easyJet MPL (Through CTC)

[Future_Pilot_Pal]

Here is the link for the new MPL tagged scheme with easyjet:
easyJet Cadet Pilot Programme | Cadet Pilot Training | Become a easyJet pilot with CTC Wings | CTC Wings

So apparently you get the privilege of paying what seems to be more (someone please correct me if I am wrong) to have a guaranteed job as a flexicrew pilot for two years once you graduate.

I have always believed myself to be somewhat optimistic and a glass half full kinda guy, but I really don't see any advantage of this tagged scheme. Surely it would be better to go through CTC wings and take your chances at getting picked up by another partner airline and at the very least end up with a easyjet flexi crew contract.

Also it's quite convenient that this was launched the night before those awaiting their FPP results. Seems as if easyJet are planning on picking up those who just missed out on the FPP or am I creating a conspiracy out of something that was genuinely just a coincidence.


Thoughts anyone. On any actual benefits of this MPL not the conspiracy theory.

[MaydayMaydayMayday]

It would seem that the benefits would be the guaranteed (?) position, as well as the bond repayment. It doesn't, at this stage, state how long a period this is repaid over.

Maybe it's just because it's late and my brain is shutting down, but it seems to have been explained a little fuzzily. It states that APL will sponsor and pay for all training and associated costs. It then states that you have an additional two payments "The first is due prior to you commencing flight training in New Zealand and totals NZ$33,900. The second is due prior to phase 4 of the training programme and totals £11,940.". So, at current exchange rates, just under £31,000 for these combined. This doesn't appear to be covered as part of the sponsorship.

It states that you'll receive a "cadet entry salary" as well as repayment of the bond. Without knowing the figures of both the salary and the schedule of bond repayments (and whether the bond is repaid tax free) it's a little difficult to gauge. Who knows, could be a good deal? The information with which you could make an informed decision isn't there as of yet, but in the FAQ section it states "TBC" alongside each of the financial questions so perhaps it's coming. Looks on the face of it that the whole programme costs roughly £100k, of which £69k is ultimately repaid by Easyjet. Depending on the salary and how the bond's repaid, it could work out financially better than going through the "wings" course (assuming the bond is repaid tax free and the difference between the cadet salary and whatever you'd have otherwise have been paid on flexi isn't disadvantageous), but that's pure speculation on my part.

It does seem neatly timed with respect to the FPP day of reckoning. Pure coincidence, surely?

[AnotherWannabe]

This is something I came across today while researching the CTC easyJet MPL programme:
http://www.pprune.org/terms-endearme...-contract.html

That isn't exactly about this programme but I'm sure they are offering the same contract to the eJ MPL Cadet students.

[Future_Pilot_Pal]

In regards to the Bond though, most of CTC's partner airlines do pay it back to you too once your employed (except for easyJet) considering you have gone through the wings programme. 1,250 hours after two years, I would have hoped to get more at the very least. Or is 1,250 over two years the norm and I'm living on another planet.
Considering this is a MPL you will have absolutely no choice but to stay with easyJet until you get your ATPL, which will be even longer considering you can only clock 1,250 in the first two years.

I suppose it is really to early to speculate on everything though, Pay and conditions could be great. For all we know it might be the best Flexi contract ever.

[PilotTyson]

1250 hrs!!!

I am really concerned with the stated 1250 hours. Converting MPL to ATPL requires 1500 hrs. Where do you resume your career/ training if you're dropped at 1250 hours? and why are Easyjet stopping just short of 1500 hours?

[AnotherWannabe]

I'm sorry but have you read the thread that I linked in my previous post?
Those are some T&Cs. Some awful T&Cs .

[SWATSON12]

Just wanted to point out that it sates "On commencement of Line Operations you will be offered a 3 year renewable contract to fly as a First Officer for easyJet through CTC FlexiCrew. After 2 years and having flown 1,250 hours you will become eligible for full time employment with easyJet. "

The contract you get is a three year contract, and after 2 years and a minimum of 1250 hours flown you are eligible. So after the three years i would assume you would have nearer 2000 hours flown.

Also i found this webpage which gives a guide as to the remuneration package for this scheme (cadet pay scale):

Latest news - easyJet plc

This page also mentions the 1251 hour figure "Pilots will become eligible for permanent employment as First Officer once they have 1251 flying hours and two years’ service with easyJet."

[Northern Monkey]

Anyone considering this scheme should be aware that Flybe recently dropped all their MPL tagged cadets and as such these people (many of whom were half way through training) are now in a real pickle. An MPL is useless unless the sponsoring airline makes good on their promise of employment. If anything happens to the economy in the meantime and easyjet decide they don't need you, you will be in the same position! Something to consider carefully before taking the plunge.

[SWATSON12]

@Northern Monkey:

Where did you hear that from? I thought Flybe where still running their MPL scheme?

[Northern Monkey]

There's a separate thread running in this section on the flybe MPL. There is also a thread running on the BALPA forum, started by some of the students affected. They are obviously very concerned as they have been ditched half way through the course.

What it comes down to is that Flybe are making almost 100 pilots redundant and by law, they cannot simultaneously begin hiring new people.

Of course, this is the risk you take when undertaking any form of tagged training. The problem here is that the MPL leaves you with a useless licence, unable to apply to any other airline..

[SWATSON12]

@ Northern Monkey:

Are you able to provide the link to the BALPA forum discussing this?
thanks

[Future_Pilot_Pal]

Although in fairness you will less likely be dropped by easyJet, but at the end of the day they like any other airline are still susceptible to the economy.

I agree with Northern Monkey if you are dropped you are seriously screwed, because it's not the type of license or training that is easily transferable. They train you to work in an easyJet Multi crew operation, which could be very different to that of Qatar or Monarch for example. At least with the FPP if anyone gets dropped they could easily transfer to other airlines.

@PilotTyson - perhaps easyJet are just stopping short of 1500 to ensure you have no choice but to sign on for another 3 years. So you are guaranteed to work with them for at least 5 years if they want you.

Still to early to speculate though as not all the information has been given online.

[Northern Monkey]

If you're a member of BALPA you can log in to the website at BALPA | British Airline Pilots Association | UK and follow the link to forums. It is only accessible to members.

[Northern Monkey]

Ecam S

For the MPL scheme run through OAA, the deal was that IF the tagged airline couldn't take you, then they would get the student up to fATPL level at no extra cost

If that is the case, it is undoubtedly better. It would be sensible if that was a prerequisite for signing up to any MPL course.

[Paxi_R6]

I applied, but have gotten no email for Application No. or Password. Should I have gotten it , do I have to wait or should I email CTC.

[Future_Pilot_Pal]

You should have received an email with the details.

[andre1990]

I asked when the first announcement would be, no response yet. I am assuming a week of so after the 30th April.

[G-F0RC3]

Am I correct in thinking any successful applicants would still be required to find a significant sum of money themselves (circa £20k+)?

If so, I don't see how this gives those who otherwise couldn't afford it the opportunity. £20,000 might as well be £100,000 if you haven't got a property to secure it against.

I still welcome the rise of these cadet schemes. They are clearly great opportunities for those select few who are good enough.

[PURPLE PITOT]

Unfortunately, for most of the current schemes, good enough = able to pay.

[G-F0RC3]

Then I don't really see how it's a sponsored scheme in the true sense of the word. If they want to really remove the financial barrier and ensure the only variable is applicant ability, then they should create a system which provides the funds to those who cannot otherwise find £100k lying around.