EasyJet MPL 2017

[gbotley]

ManUtd1999, wouldn't worry about loan guarantee. Airlines can and do use other banks. Virgin for example didn't go anywhere near BBVA, at least for their most recent entrants.

[FlyVeryHigh-]

Originally Posted by ManUtd1999

By my calculations based on the Flexicrew rates mentioned on here a cadet would have to fly 900hrs and get a further 4-5 standbys a month to earn 40,000 year 1. That seems quite unlikely, but perhaps the pay scales have changed (fingers crossed)



Agree 100%. Especially seeing as BBVA pulling out of the loan market would appear to have torpedo'ed any chance of a loan guarantee.

I know this is discussed in another thread but not really sure whats happening with BBVA at the moment, they are currently listed as an option for financing with OAA for the CityJet scheme which recently opened, so from that I'd hazard a guess they're still in the game for the time being anyway.


Pal of mine on the line at LGW with EZY and went the EZY/CTC MPL route. He's struggling for money with loan repayments of around £1,000 a month and renting around the LGW area - sunny Crawley; although now it's coming into the summer season he'll be doing better.

[KayPam]

If EZY is to recruit 450 pilots, does that mean they will have to recruit modular students from other schools than the big 3 ?

[FlyVeryHigh-]

Probably a mix of the big 3 and direct entry/ATPL or fATPL holders.

[sara98]

Originally Posted by EGPF

EasyJet has posted an article on pilot career live announcing that they will be having the biggest ever recruitment drive as of June, they will be recruiting 450 new pilots!

They have also released salary information;
"Cadet Scheme £40k-£50k
Second Officer £40k-£50k
First Officer £54k-£58k
Senior First Officer £66k-£75K
Captain £114k-£146k
easyJet note: The total reward package includes flexible rosters, basic pay, on target bonus and sector pay and other allowances plus employment benefits such as pension. All these ranges are based on pilots working full-time. There will also be part-time (at 75%) and fixed rosters (paid at 90%) contracts available."

Article: https://www.pilotcareernews.com/easy...uitment-drive/

The announcement states that "At the beginning of June, the low-cost airline will be launching a recruitment drive for up to 450 new pilots in a campaign it calls ‘For the love of Flying’."
Do you have any idea whether "For the love of Flying" will be run as a separate program from the "Generation easyJet" or not? Could it just be a new way to call basically the same programme?
However, that "At the beginning of June" sounds a bit weird to me since CTC will stop accepting applications for the Generation easyJet exactly at the beginning of June (4 June)!!

[J380]

Originally Posted by ManUtd1999

The facebook Q&A was quite informative. Loan guarantees appear to be on offer for "particularly outstanding" candidates. However, Flexicrew still seems to be in operation for UK based cadets. Rumours on here suggested is was being scrapped but this appears not to be the case....

Genuinley torn whether to apply. On one hand it's a great opportunity and the finance might be do-able (I'd apply on the basis of onyl accepting an offer with loan guarantee). On the other, 100,000 is a massive loan to have and a zero-hours contract doesn't offer much by way of financial security.....

Does anyone have any up-to-date figures on Flexicrew rates?

I'd be doing exactly the same to be honest. In all honesty I don't think the BBVA loan would be an option so I'm torn between applying on the chance of a guarantee or waiting for Aer Lingus to reopen. I'd be interested to hear what you decide to do

[ScotWings]

Originally Posted by sara98

Do you have any idea whether "For the love of Flying" will be run as a separate program from the "Generation easyJet" or not? Could it just be a new way to call basically the same programme?
However, that "At the beginning of June" sounds a bit weird to me since CTC will stop accepting applications for the Generation easyJet exactly at the beginning of June (4 June)!!

I wouldn't get too worried about the name of the scheme.

I applied this time last year to the original easyJet MPL at CTC, and in between my two assessment dates, they launched the 'Generation easyJet' scheme. When I got accepted, I got accepted onto the Generation easyJet MPL.

[Millasaurus]

Originally Posted by ManUtd1999

By my calculations based on the Flexicrew rates mentioned on here a cadet would have to fly 900hrs and get a further 4-5 standbys a month to earn 40,000 year 1. That seems quite unlikely, but perhaps the pay scales have changed (fingers crossed)

easyJet are getting rid of flexicrew, so there is a chance that cadets will go straight onto permanent contracts in the UK, but that remains to be seen. That would explain the salary though, as well as the fact it was increased in roughly October 2016 I believe.

[EGPF]

"Once they have completed as least 12 months, pilots then join easyJet as permanent employees at Second Officer rank for a further 12 months."

From Article: https://www.pilotcareernews.com/easy...uitment-drive/

[ManUtd1999]

I'd be doing exactly the same to be honest. In all honesty I don't think the BBVA loan would be an option so I'm torn between applying on the chance of a guarantee or waiting for Aer Lingus to reopen. I'd be interested to hear what you decide to do

I'm currently leaning towards waiting. There is quite a lot of uncertainty atm with the loans and contract on offer. Regardless, the Aer Lingus scheme is in a different league to this one, the downside being the chances of getting in are tiny.

Easyjet are not going to find 300+ cadets in this CTC application window. It might well re-open later this year or in early 2018. Then there's OAA which seems to be permanently open but I guess coudl be re-launched at some point. My current thinking is to wait, apply for EI and maybe Virgin, then look at Easyjet.

[Officer Kite]

There are more chances out there than the ones mentioned, and costing a lot less.

I spent 3 years of my life solely focusing on CTC/OAA as though they were the only ones in existence and as if their cadet programmes are the only ones on the planet.

A friend of mine meanwhile applied to BAA and got in on the wizzair scheme (£52k + bonded TR) ... I applied and got smartlynx (£52k + £20k TR), There is the opportunity to spend £75k less if you get wizz and £50k less if you get smartlynx - in comparison to easyJet ... to fly the exact same aircraft.

Broaden your horizons, the world does not revolve around easyjet, ctc and oaa. And also, BAA have not acted with secrecy or treated me as though I am a nuisance to them, they are fully open about their process and are genuinely happy and ready to answer any queries at anytime - that is the polar opposite to the 'big 3'.

Good luck to you all - you will get there with the right determination.

[J380]

Thanks for that, I didn't even know about the BAA options (funny how the well marketed schemes make you think they're the only ones out there). Couldn't agree more with your statements above. Did you take the Smartlynx option?

[Officer Kite]

I certainly did, it is a bargain that I would have been very foolish to refuse. I've got my A320 at the end of it as motivation throughout it all, absolutely no additional benefits are present with the ludicrously priced 'generation easyJet' or whatever else they're calling it now.

Often times people say to forget integrated in the big schools and go the modular (self improver route) and save a tonne of cash. But from what I am gathering, one of the best things that can happen is that you go modular then are lucky enough to gain employment with Ryanair. So I've done some sums on this.

Going modular will at best cost around £50k (providing you mix and match schools and stick to some of the better known modular schools with established reputations like stapleford, bartolini etc).

Then the Ryanair TR is around 29,000 euro i believe (so £25k).

That is a total of £75k. Which is about £3k more than the smartlynx offer via BAA.

So in essence, it is integrated training, with the airline's backing (airline letter of engagement etc have been received) ... at a modular training price. There is also no stress of going modular and having to go to different schools, and the ever present question throughout the whole thing of "will this even be worth it?". Going through all that effort with nothing solid at the end of it just wasn't for me. Though I have the utmost respect for those who are doing it.

Best of luck to all !

[Geccouk93]

To help clarify the matter on reapplying. I applied last year, got through to Stage 2. I passed the maths but failed PILAPT by 1 mark. I have since reapplied with the new application this year on the date the applications opened (didn't bother reading whether I could or not, I saw the apply now button and got excited) and I had to state that I had applied last year, and state my old application number. I got an email yesterday asking me to book to retake my PILAPT. So if someone has applied previously, just complete a new application and try again this year! Whats the worst that's going to happen - they tell you no and that you have to wait. The best? They offer you a date for the next stage.

[BAe 146-100]

But to be fair easyJet and Ryanair are huge scheduled airlines with a proven track record of hiring zero hours pilots and providing them with top training, and you know unless you royally screw things up you will pretty much have a job at the end at a secure company. Adding to that, one of these 2 on your cv will do you no harm in the long run, and I don't work for these airlines so I have zero bias.

Smartlynx is a acmi with 9 aircraft with no real bases, they work on behalf of other airlines, your entering the unknown so to speak with the program and the training,, you hardly can compare them to RYR and EZY on the stability of the job offer or the track record. Your the first ones, it could go brilliantly or be a damp squib.

[AA757]

Exactly, that's the truth and anyone interested in SmartLynx should be extra careful. From what I've heard, the salary is 100 per day + 50 euros, so circa 3000eur gross, if you're working full time. This is assuming that SmartLynx has enough demand from other airlines.

Another thing to consider (I'm not saying it's a good thing) is the reputation of the school. If you wish to move back to Europe, I'm pretty sure that many respectable airlines will look down on eastern european schools and would choose someone from CTC over someone from BAA all other things considered equal.

[Officer Kite]

BAE 146 ... I see your point. With regards stability, it is hard to argue Ryanair and easyJet don't offer some of the most stable contracts around. However having said that, Smartlynx currently have 12 aircraft and another 3 soon to join the fleet. They have existed since 1992 (so older than easyJet actually) and seem to have negotiated every financial downturn in between then and now quite successfully. Further to this, they must be doing something right considering their clients are currently Monarch, Thomas Cook, easyJet, El Al, TUI Fly Belgium and they previously have done some flights for Ryanair too. These are not Mickey Mouse contracts. So there must be something about them. Having worked in the industry I know just how rigorous and stringent the audits are when it comes to trying to be awarded a wet lease contract. It is anything but easy, SmartLynx have a proven track record of managing to deliver to these top airlines every time though. I have no reason to believe they are any less "safe" or whatever other term people may use about them in comparison to say CityJet, who also operate mostly in the acmi business and who only 16 months ago were preparing for liquidation.

If you're still unsatisfied cos smartlynx aren't a big name, then how about wizz? I have coursemates doing their programme and they are spending even less than me

AA757 ... I'm not sure what you mean by when I "come back to Europe" ? Can you please clarify? Training takes place in Europe at an Easa approved school, flying for a European based airline who currently only fly for European airlines (except El Al).

Regarding applying to an airline and them taking issue with where you trained, for a starters BAA is not one of those schools, and besides I'm on a cadet programme so the job is there anyway. If you're referring to if I would like to leave smarlynx then I'd have issues, it's quite naive to think an airline would take issue with where you trained if you pass your sim assessment and have say 2000 A320 hrs under your belt. As for smartlynx, my research shows their ex pilots currently fly for Aer Lingus, Emirates and a number of other household names

As for salary concerns ... €30,000 is what I believe new Ryanair FOs expect so no concerns there with what I'll be on ... and hotels are provided for us by the company wherever we are based to be used on days on and off if we so wish, roster is 6 on 4 off so good chances of being able to commute if I get one of the UK or Belgium contracts

I'm pretty sure that many respectable airlines will look down on eastern european schools

May I ask if you have any aviation related experience? Like have you ever actually worked in flight ops or where you may get a chance to see what airlines do or don't want? What you've said and I've quoted doesn't reflect that of an informed opinion.

[BAe 146-100]

Originally Posted by Officer Kite

Further to this, they must be doing something right considering their clients are currently Monarch, Thomas Cook, easyJet, El Al, TUI Fly Belgium and they previously have done some flights for Ryanair too. These are not Mickey Mouse contracts. So there must be something about them. Having worked in the industry I know just how rigorous and stringent the audits are when it comes to trying to be awarded a wet lease contract. It is anything but easy, SmartLynx have a proven track record of managing to deliver to these top airlines every time though

Your slightly missing my point. I was was referring to the facts they have no track record in a integrated scheme and putting them in successful employment like RYR or EZY, that is what you should be focused on. This is the first time they ran a scheme, and for one of a better word you guys are being trialed.

So instead of opting (or trying to opt if you pass) a tried and tested RYR or EZY scheme, this scheme with Smart lynx is not tried and tested.

Also to add this type of airlines (along with Avion and Small planet) regularly recruit on 6 month summer contracts only because there is not enough work to go round all throughout the year, while RYR and EZY is a 365 days a year operation.

It is good if it works out fine, but it can no way be compared to those airlines schemes at the moment with no track record to look back on.

[Officer Kite]

To the best of my knowledge, Ryanair guys and easyJet are on much lower hours in winter months too. Receiving very little pay in numerous circumstances, there is not much of an additional benefit in that regard I'm afraid. My current airline are very well known and also in the acmi business, before Christmas I bumped into a pilot I know doing office work. Why? He hadn't been flying for 3 weeks because there was no work, he offered to help in the office. And I can guarantee you that you would recommend applying to a cadet scheme for this carrier.

I'm not aware of smartlynx running a 6 month contract with anyone yet but I will admit I don't know 100%. However if they did, we aren't on that. They would obviously reduce the temporary guys in winter and stick to permanent contract guys for the hours that are available.

And you keep speaking about a Ryanair scheme, they haven't got one as far as I'm aware. I simply used them to demonstrate how this integrated course leading to a job costs less than going modular and without all the hassle. They have a programme for people who already took the plunge and got their license self sponsored. If you're saying getting your license self sponsored on the hope of getting Ryanair is better than a cadetship with an airline who have proven themselves capable in the industry then we have very different ideas of what makes sense and what doesn't.

As for easyJet, they would have cost me £50,000 more. Do you realise I can get my license and open a business with those savings? Smartlynx may not be the most famous or have a track record (simply because they are new to this, nothing bad has been said about them by any pilot who flies for them that I managed to get in contact with, there is absolutely no reason to suggest we're all gonna be shot after the TR), but to suggest spending £50,000 more to fly an orange A320 over a white one is a bit remiss.

Current smartlynx guys are nearing the end of ground school at BAA. The airline have been engaged and supportive is what I'm hearing from the first group. Yes of course we won't know the full outcome until the end, but I think the tones here are nigh on scaremongering. Those reading this and not commenting will be smart enough to read and spot the truth in it all. My post was intended for them. There will of course always be a number who think easyJet will give them everything no one else can ... whilst they leave them £50,000 out of pocket for no perceived extra benefit.

I wish you all goodnight!

[UberPilot]

You're not spending 50k more just to fly an orange 320 instead of a white one; you're spending the extra money to join a FTSE 100 company with continued forecast growth, a potential command after 6 years and world wide recognised training. Not to mention bases in western Europe, pension, security etc