Virgin Atlantic MPL Scheme 2016
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CTC said 8000 applied last year, but they "only" received 5000 completed applications. Those FPP numbers are interesting, I'm sure I heard 3000 or so applied for it this year? FTE told me during my visit to Jerez that 4500 applied to Aer Lingus. I hope you're right Chris! 
All the airlines will look for similar traits in their pilots, but obviously each company will place more of an emphasis on specific traits than others.
All the airlines will look for similar traits in their pilots, but obviously each company will place more of an emphasis on specific traits than others.
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I met one the VA cadets on a visit to CTC earlier this year. He had been prepping for years and this programme was perfect for him. He was a lovely guy A levels, university, well travelled, work experience and he did some volunteering. About as much as I can tell you without giving you an unfair advantage what ever that means 
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Does anyone know how much weight is given to experience to ATC/CCF and UAS experience in cadet programmes as a whole? When I was at a school that had CCF I was explicitly barred from joining by my parents who basically said "we can only afford the fees for one year, which means you're there to get good grades, not have fun". I did get good grades but university never really appealed to me, so I didn't do UAS.
I do have a reasonable amount of flying experience, 95% of which I've paid for out of my own pocket.
I do wonder if someone could get, say, gliding diamond badges and still slip in regardless of maximum hours because they don't have power flying experience.
Regarding SunsetSheepLandings' question:
I should add that from what I have seen the vast majority who get into any cadet scheme have some flying experience. Many hold degrees though this isn't essential (I met a guy who got on the BA FPP aged 23 without a degree).
Basically most seem to be fairly well-rounded with plenty of experience in the real-world and good academic results. I think degrees may become less important over time due to the £9k fees but that is only an opinion.
I do have a reasonable amount of flying experience, 95% of which I've paid for out of my own pocket.
I do wonder if someone could get, say, gliding diamond badges and still slip in regardless of maximum hours because they don't have power flying experience.
Regarding SunsetSheepLandings' question:
I should add that from what I have seen the vast majority who get into any cadet scheme have some flying experience. Many hold degrees though this isn't essential (I met a guy who got on the BA FPP aged 23 without a degree).
Basically most seem to be fairly well-rounded with plenty of experience in the real-world and good academic results. I think degrees may become less important over time due to the £9k fees but that is only an opinion.
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Does anyone know how much weight is given to experience to ATC/CCF and UAS experience in cadet programmes as a whole?
In general, I'd say don't waste too much time looking for a "golden bullet" with these schemes. Degrees/PPL/Cadets/loads of work experience are all nice to have but plenty of people get in whilst "missing" one or two of them. If you're well-rounded enough and can prove you've got the aptitude/motivation/experience in other ways then there isn't a problem.
Just my two-cents worth anyway
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I met one the VA cadets on a visit to CTC earlier this year. He had been prepping for years and this programme was perfect for him. He was a lovely guy A levels, university, well travelled, work experience and he did some volunteering. About as much as I can tell you without giving you an unfair advantage what ever that means
Thanks wonder88 - not sure how you do the quote thing..I'm new!
That sounds insane, prepping for years!!?? How old was he? Don't think that would be an unfair advantage as each person has a different story to tell. Each of those 12 will be different. But thanks anyway
Are you applying? I can't decide yet. Seems daunting with being 1 out of 8000!
Thanks wonder88 - not sure how you do the quote thing..I'm new!
That sounds insane, prepping for years!!?? How old was he? Don't think that would be an unfair advantage as each person has a different story to tell. Each of those 12 will be different. But thanks anyway
Are you applying? I can't decide yet. Seems daunting with being 1 out of 8000!
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prepping for years is probably not the deciding factor here - more he had the correct profile and aptitude for both the company and for the training organisation
prepping is of course essential, but it doesn't have to be a drawn out affair
prepping is of course essential, but it doesn't have to be a drawn out affair
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HEJET2015 - I don't understand?? I was after the age range for the final 12 that are getting trained up to be A330 pilots at Virgin
do you mean that the 12 selected are aged 22 -32
but there was a 19 year old in the 48 that went to the final stage at The Base?
do you mean that the 12 selected are aged 22 -32
but there was a 19 year old in the 48 that went to the final stage at The Base?
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Hey gang,
Having a dig around the internet but haven't found the answer as of yet..
What is the likelihood of securing a loan to help pay for the course cost should my application be successful? Of the 18 cadets, would it be available to everyone or just a small handful?
Many thanks and best of luck to all applying!
Having a dig around the internet but haven't found the answer as of yet..
What is the likelihood of securing a loan to help pay for the course cost should my application be successful? Of the 18 cadets, would it be available to everyone or just a small handful?
Many thanks and best of luck to all applying!
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Thanks MattC123 - Fortunately they got back to me and said no problem I can go back to my online application to fill in the questions then mail them once it is complete.
That was a close call - with what, 8000 odd applicants and only 12 places, missing out on completing such a vital aspect of the application would mean my chances would have quickly dropped to zero percent
On a side note - how much aviation experience are they really looking for? Clearly, everyone needs to demonstrate a great deal of enthusiasm and flair for aviation in general, but would lack of real flying experience be detrimental to my application chances? I say this because my career so far has consisted of studying law at university, in fact I am currently training at a law firm which has precisely nothing to do with flying what so ever
That was a close call - with what, 8000 odd applicants and only 12 places, missing out on completing such a vital aspect of the application would mean my chances would have quickly dropped to zero percent
On a side note - how much aviation experience are they really looking for? Clearly, everyone needs to demonstrate a great deal of enthusiasm and flair for aviation in general, but would lack of real flying experience be detrimental to my application chances? I say this because my career so far has consisted of studying law at university, in fact I am currently training at a law firm which has precisely nothing to do with flying what so ever
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ASRman ... this chap should inspire you https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/tom-hodge/11/36/850
he flew me recently and I was impressed with his PA skills - he got us from A to B sans problem too!
he flew me recently and I was impressed with his PA skills - he got us from A to B sans problem too!
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FYI the link below details a bit more about the programme, including some of the career backgrounds of those who made it in.
Virgin Atlantic announces its 2016 Future Flyers Programme - Pilot Career News
Virgin Atlantic announces its 2016 Future Flyers Programme - Pilot Career News
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Closing date is at the top of the CTC VA programme page just under (FUTURE FLYERS PROGRAMME) "The CTC WINGS MPL in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Future Flyers Programme will be open for applications until 1300hrs GMT on Friday 13th November 2015"
Sunsetsheep I'm in two minds as well the odds are ridiculous, and by "he prepped for years" I meant he probably had applied for other programmes over the years and finally aced it. I doubt he could see into the future lol.
Sunsetsheep I'm in two minds as well the odds are ridiculous, and by "he prepped for years" I meant he probably had applied for other programmes over the years and finally aced it. I doubt he could see into the future lol.
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you gotta be in it to win it!
I tried last year and got to Dibden, and learnt alot about the whole experience and feel I would have an even better shot this year (although my age could be an issue??) Passed all of Dibden except the interview and feel I was only off on a couple of aspects.
But I won't be applying - sadly this opportunity has come a little too late in life for me as I will be 40 in a couple of months and I have a two year old boy which I don't want to grow up with his dad missing half of the time for the formative years. His mummy is already long-haul cabin crew, so can't do this to him any more.
If only this programme had started in 2004 and not 2014. Timing is everything in life. But nonetheless I commend Virgin/CTC on this great programme and career route.
Good luck to all involved - probably the best 0-RHS aviation opportunity out there!
(I'll take comfort in that at least the flight sims on the new 50 inch 4k monitors are pretty slick - so can live the synthetic dream at home - plus my son can be in the cockpit at the same time!)
I tried last year and got to Dibden, and learnt alot about the whole experience and feel I would have an even better shot this year (although my age could be an issue??) Passed all of Dibden except the interview and feel I was only off on a couple of aspects.
But I won't be applying - sadly this opportunity has come a little too late in life for me as I will be 40 in a couple of months and I have a two year old boy which I don't want to grow up with his dad missing half of the time for the formative years. His mummy is already long-haul cabin crew, so can't do this to him any more.
If only this programme had started in 2004 and not 2014. Timing is everything in life. But nonetheless I commend Virgin/CTC on this great programme and career route.
Good luck to all involved - probably the best 0-RHS aviation opportunity out there!
(I'll take comfort in that at least the flight sims on the new 50 inch 4k monitors are pretty slick - so can live the synthetic dream at home - plus my son can be in the cockpit at the same time!)
Last edited by juniour jetset; 5th Nov 2015 at 07:39.
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forgot to say, despite having to pay 250GBP for the day at Dibden - it was by far the best interview experience/assessment day I have had in my almost 2.5 decades of working life.
Don't be scared of having to shell out - in the grand scheme of things it's not much money and totally worth it to see how you act in the various tasks and under pressure. You will learn a lot about yourself which is worth the cost, effort and travel.
Don't be scared of having to shell out - in the grand scheme of things it's not much money and totally worth it to see how you act in the various tasks and under pressure. You will learn a lot about yourself which is worth the cost, effort and travel.
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wonder88: what's your background? age? If its got aviation experience and your relatively young, then there's no harm in giving it a go. you won't know unless you try.
I don't have much aviation experience so...
juniour jetset: loving the positive attitude that's really encouraging to say, as the tests seem daunting
I don't have much aviation experience so...
juniour jetset: loving the positive attitude
that's really encouraging to say, as the tests seem daunting
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I just thought I'd add my two cents.
I read a lot of people calculating the odds of being selected for these cadet programmes. My advice is this. Ignore the odds. They are not a true reflection of the chances of being selected.
I applied to BA three times, Virgin once and Aer Lingus once and I managed to make through to the final stage in each of theses processes. Now, I'm either incredibly lucky or there's something I and the other final applicants are doing that the majority aren't.
My advice is this.
1) Don't rush your application. Use up every single minute available of the application window to put together a strong professional application. There's no bonus points for getting your application in first! Once completed, have at least two people proof your application on your behalf. I cannot explain how important all of this is. Your initial application carries a lot of weight.
2) Prepare. There's no such thing as too much preparation. Learn about the company, their culture and their values. Learn about the flight school, their location, course structure etc. Practice some aptitude tests if you can and make sure your mental arithmetic is on point. There are lots of sources of information on the internet but I would start by browsing pprune. Also, practice competency based interview questions over and over and over again. Prepare some examples from your personal life where you have demonstrated skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving, customer service etc. Without this, you will not get past the CTC selection phase.
3) Make sure you fully understand the role of a pilot in full. It's important to know what qualities contribute towards being good airline pilot. There is so much more to being a great pilot than aptitude, especially with a heavily customer focused airline like Virgin Atlantic.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck folks. Break a leg.
I read a lot of people calculating the odds of being selected for these cadet programmes. My advice is this. Ignore the odds. They are not a true reflection of the chances of being selected.
I applied to BA three times, Virgin once and Aer Lingus once and I managed to make through to the final stage in each of theses processes. Now, I'm either incredibly lucky or there's something I and the other final applicants are doing that the majority aren't.
My advice is this.
1) Don't rush your application. Use up every single minute available of the application window to put together a strong professional application. There's no bonus points for getting your application in first! Once completed, have at least two people proof your application on your behalf. I cannot explain how important all of this is. Your initial application carries a lot of weight.
2) Prepare. There's no such thing as too much preparation. Learn about the company, their culture and their values. Learn about the flight school, their location, course structure etc. Practice some aptitude tests if you can and make sure your mental arithmetic is on point. There are lots of sources of information on the internet but I would start by browsing pprune. Also, practice competency based interview questions over and over and over again. Prepare some examples from your personal life where you have demonstrated skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving, customer service etc. Without this, you will not get past the CTC selection phase.
3) Make sure you fully understand the role of a pilot in full. It's important to know what qualities contribute towards being good airline pilot. There is so much more to being a great pilot than aptitude, especially with a heavily customer focused airline like Virgin Atlantic.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck folks. Break a leg.