bjkeates

Actually, wildweasel81, knowing dahawg123 I would rate him 10 out of 10 in terms of maturity. Can you really not take a joke (which it obviously was)? I think the point he has tried to put across in his last few posts about posting too much is actually very valid, and one you might not necessarily appreciate until you're actually out here. I know I didn't at first (yes, I've endured the endless mickey-taking from others out here about posting from aboard SQ321 on the Boeing Connexion service - you learn the hard way sometimes!), but I certainly do now.

I would agree that, in my experience, the selection process is designed such that it will prevent people who aren't up to the standard from getting through and on to the course; at the same time, however, I do agree that posting intricate details of everything that happens on a selection day is possibly giving some people an unfair advantage. No matter how rigorous the selection is and how diligent and informed the selection team are with what they require, if people can actively prepare for something specific that they've been told on here and are able to offer an account of themselves which may not completely reflect the "real thing", besides giving a misleading impression they are also putting themselves at a fair amount of risk. The selection process is there for a reason, i.e. to filter out candidates who are not suitable. If unsuitable candidates manage to give a false impression going on intricate details they've learned from this forum and get on to the course, they are honestly doing themselves no favours and are merely devaluing the selection process for everyone else. It's not a question of rocket science, it's merely a question of common sense.

I would be lying if I said I didn't read PPrune before I went to selection and tried to pick up as much as I could; I also am willing to offer a certain amount of advice in the same way that dahawg123 did above and also with things such as travel arrangements and accommodation for the selection days, and also what things are like out here in NZ. I don't see anything wrong with that and I appreciate the views about "helping fellow potential aviators" as people have mentioned earlier. I do think, however, that posting every single little intricate detail about every selection day is going too far and in some ways defeats the whole point of it.

scroggs

Too much detail is a waste of time. I have been involved in recruiting in many ways, including interviewing wannabe pilots, for many years. I could tell you every question I have ever asked (if i could remember them), every test I've employed, and every indirect selection procedure I've sneakily adopted, and the same people would fail as would if that information was never available.

There are no 'right' answers to interview questions other than name, age and address. All else is negotiable, and it will be your attitude and the thought that goes into your replies that will determine whether the interviewer thinks you are worth investing in or not.

Aptitude tests evolve and develop, but it's fairly easy to spot those who've had some practice. Many aptitude tests are intended to measure (or at least indicate) your ability to learn and improve. Not much scope for that if you've spent several days and nights practising the tests!

Group exercises and discussions are constructed to watch you as part of, or leading, a team. We look at your overall character, your response to provocation and pressure, a sense of responsibility, evidence of some thought going into your actions, and an awareness of the consequences on others of the course you choose to take.

Inevitably, the vast majority of wannabes are young. You are inexperienced at life, and your responses to inputs are rarely polished or complete. That is taken into account; if FTOs were looking for fully-rounded, mature individuals, no-one under 35 would get a look in - and with the new legislation in place, that's a possibility!

You cannot learn to pass these selection procedures. If a little bit of information helps offset the unfamiliarity of the situation and gives you a little bit of an extra confidence boost, that's fine. But you will be seen through if you are a bulls*tter, cocky, arrogant, know-it-all, or in any other way demonstrably unsuitable for our field. That doesn't mean the selection procedure can't make mistakes; it can - and you will meet the results of those mistakes throughout your careers. But it's still a very good filter (in most companies and FTOs), and it will see through those who've inappropriately over-prepared.

Scroggs

wildweasel81

I'd also add that when a candidate does a PILAPT/COMPASS test they achieve the score that they are capable of - however, even if they had another go or more practise, theoretically they can only ever improve by one point. So in that regard, you either have 'it' or not.

And as scroggs said, if you're an arrogant tw*t then it's very difficult to hide - most people like that don't see anything wrong with themselves!

Also, I can take a joke, but, the CTC vs OAT slagging match is quite immature and unprofessional - and usually only continued by those who are either wanting to get on the courses or have been denied a place. I would have expected a cadet to rise above that kind of stuff. I know it's supposed to be a joke but there's no smoke without fire...

Rj111

I have practised a few apptitude tests recently to determine if i was actually capable or not before i spent 176 odd on stage 2. Judging by that i have decided to give it a go but will this now effect my scope to 'learn' within the assessment?

Troy McClure

On the couple of tests where it gave a score and said you had to improve each time, on one I dropped a point on the second attempt, and on the other I got the same score each time.

I passed.

If you're not so good but show improvement, you may pass. If you score highly throughout, you're bound to pass, so do the best you can.

Delta452

Well Ive just returned home from stage 2 this morning to an email confirming Ive passed stage 2 and Im invited to stage 3 on the 25th

Anyone else from my group heard anything back yet? I was the big bloke wearing the blue shirt and maroon tie.

Johnny1981

I was the one that spilt your water....got invited to phase 3 on the 25th as well...well done for getting through and see you there!!

Bizjets

Great, thank you all for your kind replies
See you !
BizJets

RS999

Well I've just arrived back home after my stage 2 assessments yesterday. Looked at my emails a wee while ago and didn't pass. I'm unbelievably disappointed especially now that there is no resit opportunity at this stage. Can you apply again?

CTC are sending me feedback within the next month so I'll have to wait and see what they say (not sure if it'll make a lot of difference though).

Anyone know of any other FTO's running sponsorship schemes just now? Especially any who have an age limit up to 30ish yrs old (I'm 29 in January)

Delta452

RS999,

Commiserations mate, I truelly am upset that you didnt make it through.

As far as I am aware there are a few other organisations that offer training for wannabe pilots, check ur PMs.

Johnny1981

Sorry to hear you didn't get through...hopefully you'll get another go or find another route

Cheers

sam109

Hi Mike! I guess you are on the CP43 as well! Please check your PM's

jeffspideyman

oooo, it's short notice...I'm going for stage 3 on the 18th October (2 days)...Is anyone out there who is also going from London in the wee hours of wednesday morning...driving, or training /taxiing who needs their petrol/taxi costs halved. I do have a bumper pack of confectionary...we could play guess the revels.
Ta.

NickS

flyhiguy28

Hi everyone,

I've got Phase 2 on the 27th, anyone else on here going to that one?

Any top tips from people who've done this before would be great.

Cheers,

Smudge

STOOP

Hello, I'm new on this forum. I've been invited to phase two for CTC in a month. I'm sorry if this has been done to death but i was wondering if anyone has any tips on what to expect when i'm down there? What i should be studying for etc and just any general information from any of you guys who might have been there recently? Is the pass rate into phase two really high in order to make money from applicants or is it a genuine achievement to be asked down? Really appreciate any advice you could give me. Cheers.

akindofmagic

I would suggest that you read this thread. Myself and many others have at various times posted information about all phases of the selection process. Use the search function if you can't find the time to read the whole thread.

bjkeates

Not wanting to sound rude here, but phrases like...


...are too vague to answer properly.

There are countless pages and posts on this thread which deal with exactly these things. It has, as STOOP puts it, been done to death. What sort of "general information" are you after? If it's information about travel arrangements, arriving at the centre, where to stay etc. then I'm quite happy to help. But asking for general "top tips" is very difficult to answer - what kind of answers were you expecting? Read this thread in its entirety and if you still have any specific questions after that, feel free to ask (can't absolutely guarantee they'll be answered, but feel free to ask anyway! )

My personal opinion - and I stress, it is my opinion - is that there is very little you can do to prepare for Phase 2 other than have a good night's sleep beforehand and make sure you look smart and presentable (everyone else will be.)

m_flyer125

hey, wondered how people got on in phase 3 yesterday. just got the email and i passed so am very very happy to say the least!
does anyone know a nice place to stop in Bournemouth? the hotel i stopped at in phase 2 wasn't too good.

Infje

Got through as well, over the moon!

Because I'm away next week my phase 4 will be on the 2nd of November, anyone else going then?

I can recommend Stour Villa (its on the list), very friendly people and good accomodation.