The CTC Wings (Cadets) Thread - Part 2.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: france
Age: 37
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thanks for those informations.
Could you please give me the procedure to join CTC cadets ?
Is there a period for that ? Are there many french here who made ctc ?
I had plan to go to Cargair, a french canadian compagnie which teach us to CPL/IR. Is it better to have Canadien CPL and go back to UK to convert it for Europe flight ?
Would you mind to list me the different UK compagnies like easyjet who/se (can't remember sorry^^ ) pay the course if it works perfectly ?
Many thanks
Tuc
Could you please give me the procedure to join CTC cadets ?
Is there a period for that ? Are there many french here who made ctc ?
I had plan to go to Cargair, a french canadian compagnie which teach us to CPL/IR. Is it better to have Canadien CPL and go back to UK to convert it for Europe flight ?
Would you mind to list me the different UK compagnies like easyjet who/se (can't remember sorry^^ ) pay the course if it works perfectly ?
Many thanks
Tuc
I REALLY SHOULDN'T BE HERE
To apply to CTC you must go through several stages of selection. You will find more details on CTC's website.
If you ask five different pilots the best way to get a licence you will get six different answers. Many people opt to carry out training abroad and then convert their licences to JAR licences. The most important thing is that at the end of your training you have a JAR licence which will allow you to work as a pilot in Europe, whatever route you choose.
There are very few companies (if any) who will actually pay for your commercial training. Most sponsored schemes will require you to pay for your training but will have the offer of a job at the end provided you meet a certain standard.
If you ask five different pilots the best way to get a licence you will get six different answers. Many people opt to carry out training abroad and then convert their licences to JAR licences. The most important thing is that at the end of your training you have a JAR licence which will allow you to work as a pilot in Europe, whatever route you choose.
There are very few companies (if any) who will actually pay for your commercial training. Most sponsored schemes will require you to pay for your training but will have the offer of a job at the end provided you meet a certain standard.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Thank you for your answer.
I planned to go to cargair and you were right when you said that there are so many different ways to be a pilot ^^
You said: "There are very few companies (if any) who will actually pay for your commercial training"
Could you please list me those compagnies ? I just know Easyjet.
I would like to try to join those compagnies before going to Cargair.
So if you could list them, i'll try to find how to proceed then.
Thank you very much
Tuc
I planned to go to cargair and you were right when you said that there are so many different ways to be a pilot ^^
You said: "There are very few companies (if any) who will actually pay for your commercial training"
Could you please list me those compagnies ? I just know Easyjet.
I would like to try to join those compagnies before going to Cargair.
So if you could list them, i'll try to find how to proceed then.
Thank you very much
Tuc
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Swansea
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Phase 3
Hey gang,
I have been put forward to phase 3 on April 18th and was wondering if anyone could give me any ideas to the sort of questions asked during the interview. Also any infomation about the team excercises.
I have been put forward to phase 3 on April 18th and was wondering if anyone could give me any ideas to the sort of questions asked during the interview. Also any infomation about the team excercises.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: With my head in a sandbox!
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CTC have so so many questions they can possibly ask - you're in there for about an hour so its not stupidly long, but definitely enough time to see whether you have done your research. Rather than list questions, I'll suggest a few things you might want to know about - anyone else feel free to add:
Know the partner airlines (Base, core UK hubs, Fleet, any merger info, perhaps passenger numbers last year)
Know the role of a first officer inside out! Show them you know you don't expect to be hands on flying the whole time - what other roles will you perform?
Know the key industry goings-on - emmsions, open skies, pilot fatigue, new aircaft in development, security are a few to read up on
I was asked about pilot hours - how many a week/ month can I expect to fly
Some guys have been asked about a specific aircraft - say the 757-200. How many seats? What might be a typical route?
Maybe know a few technnical bits - why are we seeing winglets on new aircraft more and more? What are wing fences designed for?
Most importantly though, know yourself inside out. Have examples (more thasn one I would suggest) for each of the core qualities, and perhaps try to find a way of linking them in the interview if you find that might help you.
I could go on all night but I think its only fair you do some of the work yourself!
One other hint I will offer - I would advise that you prepare a little intoduction speech as thats how the day begins. Only 3 mins or so but I got the distinct impression that they prefer a bit of detail rather than a quick hello. Cover flying experience, education, employment briefly if relevant. Just a summary but try to be as confident as possible - its one of the hardest bits of the day so prepare!
Know the partner airlines (Base, core UK hubs, Fleet, any merger info, perhaps passenger numbers last year)
Know the role of a first officer inside out! Show them you know you don't expect to be hands on flying the whole time - what other roles will you perform?
Know the key industry goings-on - emmsions, open skies, pilot fatigue, new aircaft in development, security are a few to read up on
I was asked about pilot hours - how many a week/ month can I expect to fly
Some guys have been asked about a specific aircraft - say the 757-200. How many seats? What might be a typical route?
Maybe know a few technnical bits - why are we seeing winglets on new aircraft more and more? What are wing fences designed for?
Most importantly though, know yourself inside out. Have examples (more thasn one I would suggest) for each of the core qualities, and perhaps try to find a way of linking them in the interview if you find that might help you.
I could go on all night but I think its only fair you do some of the work yourself!
One other hint I will offer - I would advise that you prepare a little intoduction speech as thats how the day begins. Only 3 mins or so but I got the distinct impression that they prefer a bit of detail rather than a quick hello. Cover flying experience, education, employment briefly if relevant. Just a summary but try to be as confident as possible - its one of the hardest bits of the day so prepare!
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Hi Guys,
I am absolutely ecstatic to be able to be one of the fortunate few who is able to post saying I’m off to NZ - CP49 here I come! I don’t really want to cover loads of old ground here if possible, or bore you senseless at that! I am just very grateful to all those who have taken the time to post on here with tips/ experiences – they have been a real help to me and numerous others I am sure.
I cannot believe how fast all this has happened! I sent my application on 12th March, receiving an invite to stage 2 the next day. As I was away in the States for a bit, I went for stage 2 on 30th March, being notified I was successful the same night. With Easter looming, I expected a delay but was very pleased to be invited to stage 3 on 10th April. They called me the next morning inviting me to stage 4 for the next day, giving me some useful feedback while they were at it. Stage 4 was done yesterday and I received a call 45 mins later saying I was successful, and asked whether I could fly out on 2nd May, so here I am! Talk about efficient! It has taken 13 days from phase 2 until knowing my course – it really hasn’t sunk in. Just handed in my notice at work; surreal experience that was! Anyway, point I am trying to make is that CTC are so professional and efficient. Really nice at every stage and anyone who has been to both Bournemouth and Nursling knows how fantastic their facilities are. I would like to strongly urge anyone thinking of applying to do so!
So selection advice … PILAPT is actually quite fun! Very tough in places but it is very much a case of you have it or you don’t! Cockpitweb is all well and good, but I did nothing like that, just practiced my maths and drew on my flying experience and was fine. A couple of things, the shape recognition test is best to be broken down. You need to identify whether a coloured shape matches criteria on two axies, one for colour, the other for shape. Just focus on one thing first (I chose colour as it seemed simpler) and ensure the right colour was under the right column (do this every time as the axies change and being lazy does not hack it at this level) – if so, scan across to the other axis. It’s like an instrument scan when flying IFR. Really noticed that come back to me in the 737 sim yesterday. Also, the final test, just stay cool – again, break it down. Either focus on number or shape initially – if you can manage all of it, that’s ideal but try to keep in touch with the sequencing as once you lose it, that’s it, then keep up with the shapes as you can. The rest has been covered elsewhere and is worth a read!
Stage 3 – Learn the airlines! I would suggest knowing a brief history, fleet, base, core uk hubs and any mergers happening at least. Know the role of a first officer, relationship on the flightdeck with the captain, basic CRM issues, perhaps a few technical bits like where might a 757-200 fly – don’t say the far east; that’s just silly! Know industry events – especially environmental issues, open skies agreement, new aircraft under development, pilot fatigue, maybe ATC restructuring at the moment. All in Flight International but well worth throwing around in the interview if you get the chance. Most importantly know yourself inside out, backwards – everything. Get together loads of examples – can’t go wrong that way.
Team exercises – just be yourself and contribute. This may really backfire saying this, but it was implied that the first exercise (survival) is a chance for you to show leadership and the second (building) is for teamworking – obviously if everyone does this though, that does not make for a good overall team, so it really does need to be an emphasis on the team working well rather than you looking like the best teamplayer. Just contribute!
Stage 4 – AWESOME!!!! Anyone who is like me and has always wanted to fly a 737-300, well this is your chance! It was fantastic; the guy who looked after us both was great, really patient and a great instructor. He took off from Gatwick 26L, took us up to 5,000, asked me to decent do 4,000 at 250kt (he controlled the power throughout – trust me, its tough enough without the throttle! Then it was 180 degree turns with 30 deg bank to the left and right, error margin was very tight I think, 100ft either way needed very swift correction, then 360 degree turns. Changes in power settings while holding attitude, then 45 deg bank turns. He then set the aircraft up for an ILS on to 26L, with cloud base at 800ft. So satisfying to hit the centreline! Then he asked me to takeoff, climb to 3,000ft ensuring I maintained 210kt. A few things I’ll point out – firstly, as I’m sure you can imagine, a c152 it aint! This thing is really heavy in the bank, ¼ degree in pitch makes a huge difference in R.O.C – about 200fpm! So try to pre-empt how the pitch needs to be adjusted as the speeds change. Also, remember positive exchange of control, ie, ‘I have control’, when asked to turn 180 deg holding altitude, say something like, ‘right 180 at 30 deg bank maintaing 4,000’, then perhaps say ’90 to go’ half ay through the turn. Ensures you have been listening and is how pilots operate in a multi-crew environment. No maths questions for me, just general discussions about the aircraft handling during turns to see how you cope.
Anyway, hope that helps a bit – I’d be happy to answer a few questions if you guys have them. Everyone who I have met along the way have been fantastic guys and I wish all of you the very best. And as for those of you on CP49, bring it on!
PAJ
I am absolutely ecstatic to be able to be one of the fortunate few who is able to post saying I’m off to NZ - CP49 here I come! I don’t really want to cover loads of old ground here if possible, or bore you senseless at that! I am just very grateful to all those who have taken the time to post on here with tips/ experiences – they have been a real help to me and numerous others I am sure.
I cannot believe how fast all this has happened! I sent my application on 12th March, receiving an invite to stage 2 the next day. As I was away in the States for a bit, I went for stage 2 on 30th March, being notified I was successful the same night. With Easter looming, I expected a delay but was very pleased to be invited to stage 3 on 10th April. They called me the next morning inviting me to stage 4 for the next day, giving me some useful feedback while they were at it. Stage 4 was done yesterday and I received a call 45 mins later saying I was successful, and asked whether I could fly out on 2nd May, so here I am! Talk about efficient! It has taken 13 days from phase 2 until knowing my course – it really hasn’t sunk in. Just handed in my notice at work; surreal experience that was! Anyway, point I am trying to make is that CTC are so professional and efficient. Really nice at every stage and anyone who has been to both Bournemouth and Nursling knows how fantastic their facilities are. I would like to strongly urge anyone thinking of applying to do so!
So selection advice … PILAPT is actually quite fun! Very tough in places but it is very much a case of you have it or you don’t! Cockpitweb is all well and good, but I did nothing like that, just practiced my maths and drew on my flying experience and was fine. A couple of things, the shape recognition test is best to be broken down. You need to identify whether a coloured shape matches criteria on two axies, one for colour, the other for shape. Just focus on one thing first (I chose colour as it seemed simpler) and ensure the right colour was under the right column (do this every time as the axies change and being lazy does not hack it at this level) – if so, scan across to the other axis. It’s like an instrument scan when flying IFR. Really noticed that come back to me in the 737 sim yesterday. Also, the final test, just stay cool – again, break it down. Either focus on number or shape initially – if you can manage all of it, that’s ideal but try to keep in touch with the sequencing as once you lose it, that’s it, then keep up with the shapes as you can. The rest has been covered elsewhere and is worth a read!
Stage 3 – Learn the airlines! I would suggest knowing a brief history, fleet, base, core uk hubs and any mergers happening at least. Know the role of a first officer, relationship on the flightdeck with the captain, basic CRM issues, perhaps a few technical bits like where might a 757-200 fly – don’t say the far east; that’s just silly! Know industry events – especially environmental issues, open skies agreement, new aircraft under development, pilot fatigue, maybe ATC restructuring at the moment. All in Flight International but well worth throwing around in the interview if you get the chance. Most importantly know yourself inside out, backwards – everything. Get together loads of examples – can’t go wrong that way.
Team exercises – just be yourself and contribute. This may really backfire saying this, but it was implied that the first exercise (survival) is a chance for you to show leadership and the second (building) is for teamworking – obviously if everyone does this though, that does not make for a good overall team, so it really does need to be an emphasis on the team working well rather than you looking like the best teamplayer. Just contribute!
Stage 4 – AWESOME!!!! Anyone who is like me and has always wanted to fly a 737-300, well this is your chance! It was fantastic; the guy who looked after us both was great, really patient and a great instructor. He took off from Gatwick 26L, took us up to 5,000, asked me to decent do 4,000 at 250kt (he controlled the power throughout – trust me, its tough enough without the throttle! Then it was 180 degree turns with 30 deg bank to the left and right, error margin was very tight I think, 100ft either way needed very swift correction, then 360 degree turns. Changes in power settings while holding attitude, then 45 deg bank turns. He then set the aircraft up for an ILS on to 26L, with cloud base at 800ft. So satisfying to hit the centreline! Then he asked me to takeoff, climb to 3,000ft ensuring I maintained 210kt. A few things I’ll point out – firstly, as I’m sure you can imagine, a c152 it aint! This thing is really heavy in the bank, ¼ degree in pitch makes a huge difference in R.O.C – about 200fpm! So try to pre-empt how the pitch needs to be adjusted as the speeds change. Also, remember positive exchange of control, ie, ‘I have control’, when asked to turn 180 deg holding altitude, say something like, ‘right 180 at 30 deg bank maintaing 4,000’, then perhaps say ’90 to go’ half ay through the turn. Ensures you have been listening and is how pilots operate in a multi-crew environment. No maths questions for me, just general discussions about the aircraft handling during turns to see how you cope.
Anyway, hope that helps a bit – I’d be happy to answer a few questions if you guys have them. Everyone who I have met along the way have been fantastic guys and I wish all of you the very best. And as for those of you on CP49, bring it on!
PAJ
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: france
Age: 37
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Thanks Paj for telling your experience. I just wanna know how to inscribe myself to CTC Cadets.
How do I have to proceed ?
Do you think it is hard for a french guy ?
Tuc
How do I have to proceed ?
Do you think it is hard for a french guy ?
Tuc
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
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tucdelu,
Others may know better than I but as long as you have an unrestricted right to work in the UK, are sufficiently fluent in English and, as far as I know, prepared to be based in the UK (guess you need to check airline base options with CTC) you shouldn't have a problem applying.
No doubt this is covered on CTC's website, or failing that give them a call.
From my experience of stage 2, a non-native English speaker appeared to me to be failing the final set of tests of PILAPT possibly because he didn't fully understand what he had to do. It's speculation on my part but I saw that he was only reacting to one of the three aspects of the final PILAPT test. I didn't get a chance to speak to him afterwards though, so don't take it as gospel. He could have just been swamped come the end.
Judging by the volume of information/communication throughout selection and the course itself, I guess a high level of fluency in English is just as critical as the other aptitudes.
Others may know better than I but as long as you have an unrestricted right to work in the UK, are sufficiently fluent in English and, as far as I know, prepared to be based in the UK (guess you need to check airline base options with CTC) you shouldn't have a problem applying.
No doubt this is covered on CTC's website, or failing that give them a call.
From my experience of stage 2, a non-native English speaker appeared to me to be failing the final set of tests of PILAPT possibly because he didn't fully understand what he had to do. It's speculation on my part but I saw that he was only reacting to one of the three aspects of the final PILAPT test. I didn't get a chance to speak to him afterwards though, so don't take it as gospel. He could have just been swamped come the end.
Judging by the volume of information/communication throughout selection and the course itself, I guess a high level of fluency in English is just as critical as the other aptitudes.
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Hi,
Are there any people here past 30 yrs of age who have applied to the CTC Wings Cadet scheme and have been invited to stage 2?
Also, are CTC now allowing candidates to resit stage 2 - think i remember a few months back people saying there was only one attempt allowed at stage 2?
Thanks
Are there any people here past 30 yrs of age who have applied to the CTC Wings Cadet scheme and have been invited to stage 2?
Also, are CTC now allowing candidates to resit stage 2 - think i remember a few months back people saying there was only one attempt allowed at stage 2?
Thanks
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Swansea
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phase 3
Hi
Your info is great but you've just terrified my about Phase 3 to which I'm going on Tuesday!
The stuff you refer to as best to be aware of; is there a quick learning guide or could you send me something...I'm really concerned now!!
Cheers mate and hope you enjoy the course.....well done......I'm green and I don't mean environmentally!
Your info is great but you've just terrified my about Phase 3 to which I'm going on Tuesday!
The stuff you refer to as best to be aware of; is there a quick learning guide or could you send me something...I'm really concerned now!!
Cheers mate and hope you enjoy the course.....well done......I'm green and I don't mean environmentally!
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Thank you for your answer.
I have more troubles to speak than to understand but we never knows ^^.
I found on ctc website the inscription and filled it.
I had an error message: It says that I haven't completely fill the subscritions fields.... :s
I can't understand.
I gave all the required informations and when i have not, i added the number 0 or wrote "none" and I still have the error message.
If I perfectly know the different stepps: stage2,3,4, it would be easyer the D Day to do what we have to do.
I'm just a bit afraid for the interviews to not be able to reply to the questions. I won't have enough vocabulary to describe my thoughts, my feelings, ...
I have still many days to improve my english
I have more troubles to speak than to understand but we never knows ^^.
I found on ctc website the inscription and filled it.
I had an error message: It says that I haven't completely fill the subscritions fields.... :s
I can't understand.
I gave all the required informations and when i have not, i added the number 0 or wrote "none" and I still have the error message.
If I perfectly know the different stepps: stage2,3,4, it would be easyer the D Day to do what we have to do.
I'm just a bit afraid for the interviews to not be able to reply to the questions. I won't have enough vocabulary to describe my thoughts, my feelings, ...
I have still many days to improve my english
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: newcastle
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hi
i had my application to ctc put on hold just before i was to attend my phase 2 as i was starting to have doubts about it all. does anybody know how long after training with ctc is completed, you would be paying off the debt that has built up through the duration of training, ie. the bond (which i know is 7 years) and the living costs etc all taken through hsbc?? this was my only major concern with the whole thing really.
thanks
i had my application to ctc put on hold just before i was to attend my phase 2 as i was starting to have doubts about it all. does anybody know how long after training with ctc is completed, you would be paying off the debt that has built up through the duration of training, ie. the bond (which i know is 7 years) and the living costs etc all taken through hsbc?? this was my only major concern with the whole thing really.
thanks
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Hi
I am looking towards my Stage 3 with CTC and will be going on holiday soon before I take it and was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of any specific books or other reading it would be worth burying my head in whilst I sit by the pool?
Obviously there is a wealth of information online here and also the information on the partner airlines to read but aside from taking a wedge of printouts with me just wondering if anyone can help.
Sorry if this has been posted before, but in response to people looking towards stage 2 I found some software on the internet that will allow you to practice similar tests to that on pilapt. Bear in mind they arent 100% the same!! You do have to pay for this as well but its cheaper than having to make two trips down to CTC because you failed the first time like I did.
A quick search in google should find some for you.
I am looking towards my Stage 3 with CTC and will be going on holiday soon before I take it and was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of any specific books or other reading it would be worth burying my head in whilst I sit by the pool?
Obviously there is a wealth of information online here and also the information on the partner airlines to read but aside from taking a wedge of printouts with me just wondering if anyone can help.
Sorry if this has been posted before, but in response to people looking towards stage 2 I found some software on the internet that will allow you to practice similar tests to that on pilapt. Bear in mind they arent 100% the same!! You do have to pay for this as well but its cheaper than having to make two trips down to CTC because you failed the first time like I did.
A quick search in google should find some for you.