UK jobs market and where and how to find that first job?
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I suppose it is smart to have a backup and to have tried something else; but then again, I don't see how smart it is to take a degree at eighteen, if you have wanted to fly for several years anyway. After all, it is estimated that in costs, equipment, and living expenses, a degree will cost £23-40 K! Is it just me, or is that almost the same as it will cost to become an FI? (According to my parents) it is probably just as easy to get a job as an FI as a graduate job! To get double up in debt, doesn't seem like the smartest move to me!
Not everybody is as lucky as you, Superpilot, to be able to find something that you can earn more money at than as a first officer and possibly enjoy; but good for you that you did
On a personal note about me in order to defend my age:
I have already "attended" uni (via distance learning); I started when I was 16! But I have just decided (together with my good source of advice - my parents) that it is much better to focus on getting a pilot job first, and then I can finish off my degrees.
On life experience, I have plenty as I have lived all over the world, and I have lived through things that nobody should experience
(I have really bad luck
), some things which very people will experience throughout their whole lifetime!
I may have just turned 18 a month ago, but I am educated as and have worked as an aromatherapy, massage, beauty, and spa therapist; in addition to having trained as professional dancer; and my main occupation is a cosmetic tattooist!
I have started one business, and I am currently starting another; but I don't have money burning in my pocket as it is very hard to make a business pay off in the first few years, but I should be able to (with help) to get to FI.
I am capable of more than most people as I have, at the same time, been doing 3 A-levels, 1 Nat. Dip. (equivalent to 3 A-levels), 3 NVQs, a degree part-time, and been starting my business.
Since I was 15, people have assumed I was 22-23 because they though I was mature.
So please don't make the mistake of judging somebody by their age!
You can't deny that I have probably experienced more than what you assumed when you heard I was 18
Not everybody is as lucky as you, Superpilot, to be able to find something that you can earn more money at than as a first officer and possibly enjoy; but good for you that you did
On a personal note about me in order to defend my age:
I have already "attended" uni (via distance learning); I started when I was 16! But I have just decided (together with my good source of advice - my parents) that it is much better to focus on getting a pilot job first, and then I can finish off my degrees.
On life experience, I have plenty as I have lived all over the world, and I have lived through things that nobody should experience
(I have really bad luck), some things which very people will experience throughout their whole lifetime!I may have just turned 18 a month ago, but I am educated as and have worked as an aromatherapy, massage, beauty, and spa therapist; in addition to having trained as professional dancer; and my main occupation is a cosmetic tattooist!
I have started one business, and I am currently starting another; but I don't have money burning in my pocket as it is very hard to make a business pay off in the first few years, but I should be able to (with help) to get to FI.
I am capable of more than most people as I have, at the same time, been doing 3 A-levels, 1 Nat. Dip. (equivalent to 3 A-levels), 3 NVQs, a degree part-time, and been starting my business.
Since I was 15, people have assumed I was 22-23 because they though I was mature.
So please don't make the mistake of judging somebody by their age!
You can't deny that I have probably experienced more than what you assumed when you heard I was 18
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Sorry to just rip your post chew it up and spit it out but here goes;
Says who? A very bold statement to make there. I have less than 7 hours PIC and currently reading through my ATPL books to prepare myself in advance. I'm not the one asking can a be a pilot at 19 with 200/250hrs on my log book.
With those links you shouldn't need to ask any questions here really.
You're happy to pay £5k for an FI and only earn money from it for 6 months?
Been there got the T-shirt and didn't spend anywhere near £23k.
£1,300pa fees x 3
Living expences for 8 months x 3
Is that right? ... now compare the graduate job salary to an FI's pay (let me help you out - The FI's pay if half of what I was earning in my job in my 1st year as a graduate)
So you attended Uni at 16?
Living in a different country doesn't mean you know how to handle a situation at all.
From this I am guessing you're a lady?
Do you want to tell us what the business is and the name of the company?
What are the qualifications in?
All those qualifications / life experience / running businesses / living all over the world and you've just turned 18 last month?
Being over 6 foot when I was 15 and being built like a brick sh't house always made people think I was 18/19 too but for somebody to add 5 years to your age would make them a very bad judge of age - make sure these people don't sell drink to 12 year olds.
Tell us about it.
And then you come here and ask;
Something just doesn't add up here
I want to assure you that there are few people with 10 hours who know as much about the aviation industry as me.
Both of my parets and my brother are pilots. My mother was a flight instructor, and my dad as been an f-5 pilot, a Boeing 737-200 pilot for 30 years, a captain, and a Chief Flight Instructor at one of the most respectable pilot schools in the world; he has around 20,000 hours logged.
In my situation, it is probably best to aim for instructing for at least half a year as, at least, I'll have an income and gain hours (its just that I absolutely stink at teaching); and then I don't risk standing there with an IR and no job (whether airline or instructing). It just seems so perfect to jump straight into an airline job, but you just can't risk it always.
After all, it is estimated that in costs, equipment, and living expenses, a degree will cost £23-40K!
£1,300pa fees x 3
Living expences for 8 months x 3
(According to my parents) it is probably just as easy to get a job as an FI as a graduate job!
I have already "attended" uni (via distance learning); I started when I was 16! But I have just decided (together with my good source of advice - my parents) that it is much better to focus on getting a pilot job first, and then I can finish off my degrees
On life experience, I have plenty as I have lived all over the world, and I have lived through things that nobody should experience.
I may have just turned 18 a month ago, but I am educated as and have worked as an aromatherapy, massage, beauty, and spa therapist.
In addition to having trained as professional dancer; and my main occupation is a cosmetic tattooist!
I have started one business, and I am currently starting another; but I don't have money burning in my pocket as it is very hard to make a business pay off in the first few years.
Thanks for warning me about the ATPL, but I don't have any problems getting high marks academically.
I am capable of more than most people as I have, at the same time, been doing 3 A-levels, 1 Nat. Dip. (equivalent to 3 A-levels), 3 NVQs, a degree part-time, and been starting my business.
All those qualifications / life experience / running businesses / living all over the world and you've just turned 18 last month?
Since I was 15, people have assumed I was 22-23 because they though I was mature.
You can't deny that I have probably experienced more than what you assumed when you heard I was 18.
I can assure you that I have done years of research.
I am about to start my professional pilot training modularly, and I'm wondering whether to do go for instucting afterwards, or if it is viable to get an airline/commercial job after gaining 200-250 hours and a 'frozen' ATPL.
According to numerous flight schools I've spoken to, they say "go straight for a job!"
According to numerous flight schools I've spoken to, they say "go straight for a job!"
Something just doesn't add up here
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That's it. This is really getting annoying!
I have never been much for forums, but I though skype might be different as it is made up of pilots. But, geez. I ask a simple question in order to get as many opinions as possible. I try to make it as short as possible without including my whole life, with some reference to my situation, but still as general as possible so that others may gather from it.
Yes, I have done a lot of research and spoken to a lot of sources to get info on the topic I have posted here; but I figured, the more, the merrier, and (hopefully) the more realistic.
Instead, I am accused of a) having done too little research b) not being mature enough and c) being a LIAR!
Sorry AlphaMale, if for the past few years I have worked my ass of and, in periods, only slept a few hours a night; so that I could achieve "all that" despite only having turned 18 last month! If you have a problem with that, then that is your problem, so please don't post it on PPRuNe when I am just trying to get different opinions.
If you've got nothing better to do than to sit around on PPRuNe critising others, then perhaps you should study those ATPL books a little bit more so that you can quicker into the industry, and then you can at least say your opinions straight to the person's face!
I've know plenty of people with 10 hours logged, and I've known a lot more than them about the industy. Perhaps that's just a coincidence, but like you say, with my "links" I should know so much that I am not even posting questions here.
Yes, I would pay £5K for an FI and only work 6 months if I happen to get another job. If you are at a busy enough school, you could earn almost £10K and fly 500 hours in 6 months (don't question it, its from my "links"
)
Yes, I am a "lady", and what does that matter?????
Wanna start a new debate?
I am 5'2" and weigh 46 kg! That ain't tall, and I have a tiny face!
I don't necessarily look very old for my age. In fact, people who just look at me without talking to me, have guessed I am 14 (and that was withing half a year ago).
And those figures (£23-40) I got for Uni, I think I got them from either a UK government site, or one of the more respectable unis in the UK; so go and question them instead.
The FI's salary may be half of a graduate, but a number of graduated don't get a job until after 6 months. After 6 months as an FI, you may be lucky enough to get an FO job! I'd take my chances with the FI
Again, I did start with Uni at 16!
Living in different countries may not make me able to handle a situation (try being a cosmetic tattooist or a therapist though - that really makes you able to handle a situation), but being 25 or 45 does not neccessarily make you able either. But it is a lot more likely that you are able to handle more after moving around and seeing different cultures than if you just grew up on the same couch (then again, it depends from person to person, but this is what research claims).
And no, I don't care for giving away the names of my businesses. As it says at the botom of every forum: anonymous forums
So I think it adds up to ask about something like this as we are all humans, and my parents can't know everything, and therefore it is usefull to consult others as well.
But what I don't think adds up is why you are spending so much time critising people whom you should reading your ATPL.
I must say, that I am quite dissapointed with PPRuNe - or at least the attitute in which I have received some answers. PPRuNe can and have been used for so much good, but it is quite dissapointing to find out exactly how little encouraging some other pilots are. Saying that, I have received a lot of good, usefull answers as well, and I do really appreciate it. Thanks
Stanzie
I have never been much for forums, but I though skype might be different as it is made up of pilots. But, geez. I ask a simple question in order to get as many opinions as possible. I try to make it as short as possible without including my whole life, with some reference to my situation, but still as general as possible so that others may gather from it.
Yes, I have done a lot of research and spoken to a lot of sources to get info on the topic I have posted here; but I figured, the more, the merrier, and (hopefully) the more realistic.
Instead, I am accused of a) having done too little research b) not being mature enough and c) being a LIAR!
Sorry AlphaMale, if for the past few years I have worked my ass of and, in periods, only slept a few hours a night; so that I could achieve "all that" despite only having turned 18 last month! If you have a problem with that, then that is your problem, so please don't post it on PPRuNe when I am just trying to get different opinions.
If you've got nothing better to do than to sit around on PPRuNe critising others, then perhaps you should study those ATPL books a little bit more so that you can quicker into the industry, and then you can at least say your opinions straight to the person's face!
I've know plenty of people with 10 hours logged, and I've known a lot more than them about the industy. Perhaps that's just a coincidence, but like you say, with my "links" I should know so much that I am not even posting questions here.
Yes, I would pay £5K for an FI and only work 6 months if I happen to get another job. If you are at a busy enough school, you could earn almost £10K and fly 500 hours in 6 months (don't question it, its from my "links"
)Yes, I am a "lady", and what does that matter?????
Wanna start a new debate?I am 5'2" and weigh 46 kg! That ain't tall, and I have a tiny face!
I don't necessarily look very old for my age. In fact, people who just look at me without talking to me, have guessed I am 14 (and that was withing half a year ago).
And those figures (£23-40) I got for Uni, I think I got them from either a UK government site, or one of the more respectable unis in the UK; so go and question them instead.
The FI's salary may be half of a graduate, but a number of graduated don't get a job until after 6 months. After 6 months as an FI, you may be lucky enough to get an FO job! I'd take my chances with the FI
Again, I did start with Uni at 16!
Living in different countries may not make me able to handle a situation (try being a cosmetic tattooist or a therapist though - that really makes you able to handle a situation), but being 25 or 45 does not neccessarily make you able either. But it is a lot more likely that you are able to handle more after moving around and seeing different cultures than if you just grew up on the same couch (then again, it depends from person to person, but this is what research claims).
And no, I don't care for giving away the names of my businesses. As it says at the botom of every forum: anonymous forums
So I think it adds up to ask about something like this as we are all humans, and my parents can't know everything, and therefore it is usefull to consult others as well.
But what I don't think adds up is why you are spending so much time critising people whom you should reading your ATPL.
I must say, that I am quite dissapointed with PPRuNe - or at least the attitute in which I have received some answers. PPRuNe can and have been used for so much good, but it is quite dissapointing to find out exactly how little encouraging some other pilots are. Saying that, I have received a lot of good, usefull answers as well, and I do really appreciate it. Thanks
Stanzie
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Amway doesn't count as a business.
Luckily Stanzie, as you're only 18, although some people think you're 14, and others swear you're 23, you have many years ahead of you to get over Pprune.
Why doesn't your instructor father teach you to fly?
Luckily Stanzie, as you're only 18, although some people think you're 14, and others swear you're 23, you have many years ahead of you to get over Pprune.
Why doesn't your instructor father teach you to fly?
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Originally Posted by Stanziel
Wee Weasley Welshman, thanks for your warning, but I want to assure you that there are few people with 10 hours who know as much about the aviation industry as me: Both of my parets and my brother are pilots. My mother was a flight instructor, and my dad as been an f-5 pilot, a Boeing 737-200 pilot for 30 years, a captain, and a Chief Flight Instructor at one of the most respectable pilot schools in the world; he has around 20,000 hours logged.
You need to do a lot more reading and listening, and a lot less boasting about your achievements. Arrogance and misplaced - especially vicarious - pride have no place in aviation.
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In my situation, it is probably best to aim for instructing for at least half a year as, at least, I'll have an income and gain hours (its just that I absolutely stink at teaching)
From a practical point of view, if you are unable to afford both, then go for the IR. If you get an FI rating then work as an instructor I can almost guarantee you will not be able to save money towards the IR. I can barely afford food and petrol on my FI salary! I don't know where the figure £10000 in 6 months came from - I find that highly unrealistic.
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I don't know where the figure £10000 in 6 months came from - I find that highly unrealistic.
... I guess that works out at around £10k take home for 6 months?But she has done research
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I understand what kind of situation Stanziel is in but it does seem to me you could be arrogant and boost a little too much about yourself.
Remember that when you are in the cockpit, that person would need to work with you and you would need to work with him as a team. If the interviewer doesn't think that you work well as a team then I am afraid very few airline would hire you.
It is good that you are planning ahead and trying to get information from people but try and listen to other people's advice and don't think that people are discrimnating against you either about your age or sex. You are bound to get people like that and the way you reply may suggest to people you have a short fuse. Also, the fact that you thought about instructing but know you stink at teaching doesn't seem like you have thought alot about it!
I have also been 18 and although i am only 20 now, i feel that going to uni is a very good thing. You will meet friends, learn about yourself and work with people.
It's your choice at the end of the day, but I feel just because one person has a go at you doesn't mean you neglect advice from 9 other people.
Remember that when you are in the cockpit, that person would need to work with you and you would need to work with him as a team. If the interviewer doesn't think that you work well as a team then I am afraid very few airline would hire you.
It is good that you are planning ahead and trying to get information from people but try and listen to other people's advice and don't think that people are discrimnating against you either about your age or sex. You are bound to get people like that and the way you reply may suggest to people you have a short fuse. Also, the fact that you thought about instructing but know you stink at teaching doesn't seem like you have thought alot about it!
I have also been 18 and although i am only 20 now, i feel that going to uni is a very good thing. You will meet friends, learn about yourself and work with people.
It's your choice at the end of the day, but I feel just because one person has a go at you doesn't mean you neglect advice from 9 other people.
In my very best month as a PPL flying instructor I took home £800. That was over 100hrs in a month in a sweltering PA38 cockpit and it wasn't big and it wasn't clever. In Oct/Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb I was routinely taking home £450 a month. Even living at home not far from the airfield it was a struggle to live - let alone save.
Repaying the FI rating (which I didn't have to do as it was a freebie from the CAA) would have taken at least a year of flying.
It got me 1000 instructional hours though. And that got me a FI job at a commercial flying school in Jerez. Which was the second rung on the ladder. So in the end it was worth it. And the golden PPL instructing summer of 1999 was one that I will cherish for the laughs, the friends and the scares that occurred.
So its not the worst plan in the world to become an FI. But at 19 you won't be very good. I started part time instructing at the age of 20 whilst still in Uni. Under the auspices of the Air Cadets it was a good introduction to the craft of teaching at such a young age.
Nevertheless when it came to teaching PPL student who might typically be successful 40 year old businessmen, retiring professionals taking up a hobby or some mad-keen penny-strapped 25yr old airline Wannabe, it was VERY VERY difficult to be 22 years old.
To say !no, that wasn't good enough, I'm not sending you solo". Thats just cost them a couple of hundred quid! They perhaps don't like being told No. They are angry and embarassed.
There is a lot to it.
You have to give your student a bollocking for failing to prepare as tasked. But they are still the paying customer.
There is also the constant pressure that they could get lost and kill themselves or crash on landing and burn to death. Its serious stuff. Not fun. Not a hobby.
In your teenage years you just aren't going to be very good at it. Most Chief Flying Instructors and Flying Club owners would agree with me. Therefore you WILL find it hard to get work.
And as I already covered, its hard at your age to be the lucky one at an airline interview as you have so little to talk about and what you do have is so small that its all a bit naff.
Therefore I really do think that you should find something else to do, not necessarily Uni, for the next 2 or 3 years. The come back at it a bit older, wiser and with a hopefully some more money in the bank.
Good luck,
WWW
Repaying the FI rating (which I didn't have to do as it was a freebie from the CAA) would have taken at least a year of flying.
It got me 1000 instructional hours though. And that got me a FI job at a commercial flying school in Jerez. Which was the second rung on the ladder. So in the end it was worth it. And the golden PPL instructing summer of 1999 was one that I will cherish for the laughs, the friends and the scares that occurred.
So its not the worst plan in the world to become an FI. But at 19 you won't be very good. I started part time instructing at the age of 20 whilst still in Uni. Under the auspices of the Air Cadets it was a good introduction to the craft of teaching at such a young age.
Nevertheless when it came to teaching PPL student who might typically be successful 40 year old businessmen, retiring professionals taking up a hobby or some mad-keen penny-strapped 25yr old airline Wannabe, it was VERY VERY difficult to be 22 years old.
To say !no, that wasn't good enough, I'm not sending you solo". Thats just cost them a couple of hundred quid! They perhaps don't like being told No. They are angry and embarassed.
There is a lot to it.
You have to give your student a bollocking for failing to prepare as tasked. But they are still the paying customer.
There is also the constant pressure that they could get lost and kill themselves or crash on landing and burn to death. Its serious stuff. Not fun. Not a hobby.
In your teenage years you just aren't going to be very good at it. Most Chief Flying Instructors and Flying Club owners would agree with me. Therefore you WILL find it hard to get work.
And as I already covered, its hard at your age to be the lucky one at an airline interview as you have so little to talk about and what you do have is so small that its all a bit naff.
Therefore I really do think that you should find something else to do, not necessarily Uni, for the next 2 or 3 years. The come back at it a bit older, wiser and with a hopefully some more money in the bank.
Good luck,
WWW
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Wee Weasley Welshman vbmenu_register("postmenu_3293782", true);
There is no point in doing something else for a few years, if you're a pilot you're a pilot. The sooner you start the better and in the present conditions there has never been a better time. I qualified last year at 21 and within 2 weeks I was offered a job flying 737 NG. Still flying the 737 and love it, no regrets!
P.S. No i didn't go to 1 of the big flying schools.
There is no point in doing something else for a few years, if you're a pilot you're a pilot. The sooner you start the better and in the present conditions there has never been a better time. I qualified last year at 21 and within 2 weeks I was offered a job flying 737 NG. Still flying the 737 and love it, no regrets!
P.S. No i didn't go to 1 of the big flying schools.
Did you come in through CTC? Or did you SSTR to Ryanair?
WWW
WWW
Well its quite unusual to be 21 and on an NG not having come through an Approved course and have already changed employer.
I'm sure you are telling the truth but its odd and I would suggest not a model that other should base their aspirations on.
Cheers
WWW
I'm sure you are telling the truth but its odd and I would suggest not a model that other should base their aspirations on.
Cheers
WWW
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It was an approved course just modular not intergrated. What is your experience of the industry, current employer ect. Just I think it is very bold of you to suggest to young people that they should not come into flying as soon as possible, when you have not given us any info on your current situation. I am certainly not exceptionel, and in the current climate I would suggest that there hasn't been a better time to get on the road to becoming an airline pilot.
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FO, WWW's biography is adequately covered on his profile, as is mine. His experience is considerable, and he, as he puts it, was 'the original Pprune Wannabe' several years ago. His credibility is beyond question, as is his knowledge of the FI and low-cost parts of this industry.
Scroggs
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in the current climate I would suggest that there hasn't been a better time to get on the road to becoming an airline pilot
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Not at all. It was the first job I was offered and I took it. I went into with the attitude that is was going to be ashort term thing to get some jet hours, and that it would be good experience as it is some of the most challenging jet flying you can do in Europe.
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Forgive me, but I don't see WWW urging people to start flying at the youngest age possible - though I do see you doing so. WWW regularly cautions people against automatically going to university without considering the options available to them, and he often points out the financial advantages to other avenues - not least that they may find themselves in a position to take an airline job earlier than those who go to university. That's not the same as recommending that people start flying as soon as they can.
My history is not really relevant. I started flying professionally at 21, having never flown a powered aircraft before. My first solo was in a jet. I had no ambition to be a pilot when I was younger, and had no expectation of being a pilot even when I did apply to the RAF, because I wore (and still wear) glasses. I am an aberration in the business, though not unique or even that uncommon. Flying for me is a profession, not a passion. Therefore I approach the business of wannabes becoming qualified to fly in a pragmatic manner, and remove emotion and passion from the equation - they will not put a roof over your head, or keep the training department off your back.
Scroggs
My history is not really relevant. I started flying professionally at 21, having never flown a powered aircraft before. My first solo was in a jet. I had no ambition to be a pilot when I was younger, and had no expectation of being a pilot even when I did apply to the RAF, because I wore (and still wear) glasses. I am an aberration in the business, though not unique or even that uncommon. Flying for me is a profession, not a passion. Therefore I approach the business of wannabes becoming qualified to fly in a pragmatic manner, and remove emotion and passion from the equation - they will not put a roof over your head, or keep the training department off your back.
Scroggs
FO 737-800, everyone here is free to give whatever advice they want. Your point of view is welcome and my own has no greater weight than yours.
I do think 18 is a bit young to be throwing £60k+ at training in the expectation of getting a FI or airline job a year later. If you are anything like me you will be markedly different a person at 22.
At such a young age it is more normal and preferable to be targetting some type of sponsorship/cadetship scheme. In all likelihood CTC. I have flown with several 21/22/23 yr olds in recent years who all came through CTC cadets schemes straight from higher education.
Its a great way to start a career.
I suspect you might have self sponsored at GECAT and been one of the courses that was in the right place at the right time when a couple of airlines, my own orange one included, needed self type rated recruits NEXT WEEK. I flew with one just a month or so back who had seen a £20k course launch him immediately into a major airline on full non-cadet pay with the shot at a command in 3 years at the age of 25. Naturally the grin took hours to punch off his face.
But that sort of luck is very rare.
I can't bring myself to use examples like him, concrete living breathing examples, like yourself to recommend to people at 18 to self sponsor a Frzn ATPL and possibly even Type Rating.
I can't because I have seen so many other over the years, dozens and dozens and dozens fall by the wayside, never qualify or most commonly just run out of money.
It would be very hard to be 20, £45k in debt with a lapsing IR following a year of fruitless job hunting and then witnessing an industry downturn as in 2001 or 1990 which means you don't stand a hope in hell of flying professionaly for the next 5 years. You'd have to go to Uni late, if you could afford to at all, or go and get any old job with a handful of A-levels a few worthless pieces of CAA paper and a lot of broken dreams.
Not easy.
But as you say. The industry is buoyant. Who Dares Wins and all that.
I remain (hopefully) a voice of cautious advice.
Good luck,
WWW
I do think 18 is a bit young to be throwing £60k+ at training in the expectation of getting a FI or airline job a year later. If you are anything like me you will be markedly different a person at 22.
At such a young age it is more normal and preferable to be targetting some type of sponsorship/cadetship scheme. In all likelihood CTC. I have flown with several 21/22/23 yr olds in recent years who all came through CTC cadets schemes straight from higher education.
Its a great way to start a career.
I suspect you might have self sponsored at GECAT and been one of the courses that was in the right place at the right time when a couple of airlines, my own orange one included, needed self type rated recruits NEXT WEEK. I flew with one just a month or so back who had seen a £20k course launch him immediately into a major airline on full non-cadet pay with the shot at a command in 3 years at the age of 25. Naturally the grin took hours to punch off his face.
But that sort of luck is very rare.
I can't bring myself to use examples like him, concrete living breathing examples, like yourself to recommend to people at 18 to self sponsor a Frzn ATPL and possibly even Type Rating.
I can't because I have seen so many other over the years, dozens and dozens and dozens fall by the wayside, never qualify or most commonly just run out of money.
It would be very hard to be 20, £45k in debt with a lapsing IR following a year of fruitless job hunting and then witnessing an industry downturn as in 2001 or 1990 which means you don't stand a hope in hell of flying professionaly for the next 5 years. You'd have to go to Uni late, if you could afford to at all, or go and get any old job with a handful of A-levels a few worthless pieces of CAA paper and a lot of broken dreams.
Not easy.
But as you say. The industry is buoyant. Who Dares Wins and all that.
I remain (hopefully) a voice of cautious advice.
Good luck,
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