CTC holdpool (ATPers)
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Hold Pool update
...And yet still no word from CTC Towers. Forgive my cynicism, but I can't help but feel that the 'floodgates will open' idiom was perhaps a little ill-advised and promises of regular e-mail updates were somewhat empty.
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From the 'direct entry embraer flyBE' thread on terms and endearment....
"Particularly as over 200 Bacon guys are trying to get into Easyjet."
I wonder how this is impacting on easy's plans to use ATP people. With the previous poster's comment about no of line training sectors required, would these more experienced pilots automatically take their place in front of ATP folk?
Some communication from CTC would be useful..I can't imagine they are completely in the dark over future plans?!
LF
"Particularly as over 200 Bacon guys are trying to get into Easyjet."
I wonder how this is impacting on easy's plans to use ATP people. With the previous poster's comment about no of line training sectors required, would these more experienced pilots automatically take their place in front of ATP folk?
Some communication from CTC would be useful..I can't imagine they are completely in the dark over future plans?!
LF
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Some communication from CTC would be useful..I can't imagine they are completely in the dark over future plans?!
As LF says, the guys trying to get into EZY from FlyBe would certainly help explain the recent downturn in numbers taken from the ATP hold pool, but if this is the case, I reckon we have a right to be told so, so that we can make more permenant arrangements (living, jobs etc...) in the meantime.
Glug, glug, glug...
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Hello fellow ATPers,
Firstly I’d like to say that I’m a product of this fantastic scheme. You will not find many schemes like the ATP, where they take totally inexperienced pilots straight out of flight school, type rate them and place them with a Major Airline…all for the cost of 6K.
Secondly, it really shocks me to read what some of you have been posting here. It’s not rocket science to figure out who’s who. Baring in mind the pool is only 40 odd strong with some of you posting which course you were on. Couple that with age and location….
You can not afford to become complacent. You can not afford to become greedy. I ask you to remember where you are, and how luck you are. The reason you are not getting regular updates from CTC (they did say you’d get one update per month – which they’ve honoured) is due to there being nothing to update.
Stop blaming CTC. They are the ones providing you with an opportunity. Easyjet are having difficulty due to lack of training captains. This will improve over the year, which should see most of you placed. Placed in a brand new shiny jet, so count yourselves lucky!
Firstly I’d like to say that I’m a product of this fantastic scheme. You will not find many schemes like the ATP, where they take totally inexperienced pilots straight out of flight school, type rate them and place them with a Major Airline…all for the cost of 6K.
Secondly, it really shocks me to read what some of you have been posting here. It’s not rocket science to figure out who’s who. Baring in mind the pool is only 40 odd strong with some of you posting which course you were on. Couple that with age and location….
You can not afford to become complacent. You can not afford to become greedy. I ask you to remember where you are, and how luck you are. The reason you are not getting regular updates from CTC (they did say you’d get one update per month – which they’ve honoured) is due to there being nothing to update.
Stop blaming CTC. They are the ones providing you with an opportunity. Easyjet are having difficulty due to lack of training captains. This will improve over the year, which should see most of you placed. Placed in a brand new shiny jet, so count yourselves lucky!
Last edited by boilerhoose; 18th Jan 2007 at 15:39.
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An indication of why people fail the AQC would be of interest,
SW
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I don't buy it that the number of pilots applying from regional airlines has made any difference whatsoever to the recruitment of ATP pilots. I should think that half of the pilots from these airlines have always had an application in with EZJ and most of the other jet operators. I can't think EZJ were ever short of applicants as they are well up the food chain.
I see Thomsonfly are after FO's again; but they seem to be after experienced people with low timers coming from their own FTE cadets. Jet2 have recruited heavily from the GECAT scheme run with OATS. GECAT seem to be making inroads into what, was CTC's turf i.e supplying low time pilots.
I see Thomsonfly are after FO's again; but they seem to be after experienced people with low timers coming from their own FTE cadets. Jet2 have recruited heavily from the GECAT scheme run with OATS. GECAT seem to be making inroads into what, was CTC's turf i.e supplying low time pilots.
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Adding my Two Pence
Hey boys n girls,
Not yet an AQC Holdpooler myself but i'm waiting for an AQC. Did my Phase 3 in September and passed with initial allocation for a AQC on March 5th. There was only 1 other AQC'er in my selection although i have no clue if he got through. Unfortunatly interview times crossed and never got contact details. All you peeps are going to be well into a TR before me (if i pass) but i thought i'd give you the info about what's bringing up the rear and hope that it can help complete some of the CTC jigsaw.
Seems that CTC are being more selective at Stage 1. I got through within a week to stage 1b etc. My training partner during CPL/IR (who has just got a job with Cityjet) didn't get a reply until Nov. Seems CTC are restricting AQC numbers from the offset. I also went through CTC Wings Cadet selection and they are given 'priority' as mentioned before. This is only because airlines can say 'next year i need x amount of pilots'. CTC can turn around and say how many are coming through their integrated scheme and assign them appropriately. We all know that airlines prefer integrated to modular or ab initio (even if we don't like it). To managerial staff CTC Cadets must be perfect as they can budget over a year in advance and know who they are going to get.
I've also had an recommendation to FlyBe, but due to their BACON takeover they've stopped taking people on. I'll be getting an update on their state of play soon. As said before on this thread, it's also been affecting employment all over cos pilots are jumping ship. Pilots are choosing whether to stay with BACON or goin to FlyBe or ESY. Most (according to the forum) seem to be moving on. To be fair, who are airlines going to prefer, the seasoned BACON guys with turbine time or the 250 hr wannabes with an AQC? Unfortunatly it's bad timing that one of the British budget carriers has sold out right over our employment windows. We just have to hang on and hope things sort themselves out. The amount of pilots with jet/turbine time looking for jobs will affect holdpool movement without question.
I'm still happy with the AQC scheme although as with most people on this thread i think the lack of info seems to be dire. I still haven't got the 100% confirmation that i'm on the March course and it took an email to the CTC team to give me a little more reassurance that it still looked ok. A little too close to confort as i have to book off work etc. Also seems weird to have no course material. As mentioned it's a hard course and most sensible people will want to commit time to getting SOPs as slick as possible (at least EOPs) before arriving. How hard would it be to have info online in PDF to download and read through.
Every airline has probs with training capts atm. I know (from staff contacts) that FlyBe had them and Easyjet. As the training capts retired off the top of the ladder captains had to be trained to be training capts before FOs could be trained for command before we could start to be trained as FOs. It's a vicous circle that started with the airlines lack of recruitment after 9/11. A friend had to wait 2 months after her type rating to do her base check. This with the aforementioned BACON buy out has reduced the amount of low houred FOs needed this year. CTC could not have envisioned BACONS demise back in July/August.
Think that this is (although i hope that it isn't) a year that CTC couldn't have foreseen and they're going to be struggling to clear the pool over the next 12 months. I hope i'm wrong for all our sakes. It still remains the most professional outfit for low houred pilots but ultimately seems to need to work on comms with its customers.
CT
Not yet an AQC Holdpooler myself but i'm waiting for an AQC. Did my Phase 3 in September and passed with initial allocation for a AQC on March 5th. There was only 1 other AQC'er in my selection although i have no clue if he got through. Unfortunatly interview times crossed and never got contact details. All you peeps are going to be well into a TR before me (if i pass) but i thought i'd give you the info about what's bringing up the rear and hope that it can help complete some of the CTC jigsaw.
Seems that CTC are being more selective at Stage 1. I got through within a week to stage 1b etc. My training partner during CPL/IR (who has just got a job with Cityjet) didn't get a reply until Nov. Seems CTC are restricting AQC numbers from the offset. I also went through CTC Wings Cadet selection and they are given 'priority' as mentioned before. This is only because airlines can say 'next year i need x amount of pilots'. CTC can turn around and say how many are coming through their integrated scheme and assign them appropriately. We all know that airlines prefer integrated to modular or ab initio (even if we don't like it). To managerial staff CTC Cadets must be perfect as they can budget over a year in advance and know who they are going to get.
I've also had an recommendation to FlyBe, but due to their BACON takeover they've stopped taking people on. I'll be getting an update on their state of play soon. As said before on this thread, it's also been affecting employment all over cos pilots are jumping ship. Pilots are choosing whether to stay with BACON or goin to FlyBe or ESY. Most (according to the forum) seem to be moving on. To be fair, who are airlines going to prefer, the seasoned BACON guys with turbine time or the 250 hr wannabes with an AQC? Unfortunatly it's bad timing that one of the British budget carriers has sold out right over our employment windows. We just have to hang on and hope things sort themselves out. The amount of pilots with jet/turbine time looking for jobs will affect holdpool movement without question.
I'm still happy with the AQC scheme although as with most people on this thread i think the lack of info seems to be dire. I still haven't got the 100% confirmation that i'm on the March course and it took an email to the CTC team to give me a little more reassurance that it still looked ok. A little too close to confort as i have to book off work etc. Also seems weird to have no course material. As mentioned it's a hard course and most sensible people will want to commit time to getting SOPs as slick as possible (at least EOPs) before arriving. How hard would it be to have info online in PDF to download and read through.
Every airline has probs with training capts atm. I know (from staff contacts) that FlyBe had them and Easyjet. As the training capts retired off the top of the ladder captains had to be trained to be training capts before FOs could be trained for command before we could start to be trained as FOs. It's a vicous circle that started with the airlines lack of recruitment after 9/11. A friend had to wait 2 months after her type rating to do her base check. This with the aforementioned BACON buy out has reduced the amount of low houred FOs needed this year. CTC could not have envisioned BACONS demise back in July/August.
Think that this is (although i hope that it isn't) a year that CTC couldn't have foreseen and they're going to be struggling to clear the pool over the next 12 months. I hope i'm wrong for all our sakes. It still remains the most professional outfit for low houred pilots but ultimately seems to need to work on comms with its customers.
CT
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Maybe the lack of replies is due to the fact the pool has suddenly emptied and they are too busy on Type Ratings to bother with this thread anymore! 
Here's hoping as I am about to join the pool very soon.
On a positive note, I was speaking to one of EZ's Line Training Captains last week and he was very positive that they would be dipping into the pool fairly soon.
Keep your heads above water but watch out for the splash, I'm about to jump in.
Here's hoping as I am about to join the pool very soon.On a positive note, I was speaking to one of EZ's Line Training Captains last week and he was very positive that they would be dipping into the pool fairly soon.
Keep your heads above water but watch out for the splash, I'm about to jump in.
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On a positive note, I was speaking to one of EZ's Line Training Captains last week and he was very positive that they would be dipping into the pool fairly soon.
GD.
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holding pool
Hi All (Kerropi - Any news?? )
'pass me a towel im out and need to dry off'
Kerropi - an update for you mate myself and the remaining 5 guys from the june aqc have been called for airbus type rating at easy starting in march so there is definately movement in the pool hopefully it will be getting a little bit less crowded in there now (more room for diving practice) hopefully the movement has begun
Good luck guys ill try and keep updating as and when I hear any more news.
Dragstrut (ex olympic swimmer)
'pass me a towel im out and need to dry off'
Kerropi - an update for you mate myself and the remaining 5 guys from the june aqc have been called for airbus type rating at easy starting in march so there is definately movement in the pool hopefully it will be getting a little bit less crowded in there now (more room for diving practice) hopefully the movement has begun
Good luck guys ill try and keep updating as and when I hear any more news.
Dragstrut (ex olympic swimmer)
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Go Detent,
No time scales mentioned, but he said that he'd had a communication saying 426 new pilots were required this year before any leavers are even replaced. I don't know how many will come from CTC but I'm sure enough to empty the pool at some point. Here's hoping!
DragStrut,
That's excllent news for you and the June guys, hopefully the movement will start to gather pace. I hope not to be in the pool for as long as you guys, I go horribly wrinkly and prune like if in water for too long, not pretty!
No time scales mentioned, but he said that he'd had a communication saying 426 new pilots were required this year before any leavers are even replaced. I don't know how many will come from CTC but I'm sure enough to empty the pool at some point. Here's hoping!
DragStrut,
That's excllent news for you and the June guys, hopefully the movement will start to gather pace. I hope not to be in the pool for as long as you guys, I go horribly wrinkly and prune like if in water for too long, not pretty!
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Hi All,
I too hope to be joining the pool in the very near future, remain positive, the jobs are there, it's just a case of waiting for the training slots! Remember this is a rumour network not a fact network.
Cheers,
PA
I too hope to be joining the pool in the very near future, remain positive, the jobs are there, it's just a case of waiting for the training slots! Remember this is a rumour network not a fact network.
Cheers,
PA
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Dragstrut,
Thanks for the update. I hope to dive into the pool after passing my AQC in April/May. I currently work as an application administrator in the Netherlands. If I pass my AQC I would like to quit my job as quickly as possible because I have to give my employer a 3 months notice. Should this be any problem for CTC? Seeing that some of you guys nearly waited 6 months to be picked up out of the pool I don't think this will be a problem?
Anyway.. any updates on this topic is welcome or PM me for info on the AQC.
K.
Thanks for the update. I hope to dive into the pool after passing my AQC in April/May. I currently work as an application administrator in the Netherlands. If I pass my AQC I would like to quit my job as quickly as possible because I have to give my employer a 3 months notice. Should this be any problem for CTC? Seeing that some of you guys nearly waited 6 months to be picked up out of the pool I don't think this will be a problem?
Anyway.. any updates on this topic is welcome or PM me for info on the AQC.
K.
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How many are being trained at the moment?
Kerropi,
Perhaps you'll have to wait 3 months or more before you get a TR, after you've finished your aqc. But perhaps 3 months is even a good estimate? But one can never be too sure, perhaps things will change in the spring time. The best thing for you is probably to monitor this thread closely and try to make a qualified guess as to how long you'll have to wait.
But I can tell you a story about a friend of mine. He came to phase 3 on a friday in March last year, did the aqc the following tuesday and started the TR one week after the course was finished. I don't think this'll happen this year, since the hold pool needs to be emptied first. Like me for example, I finished in december, I'm number 36 or something, I think I'll be on a TR in May-June the earliest...that's my estimate, but obviously I can't know. And if you would end up on the TR course behind me, you wouldn't have waited as long as I had???
I don't know how many atp-ers are being trained at the moment, does anyone else have a clue? I have a feeling the hold pool isn't being filled up very quickly at the moment, or am I wrong?
As for the aqc: Be well prepared, review the basic IFR-rules, read a few Jeppesen-plates and be prepared to work hard and you'll be fine!
Good luck!
HC
Perhaps you'll have to wait 3 months or more before you get a TR, after you've finished your aqc. But perhaps 3 months is even a good estimate? But one can never be too sure, perhaps things will change in the spring time. The best thing for you is probably to monitor this thread closely and try to make a qualified guess as to how long you'll have to wait.
But I can tell you a story about a friend of mine. He came to phase 3 on a friday in March last year, did the aqc the following tuesday and started the TR one week after the course was finished. I don't think this'll happen this year, since the hold pool needs to be emptied first. Like me for example, I finished in december, I'm number 36 or something, I think I'll be on a TR in May-June the earliest...that's my estimate, but obviously I can't know. And if you would end up on the TR course behind me, you wouldn't have waited as long as I had???
I don't know how many atp-ers are being trained at the moment, does anyone else have a clue? I have a feeling the hold pool isn't being filled up very quickly at the moment, or am I wrong?
As for the aqc: Be well prepared, review the basic IFR-rules, read a few Jeppesen-plates and be prepared to work hard and you'll be fine!
Good luck!
HC
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february movement
Heard from a reliable source that a couple of July swimmers recently(last week) went to Monarch. Can anybody confirm this
? If this is correct I guess we can wipe out the July AQC from the pool.
Did any August champs hear anything, -maybe from JET2?
thanks
? If this is correct I guess we can wipe out the July AQC from the pool.Did any August champs hear anything, -maybe from JET2?
thanks
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ctc holdpool
Golfrocky,
hi there i was on the June 26th 2006 start AQC and i know that the last legend (you know who u are!) from our course did indeed get a type rating date after interview with Monarch along with 4 guys from the AQC following ours, so there are no guys left swimming from our course anymore.
I dont think you can wipe out the July course though as im sure there was another course run in july after us which as far as i can tell still has swimmers left in the pool.
sure you wont be in the too long as there appears to be ripples in the water and movement is begining i hope
Hope this helps shed a little light on the situation mate, anything else just pm me.
Dragstrut
hi there i was on the June 26th 2006 start AQC and i know that the last legend (you know who u are!) from our course did indeed get a type rating date after interview with Monarch along with 4 guys from the AQC following ours, so there are no guys left swimming from our course anymore.
I dont think you can wipe out the July course though as im sure there was another course run in july after us which as far as i can tell still has swimmers left in the pool.
sure you wont be in the too long as there appears to be ripples in the water and movement is begining i hope
Hope this helps shed a little light on the situation mate, anything else just pm me.
Dragstrut
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So those 4, plus the six taken from the same AQC group for Thomas Cook = 10. But there were only 9 on that course... hmmmm. Anyway...sounds like they might have cleared that lot from the pool and are possibly onto the August group now.
(Hello, CRC time Ben - hope I pass!)
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hold pool
hi jonny
cheers for the update i wasnt sure how many guys were in the pool from that AQC.
(yeah did the CRC yeasterday hopefully i havent done anything recently that will rule me out ha ha ha ah) see you in a couple of weeks mate
cheers for the update i wasnt sure how many guys were in the pool from that AQC.
(yeah did the CRC yeasterday hopefully i havent done anything recently that will rule me out ha ha ha ah) see you in a couple of weeks mate