer at the local pub. Fortunately, he's now flying 737's again so he's happy.
My quals weren't recognised here either. I ended up in ops for 6 months before I started flying.
I feel the UK seems to be blindly advising folks to get a degree. Why not get a trade that you can use even after you are flying. Plumber, electrician, mechanic, even better aviation technician are all very useful skills to have. Every one needs their car serviced, houses wired and plumbed. Many of these trades will help with the ATPL study too, esp electrical and mechanical studies.
You have to be very flexible. I have washed aircraft/cleaned offices etc until I could get a start flying. I have other qualifications as well.
Here's something for you all to think about.
Checkboard (the tech log moderator) has about 7500 hours, about 6000 on jets. Ansett collapsed leaving him and many other as experienced pilots out of work in Australia. He found it very difficult to get another job outside of aviation. After a year he gave up on Oz and came to the UK. Now he had to convert his licence a JAR one. In the meantime while waiting for an interview he looked for work. Was his flying quals and experience useful? Not to any one other than airlines. His job? Pouring beer at the local pub. Fortunately, he's now flying 737's again so he's happy.
My quals weren't recognised here either. I ended up in ops for 6 months before I started flying.
I feel the UK seems to be blindly advising folks to get a degree. Why not get a trade that you can use even after you are flying. Plumber, electrician, mechanic, even better aviation technician are all very useful skills to have. Every one needs their car serviced, houses wired and plumbed. Many of these trades will help with the ATPL study too, esp electrical and mechanical studies.
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Well this is what I was doing along side school, being a labourer/gardener, and now been doing it full time for 3 yrs now.
It's a good job to get into; it keeps you both fit and healthy while bringing in a good bit of cash for the flying. When I complete my training, even if I haven't found a job by then, this job will definitely prove as a bonus to pay back the loan, as there is always work about.... though a winter alternative would be sensible.
It's a good job to get into; it keeps you both fit and healthy while bringing in a good bit of cash for the flying. When I complete my training, even if I haven't found a job by then, this job will definitely prove as a bonus to pay back the loan, as there is always work about.... though a winter alternative would be sensible.
A friend of mine is a bit of a dosser - never has a job more than 6 months before he packs his rucksack and treks off to South East Asia or similar for an adventure. Anyway - 30 approaches and he decided he needs to get a sensible job for a little while to get a deposit together for a small house somewhere.
Looks at his last 10 years and finds he has worked in about 40 different bars, pubs and clubs. Puts together his CV and sends it to an agency. Within a day he had 6 interviews lined up and 3 of them turned into offers. He is now a manager of a TGI Fridays on £28,000 with some resonable benefits.
He's never earned more than £6/hr before and can't believe it.
He has an Anthropology degree from a very well respected University in the NW and superb school qualifications. Yet its his bar work experience that resulted in a flood of decent job offers.
Cheers
WWW
Looks at his last 10 years and finds he has worked in about 40 different bars, pubs and clubs. Puts together his CV and sends it to an agency. Within a day he had 6 interviews lined up and 3 of them turned into offers. He is now a manager of a TGI Fridays on £28,000 with some resonable benefits.
He's never earned more than £6/hr before and can't believe it.
He has an Anthropology degree from a very well respected University in the NW and superb school qualifications. Yet its his bar work experience that resulted in a flood of decent job offers.
Cheers
WWW
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Curious, route pilot?
Hello all
Just curious, to some of the High Flyers, I have heard rumors that some airlines use "route" (or some other name) pilots for long hauls. I was just wondering what the qualifications are for such a person might be if such a position does exsist?
I am an old rotorhead with 9000 + hrs, atpl(H), IFR, Multi, all but 100 hrs is turbine, and good solid IMC time. Again just curious to see if the rumor is true and if possible.
Thanks
Just curious, to some of the High Flyers, I have heard rumors that some airlines use "route" (or some other name) pilots for long hauls. I was just wondering what the qualifications are for such a person might be if such a position does exsist?
I am an old rotorhead with 9000 + hrs, atpl(H), IFR, Multi, all but 100 hrs is turbine, and good solid IMC time. Again just curious to see if the rumor is true and if possible.
Thanks
Last edited by Thumper2; 13th Jul 2004 at 20:10.
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Not flying for airlines myself, but as far as I know...
I believe that you are reffering to is (what I know as) cruise pilots. A long haul flight may have more than one crew, the second crew including the most junior member (may be called a second officer, but that phrase is entirely company specific) would operate for the middle portion of the flight.
I may be wrong but I would assume that this position is merely a stepping stone to 'first officer' status and is basically used as a temporary means of keeping the salary low for that pilot in the meantime. The quals would be a frozen ATPL(A).
I was also under the impression that these pilots were generally very young and a t the beginning of their careers and anyone who has had an oportunity to amass 9000 turbine rotary hours might be a bit old for the slot!
I do stand by to be corrected!
I believe that you are reffering to is (what I know as) cruise pilots. A long haul flight may have more than one crew, the second crew including the most junior member (may be called a second officer, but that phrase is entirely company specific) would operate for the middle portion of the flight.
I may be wrong but I would assume that this position is merely a stepping stone to 'first officer' status and is basically used as a temporary means of keeping the salary low for that pilot in the meantime. The quals would be a frozen ATPL(A).
I was also under the impression that these pilots were generally very young and a t the beginning of their careers and anyone who has had an oportunity to amass 9000 turbine rotary hours might be a bit old for the slot!
I do stand by to be corrected!
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route to sucess
Hi everyone, have just started learning to fly, and going for my ppl, as an engineer who's left work and going for a engineering degree and his pilots license can anyone tell me the route to sucess wether it be pilot or engineering ground crew and where to start really?
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Route to Success
I,like many others have a dream of one day working for an airline (would love a nice regional t.p job).I am 28yrs of age have ppl/night 80hrs and starting IMC training within the next couple weeks.I plan to start CPL modular ground school(Bristol)about easter time!Once CPL training is complete i will be aiming to enroll on an instructors course to build hours and experience.One problem with this is my school results from 14 years ago!Studied for Scottish standard grades,english 4/D science 3/C geography 3/C tech studies 4/D and i have been going to night school for two months to improve my maths grade,which i have been getting A`s on all homework!I joined the fleet air arm at sixteen and served for six years around the world.Would these school grades put off airlines when looking at my c.v on selection? Considering i would have passed CPL training? (also have predicted result in maths of B)Sorry for my life history,but this is playing on my mind!
PLEASE HELP!
PLEASE HELP!
Last edited by pipertommy; 21st Nov 2004 at 20:14.
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Hello mate i think there shouldnt be any problems with your grade well look if airline need pilot they will take anyone i know my mate he did his training in florida jar approved and he had 260hr tt and atpl with ir offcourse and he applied to easyjet and they calle dme for intervoew and now that lucky git is second officer so mate dnt put ur hopes down just try ur best and u will get there eventually, but normally airlines are more conserened about age limits and **** i am not sure about that.
I know a guy with two CSE's (remember those!) and he's a Dash 8 training captain.
Enjoy the flying, work hard, take an interest in the people and industry and try not to be distacted by all the moaning.
Say Hi to Martin Barnes. I did my flying scholarship at BFC too many years ago!
Regards
WM
Enjoy the flying, work hard, take an interest in the people and industry and try not to be distacted by all the moaning.
Say Hi to Martin Barnes. I did my flying scholarship at BFC too many years ago!
Regards
WM
Training orgs don't care so long as you can pay!
Don't know about CTC scemes etc. I hour built then CPL/IR upgrade.
Do research on the courses and travel around and talk to some studes, don't just go for the cheapest, you might end up sat on backside more than flying because the only twin is u/s
And don't pay too much up-front. I did my CPL/IR with SFT who seemed a good organisation, but went bust (after I'd finished)
Did some ground school at BFC and have found them to be excellent.
PM me for any other info
(getting payed to fly still brings a smile to my face! sad but true)
Don't know about CTC scemes etc. I hour built then CPL/IR upgrade.
Do research on the courses and travel around and talk to some studes, don't just go for the cheapest, you might end up sat on backside more than flying because the only twin is u/s
And don't pay too much up-front. I did my CPL/IR with SFT who seemed a good organisation, but went bust (after I'd finished)
Did some ground school at BFC and have found them to be excellent.
PM me for any other info
(getting payed to fly still brings a smile to my face! sad but true)