Where next?
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Where next?
Hello fellow wannabes! In january 2008 I was on top of the world once the CAA Examiner said "Congratulations, you are a Commercial Pilot". Wow, The world was my oyster!! A few months later the Multi Engine Intrument Rating was in the bag. Just before the credit cards and overdraft(s) ran out I managed to scrape enough together to get a Flying Instructor rating, and as the economy hadn't quite 
itself, I walked straight into full time employment as an instructor. What a happy 24 year old I was.
And now 4 years has passed. I must admit, I love instructing in the skies across the UK as others are stuck in offices. But financially, it's breaking the bank. Whilst I know others would love to be where I am, at least getting some money to fly, but the maths just doesn't add up.
So what next? I've moved across the country for work, missing family and friends, work most weekends. If I was a realist I would have thrown the towel in ages ago, but I'm afraid whilst some spend their earnings shoving white powder up their noses, my drug is big and blue.
I guess I'm moaning a bit now, so I'll stop. I promise! But I'd love to hear from others in a similar position and how they have managed to make the next step. I'm 28, 2300TT mainly SEP, modular trained. And lots of my students have now made it to the airlines
Unfortunately integrated was never an option as mummy and daddys finances have always been similar to mine.
I'm looking into airline jobs, possibly cabin crew or ground jobs, any ideas of which companies might be best to get into with a chance (somewhere down the line) of possibly getting a flight deck job? Thanks for any help no matter how small
itself, I walked straight into full time employment as an instructor. What a happy 24 year old I was.And now 4 years has passed. I must admit, I love instructing in the skies across the UK as others are stuck in offices. But financially, it's breaking the bank. Whilst I know others would love to be where I am, at least getting some money to fly, but the maths just doesn't add up.
So what next? I've moved across the country for work, missing family and friends, work most weekends. If I was a realist I would have thrown the towel in ages ago, but I'm afraid whilst some spend their earnings shoving white powder up their noses, my drug is big and blue.
I guess I'm moaning a bit now, so I'll stop. I promise! But I'd love to hear from others in a similar position and how they have managed to make the next step. I'm 28, 2300TT mainly SEP, modular trained. And lots of my students have now made it to the airlines
Unfortunately integrated was never an option as mummy and daddys finances have always been similar to mine.I'm looking into airline jobs, possibly cabin crew or ground jobs, any ideas of which companies might be best to get into with a chance (somewhere down the line) of possibly getting a flight deck job? Thanks for any help no matter how small
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I've worked at a big corporate jet airfield over the past year for an aircraft valet which is owned by a private jet operator. IIRC the first manager was an ex FI. He took the job on the ground managing the valet with hope of getting a job in a biz-jet at the company. In the end it all fell through (I don't know how this is 2nd hand info) he did get a biz-jet job but I believe it was with a different company on the same airfield. I also see the same company are recruiting for customer service reps at the moment, perhaps that might be a way in.
I really don't know how useful any of this is to you or if this is what you are looking for?
I really don't know how useful any of this is to you or if this is what you are looking for?
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Hi!
If you are interested in an airline job (ie not pilot), Flybe are always looking for various staff. Cabin Crew vacancies are available at many of their bases, and if you are in the vicinity of Exeter, they have many office jobs.
If you are interested in an airline job (ie not pilot), Flybe are always looking for various staff. Cabin Crew vacancies are available at many of their bases, and if you are in the vicinity of Exeter, they have many office jobs.
Join Date: Jun 1999
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Hello mate, I can only sympathise with your predicament.
I remember those words back in 2004, when the CPL examiner said those great words to me, 'I am pleased to tell you, you have passed'. Its a great feeling and a stepping stone in your flying career. You should be very proud of it. It takes a lot of determination, dedication and commitment.
While a lot of guys, I knew went on to fly jets, I went into the instructing world like yourself. I spent around 1000 hours teaching. Instructing was one of the finest jobs I have ever had. It was great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Believe it or not, but it gives you some unique skills which you WILL bring to your airline career.
As much fun as instructing is, as you say you have to make sacrifices. Sadly the skill you bring to industry which is a unique one I might add, does not bring an income which sustains a balance sheet to break even a lot of the time. This is one thing I accepted when I took the job, so I could not complain, however there becomes a point where a decision has to be made.
I too was a modular student, and in the back of your mind is the modular/integrated debate. It was for me too. However, knowing what I know now, it is kind of irrelevant.
With all due respect sir, you are 28, and to be honest, still have a number of years on your side. I remember getting to your age and having all these thoughts. I started flying when I was 20, and have wanted to be a pilot since I was 4. I got my first FI job at 30, and my first airline job at 32. I know its tough, but stick with if you can. It may sound silly, but if you have to drive and determination life will find a way. Obviously I do not know your personal circumstances, but I remember having all the same feelings and things worked out in the end.
One of the issues right now is the way the recruiting process seems to be. I am sure you have read these forums, with the debates of P2F and all that.
Who knows what will happen in 10 years time, no one can really predict that. On a positive note, and something that gave me some satisfaction, was seeing guys who I have worked with as cabin crew after nearly 3 years get their break as pilots. So yes it does work. Getting into a company and getting to know the right people certainly does help. But of course it takes time to gain that respect within a company to be considered. Again its all about sacrifices and timing.
After reading your post, I really wish you all the best. I have said it many times on these forums in response to peoples questions, but if you are like me and love aviation the whole experience good and bad, its all worth it when you get what you aspire too.
Take care.
I remember those words back in 2004, when the CPL examiner said those great words to me, 'I am pleased to tell you, you have passed'. Its a great feeling and a stepping stone in your flying career. You should be very proud of it. It takes a lot of determination, dedication and commitment.
While a lot of guys, I knew went on to fly jets, I went into the instructing world like yourself. I spent around 1000 hours teaching. Instructing was one of the finest jobs I have ever had. It was great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Believe it or not, but it gives you some unique skills which you WILL bring to your airline career.
As much fun as instructing is, as you say you have to make sacrifices. Sadly the skill you bring to industry which is a unique one I might add, does not bring an income which sustains a balance sheet to break even a lot of the time. This is one thing I accepted when I took the job, so I could not complain, however there becomes a point where a decision has to be made.
I too was a modular student, and in the back of your mind is the modular/integrated debate. It was for me too. However, knowing what I know now, it is kind of irrelevant.
With all due respect sir, you are 28, and to be honest, still have a number of years on your side. I remember getting to your age and having all these thoughts. I started flying when I was 20, and have wanted to be a pilot since I was 4. I got my first FI job at 30, and my first airline job at 32. I know its tough, but stick with if you can. It may sound silly, but if you have to drive and determination life will find a way. Obviously I do not know your personal circumstances, but I remember having all the same feelings and things worked out in the end.
One of the issues right now is the way the recruiting process seems to be. I am sure you have read these forums, with the debates of P2F and all that.
Who knows what will happen in 10 years time, no one can really predict that. On a positive note, and something that gave me some satisfaction, was seeing guys who I have worked with as cabin crew after nearly 3 years get their break as pilots. So yes it does work. Getting into a company and getting to know the right people certainly does help. But of course it takes time to gain that respect within a company to be considered. Again its all about sacrifices and timing.
After reading your post, I really wish you all the best. I have said it many times on these forums in response to peoples questions, but if you are like me and love aviation the whole experience good and bad, its all worth it when you get what you aspire too.
Take care.
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When I read the title of this thread, I thought "here we go again, another 200hour pilot, fresh licence, and why won't the airlines recruit me?" So it was refreshing to see that wasn't the case.
For what it is worth, you have actually done well, and made some timely decisions. The frustration now is how do you make the jump on to the next stepping stone having done four years on the first one?
There are a few regulars on these forum that work for operators who put a great deal of store on people such as yourself, that have put the time in working their way up. Unfortunetaly, they are few and far between, but I am hoping Mad Jock (somebody I often disagree with) will put in a contribution, because I think this is a subject he would be able to help you with? The problem as always is the simple dearth of opportunities out there. All you can do is "network" hard, and pursue every lead that comes up. I know it is cliche, but it often works.
Getting the maths to add up can be a predicament at any level. You only have to read some of the other threads on this and the terms & endearment forum to realize that brutal truth.
A general job within an airline might well help you network, but I wouldn't give up the instructing job if at all possible. As difficult as it may be, it keeps the currency going and the experience building. If your current position allows you to build multi-engine experience, then try and do this. As bad as the maths might be, in your current role somebody else is paying for your experience. Without it, you are.
You are not in a bad place, even though it is a very difficult job market.
Good luck.
For what it is worth, you have actually done well, and made some timely decisions. The frustration now is how do you make the jump on to the next stepping stone having done four years on the first one?
There are a few regulars on these forum that work for operators who put a great deal of store on people such as yourself, that have put the time in working their way up. Unfortunetaly, they are few and far between, but I am hoping Mad Jock (somebody I often disagree with) will put in a contribution, because I think this is a subject he would be able to help you with? The problem as always is the simple dearth of opportunities out there. All you can do is "network" hard, and pursue every lead that comes up. I know it is cliche, but it often works.
Getting the maths to add up can be a predicament at any level. You only have to read some of the other threads on this and the terms & endearment forum to realize that brutal truth.
A general job within an airline might well help you network, but I wouldn't give up the instructing job if at all possible. As difficult as it may be, it keeps the currency going and the experience building. If your current position allows you to build multi-engine experience, then try and do this. As bad as the maths might be, in your current role somebody else is paying for your experience. Without it, you are.
You are not in a bad place, even though it is a very difficult job market.
Good luck.
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Hi BBL
Have you considered trying one of the bigger FTOs, doing CPL rather than PPL instructing. I suspect it may not be as much fun, but the money should be better, maybe salaried employment and you'll get your weekends off.
I hear that OAA and FTE are both recruiting at the moment, also Multiflight for their Blackpool base, but that's part-time.
Have you considered trying one of the bigger FTOs, doing CPL rather than PPL instructing. I suspect it may not be as much fun, but the money should be better, maybe salaried employment and you'll get your weekends off.
I hear that OAA and FTE are both recruiting at the moment, also Multiflight for their Blackpool base, but that's part-time.
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Hi and thanks for the replies, sorry I couldn't be so timely in my response!
I appreciate your thoughts and inputs greatly and a change in job is one I won't take light hearted.
My current plan is to try and make it through the next few months and then in summer, hopefully, I'll be able to make some decent(ish) money at instructing and the summer months will give me time to plan for the coming winter.
So its either a non-pilot airline job or try to move up in the instructional world.
I would'nt swap the way I've done things if I had to do it all again, and as pointed out I'll continue to network, keep things current, and keep on improving and sending the old CV!
Maybe its too much to ask, but my biggest hope would be to get into the right hand seat before winter 2012, but thanks for the pointers and it really will help with my plan "B"
cheers
I appreciate your thoughts and inputs greatly and a change in job is one I won't take light hearted.
My current plan is to try and make it through the next few months and then in summer, hopefully, I'll be able to make some decent(ish) money at instructing and the summer months will give me time to plan for the coming winter.
So its either a non-pilot airline job or try to move up in the instructional world.
I would'nt swap the way I've done things if I had to do it all again, and as pointed out I'll continue to network, keep things current, and keep on improving and sending the old CV!
Maybe its too much to ask, but my biggest hope would be to get into the right hand seat before winter 2012, but thanks for the pointers and it really will help with my plan "B"
cheers
