Aer Lingus and BA FPP

[CReed]

Hi everyone,
Starting with EIN, does anybody know the academic requirement and how and when one can apply. I found their "title page" if you will (cadet-pilots - Aer Lingus Careers), but it gives no indication of their requirements. When I click on their "Apply Now" button and select cadet pilot from the drop down menu, no results are found. Furthermore, does anybody know how competitive this program is? If there are any successful applicants around, any info would be much appreciated.
Regarding BA's FPP, does anybody know about its future? They've said their 2012 program is closed for a whilst now, but is the whole program simply gone now? I understand it was unbelievably competitive, but if it's likely to re-open I'd still be keen to apply.
I've just received my AS results, so I thought this would be a good time to start getting my foot in some airline's doors (I'm not just someone who's decided they want this job yesterday, I've worked at a small flight simulation company designing schematics and writing scripts hence please don't just dismiss me and done several other aviation related things too) .
Regards,
Charlie Reed

[Darth_Bovine]

Both are VERY competitive.

To put it into perspective: the Aer Lingus direct entry first officer program currently running, for pilots who basically have all the qualifications but might lack experience, there were over 5000 applicants (according to one source)!

I'm not sure about the Cadet program but I'd guess something similar - probably more.

There are two very active threads on the topics (for BA and AerLingus cadets) if you can be bothered to cast your eye two or three threads down...

-DB.

[CReed]

Yes, I did of course see the Aer Lingus thread, it's right below mine. I looked through a good twenty pages and couldn't find what I needed, so forgive me for having the audacity to ask a question on a forum.
I also saw the BA CityFlyer (not what I'm looking for as things stand - direct entry) and FPP threads, but couldn't really get an idea of the course's future.
I certainly didn't mean to offend.

Charlie

[G-F0RC3]

The BA FPP is expected to run again this year, and indeed for the next few years. Obviously we can never be absolutely certain of that, but that's the expectation. Keep an eye on this forum and the BA FPP website for the application window opening.

These opportunities are very competitive, but someone always gets through them - and there's no reason why that can't be you. Good luck.

[CReed]

Thanks very much for such an encouraging reply; I have the grades thus far and I hope what I've done with aviation will help prove an interest. Fingers crossed.
Kind regards,
Charlie

[Libertine Winno]

Hi CReed,

I can't remember the academic stipulations for Aer Lingus, but I know for BA FPP it was either a 2:2 degree or BBC at A-Level (or recognised international equivalents)

They also do not accept predicted grades, you have to have them 'in hand' so to speak.

[G-F0RC3]

Also, I'm not sure what other aviation related things you are referring to, but I believe you'd be at a major disadvantage if you didn't get yourself at least some flying experience (if you haven't already). Even a couple of hours of trial flights will prove valuable. It's absolutely inevitable that at some stage in the process they'll ask why you haven't done any flying, and - therefore - how you even know that you'd actually want to do it as a career? Difficult one to answer really... and easily solved for only £200 - £300.

[CReed]

Thanks again G-FORC3, my experience is 9 hours of a PPL thus far funded by a job working for the flight simulation company Angle of Attack, writing scripts of systems and one flight from Gatwick to Rotterdam and designing the odd schematic (we can't afford to license Boeing's.)
Thanks also Libertine, I did see the BA requirements on their website and fortunately, I am eligible (I have AS, just about to start A2 yet, but just need to keep working hard.)
Hopefully I'll be able to complete my PPL, opening up West Atlantic as another option.
Regards,
Charlie

[Darth_Bovine]

I certainly didn't mean to offend.

You didn't offend. You asked how competitive the schemes where and I answered (to the best of my ability from info on this Forum).

You are welcome!