Virgin Atlantic recruitment?
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Virgin Atlantic recruitment?
Anyone know how to get in to this FANTASTIC company?
Can it be done with turboprop experience only?
Could I join as cabin crew initially?
Can it be done with turboprop experience only?
Could I join as cabin crew initially?
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In short, no to both internal/turbo-prop!
Could be wrong, but don't think VS have ever done Cadets or "Pay to Fly" donkeys!
If coming from a commercial background you must have an Airbus or Boeing rating and experience with 3000 hours, 1000 on type. If coming from a military background you will need to have 3000 hours which must include at least 1500 hours 'heavy' experience. You must hold a current Class one Medical and a full JAA ATPL licence (UK issue) - for military pilots a frozen ATPL is acceptable. You should be able to demonstrate a high level of fluency in English (ICAO level 6 English Proficiency).
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Come to think of it, think I had a chat with a Second Officer type in Antigua! Cruise pilot I think, so stand corrected on that! But it's not something I've seen them do for a while...
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Oh great another cadet scheme. Just what we need. It's sad that often today your first airline job will be your last. Were it's TP flying or LCC there is nowhere to go as airlines just want cadets. Sign of the time I suppose. It's just a shame that TP guys who work so hard and are great operators are stuck in the TP forever. It used be a case of starting small and ending up heavy jet. I feel that is no longer the case.
Yes MON took on some ex Dash operators from FlyBE but they will likely be out if a job soon and BA are only taking rated NAND experienced guys so there is still very little scope.
I've heard a couple of guys that VS is a like an old boys club and the chances of getting in matter not what your experience and skill set is but rather which squadron you were in when you were in the military. This coupled with the upcoming cadet scheme really means that VS is a no go to a lot of us. Shame as I'd love to work for them.
Yes MON took on some ex Dash operators from FlyBE but they will likely be out if a job soon and BA are only taking rated NAND experienced guys so there is still very little scope.
I've heard a couple of guys that VS is a like an old boys club and the chances of getting in matter not what your experience and skill set is but rather which squadron you were in when you were in the military. This coupled with the upcoming cadet scheme really means that VS is a no go to a lot of us. Shame as I'd love to work for them.
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Sign of the time I suppose. It's just a shame that TP guys who work so hard and are great operators are stuck in the TP forever. It used be a case of starting small and ending up heavy jet. I feel that is no longer the case.
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two factors to consider (if this programme starts):
a) will there will be an age restriction (say max age is 28)
b) will there be a flight time restriction - ruling out anyone with more than a PPL
If its like the BA programme, well good luck to the ab initio wannabees, but tough luck for all with anything more than a PPL.
a) will there will be an age restriction (say max age is 28)
b) will there be a flight time restriction - ruling out anyone with more than a PPL
If its like the BA programme, well good luck to the ab initio wannabees, but tough luck for all with anything more than a PPL.
Dancing with the devil, going with the flow... it's all a game to me.
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Pure PPRuNe speculation at its best here.
IF the cadet scheme goes ahead, who's to say it won't parallel the CX one and (initially) be open to international and experienced pilots?
Let's wait and see eh?
IF the cadet scheme goes ahead, who's to say it won't parallel the CX one and (initially) be open to international and experienced pilots?
Let's wait and see eh?
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Does anybody know whether this scheme is likely to be sponsored in any way, shape or form? I read previously that they are likely to be selecting OAA as their preferred FTO?
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Why ?
Why would Virgin be recruiting cadets ?
They've made huge losses for the past 5 years and only just recovering ?
Plus their new aircraft (789) are replacing their ageing 343/346/744 as they don't want to pay for expensive D checks.. No fleet expansion. So where is the big demand for new pilots coming from?
And they've streamlined their operation to get away with 2 crew operation to a lot east coast and Caribbean destinations (almost 33%) of their route network.
I'd be very surprised if they took on cadets unless they're looking for a few skivvies to do general ops for a few years before slotting them in when there is natural decay.
They've made huge losses for the past 5 years and only just recovering ?
Plus their new aircraft (789) are replacing their ageing 343/346/744 as they don't want to pay for expensive D checks.. No fleet expansion. So where is the big demand for new pilots coming from?
And they've streamlined their operation to get away with 2 crew operation to a lot east coast and Caribbean destinations (almost 33%) of their route network.
I'd be very surprised if they took on cadets unless they're looking for a few skivvies to do general ops for a few years before slotting them in when there is natural decay.
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Why not?! The big players all do it and Virgin is a big player. The cost would fall to the cadet, as per every other cadet program. I have many pals working there who would not consider anywhere else. There's a lot of experience at Virgin and any cadet chosen to work there would be a very lucky chap/chapette. Time to command can be a lengthy spell, but worth the wait.
Good luck to them. Am glad to hear Virgin are opening their doors and good luck to all who apply. To all the TP drivers, you have a job..be grateful of that. There are thousands around you who would jump at the chance to fly anything bigger than a C150. Yes the industry has changed and the career paths of 20 years ago are a distant memory bar a few exceptions.
Good luck to them. Am glad to hear Virgin are opening their doors and good luck to all who apply. To all the TP drivers, you have a job..be grateful of that. There are thousands around you who would jump at the chance to fly anything bigger than a C150. Yes the industry has changed and the career paths of 20 years ago are a distant memory bar a few exceptions.
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Big player ?
Don't believe the virgin hype.
They like to think they're one of the big boys, but with a fleet of 38 aircraft they're hardly huge.
I'm with Mr Walsh, I'll be surprised if the brand lasts another 4 years given delta are now involved.
They like to think they're one of the big boys, but with a fleet of 38 aircraft they're hardly huge.
I'm with Mr Walsh, I'll be surprised if the brand lasts another 4 years given delta are now involved.
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cheap easy way of getting cruise pilots.
By the time they have claimed the VAT back, not paid cooperation tax on the training, reduced pay and reduced NI contributions they will have a free pilot for 2-3 years.
And they will get someone to carry the nav bag and make the skippers bed up to boot.
By the time they have claimed the VAT back, not paid cooperation tax on the training, reduced pay and reduced NI contributions they will have a free pilot for 2-3 years.
And they will get someone to carry the nav bag and make the skippers bed up to boot.
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Considering that VA will be present at the Flyer event in November for the first time, I'd say this is worth keeping a close eye on.
Last edited by EZY_FR; 2nd Sep 2014 at 14:10.