some honest advice please
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some honest advice please
I've applied to CTC McAlpine and have been invited to an assessment day. This will cost me £164 + travel and accommodation. I am wondering if they just invite everyone who applies along to the assessment to get the money out of them? Anyone have any theories on this?
Also, I am not entirely convinced a career as a pilot is the right thing for me, but was hoping the assessment day may help me totally decide. I have no flying experience (except a trial flight a while back) and know nothing about planes (models, sizes etc). If I have no knowledge of planes etc, will I be automatically rejected or can I wait and learn everything during training.. assuming by some miracle I get through?
I find it difficult to explain why I want to be a pilot, I've always had an interest in it, but perhaps not enough..... I finish a computing degree soon, so its a career as a pilot or a career in IT.... basically I wanted to know if you need to be one of those people who has "wanted to fly since they could walk" or can you be still be successful through having qualifications and determinism? any advice welcome.
Also, I am not entirely convinced a career as a pilot is the right thing for me, but was hoping the assessment day may help me totally decide. I have no flying experience (except a trial flight a while back) and know nothing about planes (models, sizes etc). If I have no knowledge of planes etc, will I be automatically rejected or can I wait and learn everything during training.. assuming by some miracle I get through?
I find it difficult to explain why I want to be a pilot, I've always had an interest in it, but perhaps not enough..... I finish a computing degree soon, so its a career as a pilot or a career in IT.... basically I wanted to know if you need to be one of those people who has "wanted to fly since they could walk" or can you be still be successful through having qualifications and determinism? any advice welcome.
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I'm one of those 'wanted to be a pilot since before I could walk' people! It does help as many airlines often want to see demonstrated commitment. HOWEVER - if you don't go for it, then you definitely won't get it and could possibly regret that in later life.
I'm pretty sure CTC won't reject you outright for not being able to tell the difference between a Boeing or an Airbus but if you get an interview, don't tell them you plan to go work in IT if you don't get through! Want it like everybody else, it might not be enough but you never know.
Other threads on here talk about this sort of thing - People often reply that it should be left to those that really want it, indeed you may get that sort of response from others here. My suggestion - try and talk to others who've been through this selection process (many to be found on here I've no doubt!) and get the lowdown on what you can prep for before you turn up and just go for it. Qualifications count for a lot, but social skills are also incredibly important - these selection panels are looking for people in terms of 'would I want to fly beside that person'. Appear relaxed, confident and well prepared without being cocky. You'll be nervous, but try to let that show as little as possible!
Ultimately the choice is down to you - you will probably make far more money in IT than you will in flying (long-term anyway) but you will possibly have a far more varied career should you choose the flight deck. Its a question of what you'd prefer I guess!!
Above all, best of luck with whatever you choose to do - keep us posted.
FJ2k
I'm pretty sure CTC won't reject you outright for not being able to tell the difference between a Boeing or an Airbus but if you get an interview, don't tell them you plan to go work in IT if you don't get through! Want it like everybody else, it might not be enough but you never know.
Other threads on here talk about this sort of thing - People often reply that it should be left to those that really want it, indeed you may get that sort of response from others here. My suggestion - try and talk to others who've been through this selection process (many to be found on here I've no doubt!) and get the lowdown on what you can prep for before you turn up and just go for it. Qualifications count for a lot, but social skills are also incredibly important - these selection panels are looking for people in terms of 'would I want to fly beside that person'. Appear relaxed, confident and well prepared without being cocky. You'll be nervous, but try to let that show as little as possible!
Ultimately the choice is down to you - you will probably make far more money in IT than you will in flying (long-term anyway) but you will possibly have a far more varied career should you choose the flight deck. Its a question of what you'd prefer I guess!!
Above all, best of luck with whatever you choose to do - keep us posted.
FJ2k
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maybe...
i think that sometimes having a some sought of career of prior training in some other field often makes for better pilots.
i was an aeronautical engineer before learning to fly and i think having a broader knowledge of life, having interests outside of aviation is sometimes better than the 18-21 year olds i have seen come into our company who have left school and had someone pay for everything.
i think those people who claim they were born to fly are sometimes immature and are very blinkered about the real world, this is obviously a generalisation...but in short, i dont think you need to live, breath, sleep and only talk planes to be a good pilot.
i think that sometimes having a some sought of career of prior training in some other field often makes for better pilots.
i was an aeronautical engineer before learning to fly and i think having a broader knowledge of life, having interests outside of aviation is sometimes better than the 18-21 year olds i have seen come into our company who have left school and had someone pay for everything.
i think those people who claim they were born to fly are sometimes immature and are very blinkered about the real world, this is obviously a generalisation...but in short, i dont think you need to live, breath, sleep and only talk planes to be a good pilot.
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I have to agree with South Coast on that one (although I'd like to think I don't fall into that category). I'm hoping to go to Jerez in January to gain my CPL/IR and ATPs, However to date I've worked in sales, ground-based customer service (BA Lgw) and spent time in BA Engineering (as an observer!!!).
I have seen some people who've come straight out of school, go straight on the course and come back and get a job. I don't resent that at all, indeed I'd have been very grateful if that could have been me! That being said, I've worked very hard in gaining knowledge and experience, spent the last two years working as Cabin Crew waiting for an opportunity (which looks like it may possibly be at my doorstep now) and above all networking (which is different to brown-nosing!).
I know a lot of our pilots who have had different careers prior to becoming an airline pilot, some were insurance salesmen, estate agents, Courier drivers, one was even a trader in the city and just couldn't handle it anymore. Having life experience counts for a lot, it makes you more interesting to talk to than just somebody who talks of nothing more than aeroplanes. Most pilots would dread sitting in a flight-deck next to somebody who wanted to discuss in detail the pro's and con's of the avionics in an Embraer (for example!!!). Come sit next to me mate and we'll chat about the pro's and con's of tottyspotting on Copacabana Beach!
FJ2k
I have seen some people who've come straight out of school, go straight on the course and come back and get a job. I don't resent that at all, indeed I'd have been very grateful if that could have been me! That being said, I've worked very hard in gaining knowledge and experience, spent the last two years working as Cabin Crew waiting for an opportunity (which looks like it may possibly be at my doorstep now) and above all networking (which is different to brown-nosing!).
I know a lot of our pilots who have had different careers prior to becoming an airline pilot, some were insurance salesmen, estate agents, Courier drivers, one was even a trader in the city and just couldn't handle it anymore. Having life experience counts for a lot, it makes you more interesting to talk to than just somebody who talks of nothing more than aeroplanes. Most pilots would dread sitting in a flight-deck next to somebody who wanted to discuss in detail the pro's and con's of the avionics in an Embraer (for example!!!). Come sit next to me mate and we'll chat about the pro's and con's of tottyspotting on Copacabana Beach!
FJ2k
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Not wishing to be rude, but I would save your money, even if you are not a pilot already, you don't seem to have enough natural interest to provide the drive and determination to get through an ATPL course, at least at the moment.
cheers
MJR
cheers
MJR
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Give it a go but you will need to show loads of enthusiasm and desire when the time comes. Also before you attend do some preparation for the kind of questions you may get asked. Remember, it is a waste of time and money to attend any selection without thorough preparation.
Good luck and the rest is down to you!
Good luck and the rest is down to you!
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Sorry agree with with MJR, if you doubt whether you want it then you you don't want it enough.
Like all things in aviation if there is any doubt then there is no doubt.
Save your cash and go to your uni careers advice centre and do some research on yourself to find what really does flick your switch because aviation in its present climate is not for those who are unsure in any capacity there are just too many willing to sell their grannys to be in.
South Coast
Sorry but I really have never imagined any other career than flying, flew solo before I could drive a car and feel that though your comments may be relevant to a few youngsters it is by no way the way that the majority of the people in aviation I have met see life. Such a generalization I fear is untrue because I believe that you area as good as your last sortie and that a good pilot does indeed live, breath, sleep and talk planes. But hey thats only what I taught my students and my instructors taught me...
Like all things in aviation if there is any doubt then there is no doubt.
Save your cash and go to your uni careers advice centre and do some research on yourself to find what really does flick your switch because aviation in its present climate is not for those who are unsure in any capacity there are just too many willing to sell their grannys to be in.
South Coast
i think those people who claim they were born to fly are sometimes immature and are very blinkered about the real world, this is obviously a generalisation...but in short, i don't think you need to live, breath, sleep and only talk planes to be a good pilot.
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Go and give it a shot - what have you to loose. Apart from £164, which is chicken feed in this game.
I fly with captains that don't know their A321s from their A319s but that doesn't make them a bad operator! I trained along side some airline cadets who applied because they were curious - if you have the will to succeed then the interviewers will pick this up - or not as the case may be.
What have you got to loose!
I fly with captains that don't know their A321s from their A319s but that doesn't make them a bad operator! I trained along side some airline cadets who applied because they were curious - if you have the will to succeed then the interviewers will pick this up - or not as the case may be.
What have you got to loose!
Last edited by Mister Geezer; 23rd Nov 2004 at 20:01.
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Thanks so much for all of your posts 
Very much appreciated.
I am going to go to the assessment day and see what happens. This has been on my mind for the last 5 or 6 years so I need to get it out of my system if nothing else! Maybe the selection day will either totally put me off the idea, or make me really want to do it!
One thing I know is that if I get through selection I will be 100% committed to getting through the training and continuing my career. I may not be totally sure of what I want to do, but once I start something, I see it through!
If I don't get through, then I will definitely do my PPL. I went for a trial flight earlier this year and it was such an amazing experience, I know I want more... it's just whether I want to make a career out it or not...
Thanks again for the responses, I appreciate you're honesty.
Very much appreciated.I am going to go to the assessment day and see what happens. This has been on my mind for the last 5 or 6 years so I need to get it out of my system if nothing else! Maybe the selection day will either totally put me off the idea, or make me really want to do it!
One thing I know is that if I get through selection I will be 100% committed to getting through the training and continuing my career. I may not be totally sure of what I want to do, but once I start something, I see it through!
If I don't get through, then I will definitely do my PPL. I went for a trial flight earlier this year and it was such an amazing experience, I know I want more... it's just whether I want to make a career out it or not...
Thanks again for the responses, I appreciate you're honesty.
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Someone I know had never tried to become a pilot. Until one day he stummbles across an ad on easyjets website (about the ctc scheme) he applies and now he has almost finished his training. I have been trying unsuccessfully since I could walk to become a pilot. No doubt in 20 years I will be a sad bitter planespotter.
the moral of the story is.....you have nothing to lose go for it. If you succeed make the choice then.
the moral of the story is.....you have nothing to lose go for it. If you succeed make the choice then.
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Glad u've decided to go for it.Im on the CTC scheme out in NZ, and i applied with no hours at all, not even a trial lesson. All they're looking for is the dedication and commitment to get through the scheme-you dont need a PPL to show this! And like you, and many other guys out here, I struggle to determine an airbus from a boeing!
Good luck.
Good luck.
