foliot-pilot

understood. thanks very much bryondaf.

foliot-pilot

Hi there,

Given that the only requirements for a 'white tail' cadet is only 5 GCSE's, does that not infer that there are jobs available for those who chose not to pursue A-Levels? Surely there must be pilots out there who haven't chosen to do A-levels.

For example, the Virgin MPL with CTC also only requires 5 GCSE's. I'm just trying to get a bit of perspective here as I do not have A levels, but do have excellent GCSE results.

What are your thoughts please?

average-punter

Sam,

One question you will have to give some significant thought to is 'Why do you have excellent GCSE results but didn't pursue further education in the form of A-levels?' Any decent school should be strongly encouraging strong GCSE performers into A-levels IMHO.

I don't know anyone on the course who doesn't have a-levels but that's not to say there aren't any...

foliot-pilot

average-punter,

Very good point. That's a question I will need to have a good think about.

I've told a small white lie here, I did attend a 6th form to complete A-Levels, due to a lot of pressure from my parents at the time to do so. I really struggled with it and hated the whole time there. Looking back, I'm not sure if going was the right choice. I "achieved" (if you can call it that) a B in Maths and a E in Physics, way below the required standard for any of the Airline courses.

That's why the white tail is appealing to me given the GCSE requirements. I am confident that my aptitude/motivation will serve me well enough to complete the ATPL exams, however, I'm concerned my poor A Level results could preclude me from airline placement.

Any thoughts please?

byrondaf

hill.sam I wondered that too, however it doesn't matter at all.

I too achieved excellent GCSE results but at college I left with 3 mediocre A-level grades C,C,D. I wasn't able to apply for the BA FPP or easyJet MPL schemes, however I finished my Wings "whitetail" training at end of June and now have a job with easyJet after 16 hours in the hold pool.

They don't apply A-level grade criteria for placement. Airline placement is all down to CTC performance. Get a 90%+ average in your ATPL's, no more than 3 resits and first series passes in your CPL+IR and you'll be eligible for any airline that CTC can offer you. Passing the assessment days is the next hurdle, but worry about that later.

As I was, you'll be asked at the selection day interview about A-level grades and perhaps why they weren't as good, so make sure you are able to answer that with a good positive answer. You'll be asked about motivation and how you cope under pressure if things don't go so well. Oh and as for any "white lies", avoid them if you can, integrity as a pilot is very important. we all make mistakes/bad choices, but as long as you learn from them and you don't self-destruct, no problem.

foliot-pilot

byrondaf: I concur. That's reassuring. I could go back and re-do my exams, but obviously this would be a last resort.

I was just a little concerned when I read an earlier post inferring that having no/bad A-Levels could affect placement. I have an 'ergonomic assessment' with CTC in August (I'm a little over 6'3") and also an 'Airline Prep' course coming up shortly, so I'll be sure to grill them then about all my other questions.

I'm keeping my eyes & ears open for now.

Thanks for all advice.

average-punter

Sam,

That makes far more sense! The maths is a decent score. I retook one of my a-levels to improve grades so it is possible. Byron speaks wise words too, think of where you haven't performed as expected and prepare a solid reason to explain it.

foliot-pilot

At least I'll be well prepared if they ask "tell me about a time when you've failed"

foliot-pilot

alloyd555: Thanks very much. I think a bit of preparation/honesty is the key here. We all make mistakes. Is the stage four the sim assessment? I've been reading a lot about that, I'm assuming it was something they assessed wings cadets on in the past, but am I correct in thinking it's no longer the norm?

Obviously it is for the Qatar program

AdamHanis

That's cool!

I'll be going for my phase 2 & 3 this Tuesday. Any tips to what I could do to prepare?

m.abdullah

Hi. I'm a newbie here.

I have questions regarding the Qatar MPL programme.

1) It is open to all nationalities. Correct me if i'm wrong, but as far as i know doesn't Qatar only take Qatari?

2) To quote :
"This self-funded CTC WINGS Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme in partnership with Qatar Airways is at the leading-edge of airline pilot training innovation."
Do i have to use my own money or will there be any help from ctc for me to apply for a loan or some kind?

Sorry if these questions had already been answered.
Any guidance would be much appreciated.

wonder88

m.abdullah

Taken from the CTC website under Minimum requirements : Be able to pass a security check to ensure your right to live and work in Qatar

This is a self funded MPL and qatar do not give you any assistance with it as far as I am aware. Do your research.

MaxParker97

Anyone going on the CP137 course?

AW20

Hi Max,

I'm on CP136, but I'm just wondering, do you have you training locations yet? I'm just trying to work out if it alternates locations very course or not.

MaxParker97

As of the schedule sent to me I am Southampton- Hamilton- Bournemouth.
However it does state that these can be changed at anytime

Airbus Airhead

Hi guys, from passing selection what's the time frame to starting ground school roughly? Also if not in Southampton, where else might you be based for ground school? Thanks

byrondaf

i believe your selection lasts for 6 months. and it'll either be southampton or coventry. think there's even talk of gatwick. not sure what's in the rumour mill at the moment.

JPFTEJerez

It was 5 months for me. They only use Southampton for ground school however they were using Coventry (pad pilot) while there was maintenance going on in Southampton. Whether they're thinking of adding new places for ground school I don't know.

Airbus Airhead

Thanks. Do the majority of people going through the integrated route require the loan? I would need the full amount, is this common? Is it possible to have a weekend job through ground school or is it too intense?

JPFTEJerez

It is very common for cadets to get the full loan amount it just depends on your financial situation. Some are obviously better off than others and some have saved for years. It is to intense for a weekend job. You'll be studying a huge amount, you can't afford any distractions.