My Plan.....and a CTC selection question

[rogerthatpostie]

Hello all,
This is my first post here on PPrune. Basically, for anyone interested I am 21, male, currently in my fourth and final year of a degree in Multimedia Computing and Design. I decided I wouldn't be happy if I didn't at least try to become a pilot from about second year on, so I have been patiently holding out since. I've flown an hour in a Cessna 172SP here in N. Ireland and an hour from Oakland International, CA in a Piper Archer II. So, now I'm half way through final year of uni, it's time to make some real decisions very soon.

The plan so far....finish the degree and graduate with a lovely 2:1 this summer
Start the PPL. I have researched all the ways and methods there are, but I have decided from a purely practical and cautious approach to make sure this is something I really want to do, and am also capable of, by self funding a PPL. After that I can decide from a slightly better perspective (albeit probably smitten and disillusioned by everything aviation ) whether or not a £60k is even nearly worth it's related risks gulp.

If anyone reading knows about the CTC wings cadet selection process, I think I read somewhere that around stage four or so there is a simulator test. Out of curiosity, how well do they expect you to perform at this? I thought they preferred people with little or no flight experience so would someone say with much practice of MS flight sim or X-Plane complete this satisfactorily?

I often think, Microsoft really must have contributed greatly to the hoards of wannabe pilots.

Also another thing (I'm aware I've already ranted on a bit ) when using the search function of this forum it does not allow any words with less than four characters. (Maybe I'm doing something wrong?). I've notice some harsh words past to people for not using this function and causing repetition, but I found it rather irritating when I tried to search for a string with words like air, aer, cpl, ppl, or ctc and being asked to resubmit without the three-lettered word.

Anyway, nice to meet you all, some really great info floating about this site.

[pcoltas]

Hi mate im with ctc in nz at the moment been here 5 months and scheduled to leave in 9 weeks for exams back in the uk
The 4th (and final) stage of selection is an assesment in a B737 sim. Theyre not looking for you to be able to fly it like a pro, but you need to demonstrate that you can follow instructions and carry out basic manoeuvres when told to do so by the instructor. To be honest its more fun than anything of a challenge! Having said that I did put a few flight sim hours in so I guess that doesnt hurt either!

In any case, you need to concentrate on getting through the first 3 stages to begin with!

Good luck

[sigibbons]

Pcoltas: How did you manage to get a place on the CTC scheme? Is it Easyjet you are sponsored by, and will you be working for them once you complete?

Thanks.

[pcoltas]

I applied through CTC like everybody else, filled in the online application and then went along to bournemouth/nursling for selection! not sponsored by any airline yet (im only 5 months into the course) it all depends on who's recruiting at the time as to who you go to (although the majority go to easyjet)

[sigibbons]

That gives me hope hearing how somone has managed to get training easily. Plus i live near the action at Bournemouth!
Im going to go for it, its my dream.

[pcoltas]

i wouldnt say it was easy mate, make no mistake the selection is tough but definitely worth it

all the best anyway

[Elbiot]

I will second that, im due to take my phase 3 on the 16th Jan and to say I was nervous would be a MASSIVE understaement! phase two is good fun though you will enjoy it.

Elliot