Cabin Crew as a route to becoming a pilot
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Cabin Crew as a route to becoming a pilot
Hi,
I'm applying for the Virgin Atlantic MPL scheme this year and have a lifelong ambition of becoming a commercial airline pilot. I am hoping for some insight into what you guys think about potentially joining Virgin Atlantic as cabin crew if I am unsuccessful in this years MPL selection process, with my reasoning being that it provides an opportunity to understand the company culture, values and ways of being.
Not only this, but it would allow me to network, come into regular interaction with current pilots and gives an opportunity to prove that I fit into the Virgin culture before reapplying for the MPL program again in the future.
What do you think?
Cheers.
I'm applying for the Virgin Atlantic MPL scheme this year and have a lifelong ambition of becoming a commercial airline pilot. I am hoping for some insight into what you guys think about potentially joining Virgin Atlantic as cabin crew if I am unsuccessful in this years MPL selection process, with my reasoning being that it provides an opportunity to understand the company culture, values and ways of being.
Not only this, but it would allow me to network, come into regular interaction with current pilots and gives an opportunity to prove that I fit into the Virgin culture before reapplying for the MPL program again in the future.
What do you think?
Cheers.
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Personally, I wouldn't focus too much on any single airline, instead I'd focus on going for something which would pay well and that you'd enjoy as a backup career. You can't guarantee that you'll get into an airline mentored programme, particularly the ones which are open to those from all financial backgrounds, simply because the competition is so strong.
This means that you'll need to consider getting enough money together to either fund an MPL with the likes of Easy/Flybe or go modular. Cabin crew doesn't to the best of my knowledge pay well.
This means that you'll need to consider getting enough money together to either fund an MPL with the likes of Easy/Flybe or go modular. Cabin crew doesn't to the best of my knowledge pay well.
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A better bet would just get on any MPL you can, or go to CTC. As above, I wouldn't focus on just Virgin, competition will be huge. The amount of cabin crew I encounter at work that ask about being a pilot, ask for contacts etc, it won't help you that much!
On the other hand, easyJet have a decent record of hiring cabin crew into the flight deck. 3 years ago a mate was pushing trolleys in orange colours, now flying the bus for BA!
On the other hand, easyJet have a decent record of hiring cabin crew into the flight deck. 3 years ago a mate was pushing trolleys in orange colours, now flying the bus for BA!
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Thank you both, I appreciate your replies.
I'm graduating in June and think I'll take your advice and follow my interests if my applications prior to that don't work out. Not only can the money then be put towards flight training, but it will provide more non-aviation related experience to talk about in future interviews and as you rightly said, perhaps find something I'd enjoy as a back up career.
Cheers, you've helped to clear up some things for me.
I'm graduating in June and think I'll take your advice and follow my interests if my applications prior to that don't work out. Not only can the money then be put towards flight training, but it will provide more non-aviation related experience to talk about in future interviews and as you rightly said, perhaps find something I'd enjoy as a back up career.
Cheers, you've helped to clear up some things for me.
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Regarding CC pay, at my airline I was making approx 25k per year as full time FA and approx 29-33k as a full time SCCM/Purser/Cabin Manager, whatever you want to call it. I understand this to be one of the higher CC salaries outside of old school BA contracts.
I'm now in the RHS of a A320. They experience I gained was invaluable and certainly has helped. I certainly wouldn't focus on one airline either.
I'm now in the RHS of a A320. They experience I gained was invaluable and certainly has helped. I certainly wouldn't focus on one airline either.
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I absolutely can confirm that being a flight attendant for a while definitely isn't a waste of time at all. During your career as a CA you will gain a valuable enhancement of your knowledge and broaden your horizon. You will also know whats going on behind the door of the cockpit and you will be valued for this by your cabin crew later as a Pilot! 
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My neighbour for 15 years (BA 777 CAPt) always mentioned that cabin crew was a worthwhile first step if one wanted to eventually work on the flight deck. Said, he knew quite a few CC that started this way and eventually became pilots.
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Brilliant. Thank you all for your feedback. I did some work experience with Flybe a while back and the CC route was thoroughly recommended to me by the pilots I encountered there. I reckon it's a good way of gaining an understanding of what is required to be successful as a member of flight crew and gives plenty to talk about in future interviews.
Cheers
Cheers
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Guys, I've been invited to attend an assessment with BA for a cabin crew vacancy. I am concerned in case this backfires on my FPP application next year. What do you guys think?
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In my opinion you should go for it. It shows your interest in the company and your egarness to learn and develop within an airline and specifically BA. FPP isn't guaranteed granted, so this could be ideal whilst you chase your dream. Trust me, it's a long road and frustrsting road as I'm sure you're aware.
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EZY_FR; This can only improve your chances of gaining a place onto the BA FPP, irrespective of the outcome of this cabin crew assessment. If successful you would apply and be considered as an internal applicant with an airside ID meaning you've gained a tremendous amount of company trust, be grounded in the "BA Way" and your mini conversations with the flight deck will sharpen your spectrum and give you much more to talk about come the big one next year. Good luck with your assessment
I would suggest that you do not mention your plan to leave if a pilot job becomes available at your interview as some cabin crew recruiters take a dim view of that and will not hire you. I know this from one of them.
