Next Move
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Next Move
Hi everyone.
Looking for some advice / thoughts and opinions.
So i completed commercial training last year - finished mcc in Sept. Since then i have applied to loads of jobs but not 1 invite to interview yet.
I am 36, 1st time passes in everything and 94% averages. Have a decent but unrelated career and have been with 1 conpant for 17 years!
Training was done at Bartolini and mcc at crm europe. Overall i am happy with the training i had.
I guess my age and lack of higher education are going against me and if i dont do something else, i am worried i will never get that chance to get in front of a recruiter to be given the opportunity to show that i am quite capable of being a professional pilot!!
So, although it pains me to say it, i am looking to take a loan to do some further training to try to give me a competitive edge. Have been considering Kura / wings alliance / virtual aviation apc mcc course.... as i see people from these getting jobs that i havent seen advertised to the wider market.
The other option i guess is an instructors rating.... and while the idea of teaching people to fly does excite me, the wages are too low to substantiate my family and the associated loan repayments!!
So what do people think? Am i being crazy and throwing money away doing 1 of these types of courses that is effectively what i already have, or is it likely to help me get in front of some recruiters and, better prepare me for interview?
A possible spanner in the works is if i do this, i defintely wont be able to raise any substantial amounts for a TR for quite a long time if i was offered a job that didnt have a bonding arrangement.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!
Looking for some advice / thoughts and opinions.
So i completed commercial training last year - finished mcc in Sept. Since then i have applied to loads of jobs but not 1 invite to interview yet.
I am 36, 1st time passes in everything and 94% averages. Have a decent but unrelated career and have been with 1 conpant for 17 years!
Training was done at Bartolini and mcc at crm europe. Overall i am happy with the training i had.
I guess my age and lack of higher education are going against me and if i dont do something else, i am worried i will never get that chance to get in front of a recruiter to be given the opportunity to show that i am quite capable of being a professional pilot!!
So, although it pains me to say it, i am looking to take a loan to do some further training to try to give me a competitive edge. Have been considering Kura / wings alliance / virtual aviation apc mcc course.... as i see people from these getting jobs that i havent seen advertised to the wider market.
The other option i guess is an instructors rating.... and while the idea of teaching people to fly does excite me, the wages are too low to substantiate my family and the associated loan repayments!!
So what do people think? Am i being crazy and throwing money away doing 1 of these types of courses that is effectively what i already have, or is it likely to help me get in front of some recruiters and, better prepare me for interview?
A possible spanner in the works is if i do this, i defintely wont be able to raise any substantial amounts for a TR for quite a long time if i was offered a job that didnt have a bonding arrangement.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!
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I would say it's important to keep yourself involved in aviation and don't give up. Have you considered flight instructing part time while keeping your main job? Or flying skydivers? Banner towing?
I know people in their 20s who took years to get that first job but they stuck through it and eventually landed the job. If you want it bad enough, you'll get it. A friend of mine in his 40s just got an interview to fly regional jet aircraft in Europe.
All the best.
I know people in their 20s who took years to get that first job but they stuck through it and eventually landed the job. If you want it bad enough, you'll get it. A friend of mine in his 40s just got an interview to fly regional jet aircraft in Europe.
All the best.
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I had a (freakishly) similar background to you, I completed my training and did a basic, but highly recommended, MCC then spent a good part of a year with no luck with recruitment. The only "bite" I had was attending selection with a large northern low-cost operator, where I got through all the stages but ultimately they turned me down on the basis of soft skills/horrible personality.
I took the plunge and did the Wings Alliance APS-MCC course and now I'm gainfully employed to operate an Airbus.
I chose to effectively repeat the MCC for several reasons: I wasn't getting any younger, skill atrophy in the job hunting period, my highlighted soft skill deficiency (soft skills taught at the forefront throughout the WA course), the past success of WA graduates and the post course career support offered. It also appealed as I had attended Bristol Groundschool for my ATPLs and I had seen the genesis of the project and noted that this was not a sausage factory motivated by short-term profits. They were absolutely pivotal in me getting my current job and I had two more selection days with other operators lined up as alternatives when I accepted my current position.
If I had to do it all again and knowing what I do now, I would go straight through WA and not touch the other courses. In my view the first MCC was a waste of time and money and really not relevant to my current job; it was essentially an FNPT2 with jet noises with someone else to operate the flaps/gear - nothing more than that required to tick the boxes, but at the time I did think it was great! On the other hand the WA course really was a natural progression from Duchess pilot to the start of a multi crew type rating with soft skills development and career opportunity support.
I took the plunge and did the Wings Alliance APS-MCC course and now I'm gainfully employed to operate an Airbus.
I chose to effectively repeat the MCC for several reasons: I wasn't getting any younger, skill atrophy in the job hunting period, my highlighted soft skill deficiency (soft skills taught at the forefront throughout the WA course), the past success of WA graduates and the post course career support offered. It also appealed as I had attended Bristol Groundschool for my ATPLs and I had seen the genesis of the project and noted that this was not a sausage factory motivated by short-term profits. They were absolutely pivotal in me getting my current job and I had two more selection days with other operators lined up as alternatives when I accepted my current position.
If I had to do it all again and knowing what I do now, I would go straight through WA and not touch the other courses. In my view the first MCC was a waste of time and money and really not relevant to my current job; it was essentially an FNPT2 with jet noises with someone else to operate the flaps/gear - nothing more than that required to tick the boxes, but at the time I did think it was great! On the other hand the WA course really was a natural progression from Duchess pilot to the start of a multi crew type rating with soft skills development and career opportunity support.
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Hi Itchybumba (great name, btw)!
I'm in almost exactly the same position as yourself, except that I'm two years younger, and my averages were 92%. I changed careers from my old, non-aviation related field to an Ops Support one in the hope of being offered a flight deck position after time served in the office, all the while applying to airlines and broadening my network of "contacts". This is proving tricky, however...
I have pretty much the same plan as you. I have (hopefully) a couple of chances with airlines in Europe, and if these don't pan out, I'm planning on either Wings Alliance (which you have to pass their assessment to get onto the course, which in turn, is also assessed) or Flight Instructing. I only wish I had gone the FI route as soon as I finished flight school - there are jobs out there that have asked for hours that I could have accumulated on SEP instructing, but didn't go that route, and so I couldn't apply (I'm thinking the likes of West Atlantic, Stobart, Gama, RVL, Skybus, and other leads you stumble across here and there)... The idea of waiting another two years in my current role without making progression to FO (or any flying capacity) scares me!
Not sure if I'm allowed to post links, but if you went to Bartolini, would't you be able to apply for this? https://www.flyinpoland.com/adria-airways/ Someone I used to work with graduated from Bartolini, tried seriously hard for maybe 2-3 years to make it into a job, had a couple of other interviews, and then finally stumbled across the above scheme, where he's been working since January.
Don't give up!
I'm in almost exactly the same position as yourself, except that I'm two years younger, and my averages were 92%. I changed careers from my old, non-aviation related field to an Ops Support one in the hope of being offered a flight deck position after time served in the office, all the while applying to airlines and broadening my network of "contacts". This is proving tricky, however...
I have pretty much the same plan as you. I have (hopefully) a couple of chances with airlines in Europe, and if these don't pan out, I'm planning on either Wings Alliance (which you have to pass their assessment to get onto the course, which in turn, is also assessed) or Flight Instructing. I only wish I had gone the FI route as soon as I finished flight school - there are jobs out there that have asked for hours that I could have accumulated on SEP instructing, but didn't go that route, and so I couldn't apply (I'm thinking the likes of West Atlantic, Stobart, Gama, RVL, Skybus, and other leads you stumble across here and there)... The idea of waiting another two years in my current role without making progression to FO (or any flying capacity) scares me!
Not sure if I'm allowed to post links, but if you went to Bartolini, would't you be able to apply for this? https://www.flyinpoland.com/adria-airways/ Someone I used to work with graduated from Bartolini, tried seriously hard for maybe 2-3 years to make it into a job, had a couple of other interviews, and then finally stumbled across the above scheme, where he's been working since January.
Don't give up!
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Cool, where did you do your MCC? I'm guessing a lot of people are let down by their choice of MCC provider.
My WA assessment is coming up very soon. I've already met some people who are part of the WA and they seem like top people! I don't think you'll go far wrong if you decide to go with them.
My WA assessment is coming up very soon. I've already met some people who are part of the WA and they seem like top people! I don't think you'll go far wrong if you decide to go with them.
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Hi Maverick,
I actually applied to Wizz about 18 months ago - haven't heard a peep since. Tried to update my documents sheet on their website and couldn't. Perhaps I should create another account? I only just meet their hours requirements for the cadet NTR scheme. How many hours do you have? Do you have a TR? How long ago did you apply?
Thanks. And good luck for your assessment!
I actually applied to Wizz about 18 months ago - haven't heard a peep since. Tried to update my documents sheet on their website and couldn't. Perhaps I should create another account? I only just meet their hours requirements for the cadet NTR scheme. How many hours do you have? Do you have a TR? How long ago did you apply?
Thanks. And good luck for your assessment!
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I’m still in the middle of my training actually. The only reason I’m posting is because the only common denominator I can see with guys like you is the MCC course. You’ve great ATPLs, probably better than I’ll manage and first time passes at CPL/IR.
I don’t see so many people in your position who have been through an APS/higher standard MCC course.
I don’t see so many people in your position who have been through an APS/higher standard MCC course.
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You might just need to be patient.
Peronally I screwed up my first PPL skills test. Had 1 fail in my ATPLs, only got an 88% average, and partialled both my CPL & IR. Did 2 MCCs and sat around waiting for 3 years before I got picked up by a UK airline. Type rating at 36, currently half way through line training, going well so far.
I did work in aviation for a number of years while I was waiting which probably helped. I also managed to keep all my ratings and medical current.
There's plenty of jobs at the moment, just keep applying and personalise each one.
Good luck
Peronally I screwed up my first PPL skills test. Had 1 fail in my ATPLs, only got an 88% average, and partialled both my CPL & IR. Did 2 MCCs and sat around waiting for 3 years before I got picked up by a UK airline. Type rating at 36, currently half way through line training, going well so far.
I did work in aviation for a number of years while I was waiting which probably helped. I also managed to keep all my ratings and medical current.
There's plenty of jobs at the moment, just keep applying and personalise each one.
Good luck
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Hi everyone,
Firstly thank you all the replies! I shall reply in turn:
I have considered instructing part time..... and it remains a distinct possibility. The downside is that financially i have 1 throw of the dice (well for the next few years at least) - its a FI rating or a "premium" MCC. I think the "premium" MCC will get me in front of recruiters quicker than an FI rating and ultimately, its flying a jet that i want - be that in the corporate market or airlines.
Thanks for sharing your experience gfunc....... it sounds like you may have still been in the job hunt phase had it not been for the additional MCC and i dont want to be here in another 12 months still pondering as to why i am not getting any interviews - especially when the market is as it is at the moment.
There is a long story behind that name!!!! I am suer when our paths cross i can explain it to you (aviation is so small we are bound to cross at some point!
Re Adria - i have applied....... I am hoping and keep in contact with the school!
I will say the same to you..... Dont give up!! This is not the time for giving up. But what i am coming to realise is that it doesnt look like i am going to be one of the lucky ones so i need to figure out how i make my own luck!!
I applied to Ryanair on the 6 March...... havent heard anything since. I am hopefull to get an assessment but i feel i need to start making plans to force the issue somehow as clearly, what i have done to this point is not enough.
If anyone else has any other thoughts i am all ears!!!!!!!
Firstly thank you all the replies! I shall reply in turn:
Jaair I would say it's important to keep yourself involved in aviation and don't give up. Have you considered flight instructing part time while keeping your main job? Or flying skydivers? Banner towing?
I know people in their 20s who took years to get that first job but they stuck through it and eventually landed the job. If you want it bad enough, you'll get it. A friend of mine in his 40s just got an interview to fly regional jet aircraft in Europe.
I know people in their 20s who took years to get that first job but they stuck through it and eventually landed the job. If you want it bad enough, you'll get it. A friend of mine in his 40s just got an interview to fly regional jet aircraft in Europe.
I had a (freakishly) similar background to you, I completed my training and did a basic, but highly recommended, MCC then spent a good part of a year with no luck with recruitment. The only "bite" I had was attending selection with a large northern low-cost operator, where I got through all the stages but ultimately they turned me down on the basis of soft skills/horrible personality.
I took the plunge and did the Wings Alliance APS-MCC course and now I'm gainfully employed to operate an Airbus.
I took the plunge and did the Wings Alliance APS-MCC course and now I'm gainfully employed to operate an Airbus.
Hi Itchybumba (great name, btw)!
I'm in almost exactly the same position as yourself, except that I'm two years younger, and my averages were 92%. I changed careers from my old, non-aviation related field to an Ops Support one in the hope of being offered a flight deck position after time served in the office, all the while applying to airlines and broadening my network of "contacts". This is proving tricky, however...
I have pretty much the same plan as you. I have (hopefully) a couple of chances with airlines in Europe, and if these don't pan out, I'm planning on either Wings Alliance (which you have to pass their assessment to get onto the course, which in turn, is also assessed) or Flight Instructing. I only wish I had gone the FI route as soon as I finished flight school - there are jobs out there that have asked for hours that I could have accumulated on SEP instructing, but didn't go that route, and so I couldn't apply (I'm thinking the likes of West Atlantic, Stobart, Gama, RVL, Skybus, and other leads you stumble across here and there)... The idea of waiting another two years in my current role without making progression to FO (or any flying capacity) scares me!
Not sure if I'm allowed to post links, but if you went to Bartolini, would't you be able to apply for this? https://www.flyinpoland.com/adria-airways/ Someone I used to work with graduated from Bartolini, tried seriously hard for maybe 2-3 years to make it into a job, had a couple of other interviews, and then finally stumbled across the above scheme, where he's been working since January.
Don't give up!
I'm in almost exactly the same position as yourself, except that I'm two years younger, and my averages were 92%. I changed careers from my old, non-aviation related field to an Ops Support one in the hope of being offered a flight deck position after time served in the office, all the while applying to airlines and broadening my network of "contacts". This is proving tricky, however...
I have pretty much the same plan as you. I have (hopefully) a couple of chances with airlines in Europe, and if these don't pan out, I'm planning on either Wings Alliance (which you have to pass their assessment to get onto the course, which in turn, is also assessed) or Flight Instructing. I only wish I had gone the FI route as soon as I finished flight school - there are jobs out there that have asked for hours that I could have accumulated on SEP instructing, but didn't go that route, and so I couldn't apply (I'm thinking the likes of West Atlantic, Stobart, Gama, RVL, Skybus, and other leads you stumble across here and there)... The idea of waiting another two years in my current role without making progression to FO (or any flying capacity) scares me!
Not sure if I'm allowed to post links, but if you went to Bartolini, would't you be able to apply for this? https://www.flyinpoland.com/adria-airways/ Someone I used to work with graduated from Bartolini, tried seriously hard for maybe 2-3 years to make it into a job, had a couple of other interviews, and then finally stumbled across the above scheme, where he's been working since January.
Don't give up!
Re Adria - i have applied....... I am hoping and keep in contact with the school!
I will say the same to you..... Dont give up!! This is not the time for giving up. But what i am coming to realise is that it doesnt look like i am going to be one of the lucky ones so i need to figure out how i make my own luck!!
MaverickPrime Just out of curiosity, did any of you guys apply to Ryanair?
If anyone else has any other thoughts i am all ears!!!!!!!
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You might just need to be patient.
Peronally I screwed up my first PPL skills test. Had 1 fail in my ATPLs, only got an 88% average, and partialled both my CPL & IR. Did 2 MCCs and sat around waiting for 3 years before I got picked up by a UK airline. Type rating at 36, currently half way through line training, going well so far.
I did work in aviation for a number of years while I was waiting which probably helped. I also managed to keep all my ratings and medical current.
There's plenty of jobs at the moment, just keep applying and personalise each one.
Good luck
Peronally I screwed up my first PPL skills test. Had 1 fail in my ATPLs, only got an 88% average, and partialled both my CPL & IR. Did 2 MCCs and sat around waiting for 3 years before I got picked up by a UK airline. Type rating at 36, currently half way through line training, going well so far.
I did work in aviation for a number of years while I was waiting which probably helped. I also managed to keep all my ratings and medical current.
There's plenty of jobs at the moment, just keep applying and personalise each one.
Good luck
The market is good at the moment. Some people walk straight into jobs from flight school. Others like yourself that have a few fails etc... in their history and that may not get the opportunities in the down times are getting jobs/interviews. Others i know are getting a fair few interviews!
I am literally getting nothing...... and that worries me - as the good times will not last for ever and i need to ensure that i am getting a job while the market it good. Tomorrow is not promised and who knows what is around the corner...... i dont want to be still looking for my first job when the market turns.
So whilst i will continue to apply to jobs and personalise each of them, i feel that to not doing anything else is too risky - i need to find a way to try to force the issue somewhat!
Also - can i just say congratulations on your new found employment :-)
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Im also pretty much in the same position (if its any consolation).
I got all my tickets about 5 years ago and i've only managed to get one interview and that was with Ryanair over 3 years ago of which i was unsuccessful, I've since reapplied and keep my profile updated but i guess i'll never get another shot at it.
`I've also tried Wizz but no response.
Last year i finished paying off all my debts then decided to do an FI course and i now instruct part time, i tried going full time for the hours but opportunities were hard to come by so i thought its best to stick to my main job for a steady income and remain close to family. Things are still stagnant for me and I'm now also considering applying to WA to do APS MCC and keeping my fingers crossed.
Most people that i came across during my training have all gained meaningful employment as pilots all over the world. All I'm saying is you're not alone, I knew what i was getting myself into early days of training. Have you or has anyone else considered Eaglejet program?
I got all my tickets about 5 years ago and i've only managed to get one interview and that was with Ryanair over 3 years ago of which i was unsuccessful, I've since reapplied and keep my profile updated but i guess i'll never get another shot at it.
`I've also tried Wizz but no response.Last year i finished paying off all my debts then decided to do an FI course and i now instruct part time, i tried going full time for the hours but opportunities were hard to come by so i thought its best to stick to my main job for a steady income and remain close to family. Things are still stagnant for me and I'm now also considering applying to WA to do APS MCC and keeping my fingers crossed.
Most people that i came across during my training have all gained meaningful employment as pilots all over the world. All I'm saying is you're not alone, I knew what i was getting myself into early days of training. Have you or has anyone else considered Eaglejet program?
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Hi there zulu zulu alpha,
Re Eaglejet no i havent. I dont have that type of money and to to be honest am going to try to avoid p2f as i dont agree with the ethics of it.
If i am still here saying the same things in 10 years then maybe my view on that will be different ;-)
I am not sure if i am happy or sad that there are loads of us in the same boat. On 1 hand its great that i am not alone, but if there were less of us in this boat then i would fancy my chances more of getting out of it!!
Congrats with sticking at it and doing the FI rating though. I am sure the hours, contacts and experience you build through that will eventually lead you to where you want be. It seems like in doing that you have decided to try to make your own luck, which is exactly what i am considering now!
I was also talking to someone recently about rates of pay for a a multi engine ir instructor - a decent salary i thought and 1 that would certainly continue to put food on the table and a roof over the familys head . I presume that your day job pays ok so maybe try to get the required solo mep hours (i have seen mep wet rental for as 'low' as 225 an hour!!) and look into more instructor ratings to boost the earning potential..... plus multi engine time surely is a much bigger plus for the airlines and corporate markets. The guy i was speaking to was an instructor at a flight school who are currently recruiting and he said its hard to find mep ir instructors and as such, if they find a suitable candidate with the multi engine time they would be happy to do a bonding arrangement for the ratings themselves.
I should also state i knew what i was getting into. The job hunt and associated difficulties came as no surprise having been an avid reader of pprune since 2007. But i always kidded myself into the belief that i would be happy in having completed my ambition of being a cpl holder....and that i could always say i tried rather than i wish i had tried. However, having finally done what i have always dreamed about and got to fly loads to get the license, it has made me realise that career wise there is nothing else that will bring me professional satisfaction - i was born to fly and some of the most happy times of my life have been spent in little aeroplanes!!
Re Eaglejet no i havent. I dont have that type of money and to to be honest am going to try to avoid p2f as i dont agree with the ethics of it.
If i am still here saying the same things in 10 years then maybe my view on that will be different ;-)
I am not sure if i am happy or sad that there are loads of us in the same boat. On 1 hand its great that i am not alone, but if there were less of us in this boat then i would fancy my chances more of getting out of it!!
Congrats with sticking at it and doing the FI rating though. I am sure the hours, contacts and experience you build through that will eventually lead you to where you want be. It seems like in doing that you have decided to try to make your own luck, which is exactly what i am considering now!
I was also talking to someone recently about rates of pay for a a multi engine ir instructor - a decent salary i thought and 1 that would certainly continue to put food on the table and a roof over the familys head . I presume that your day job pays ok so maybe try to get the required solo mep hours (i have seen mep wet rental for as 'low' as 225 an hour!!) and look into more instructor ratings to boost the earning potential..... plus multi engine time surely is a much bigger plus for the airlines and corporate markets. The guy i was speaking to was an instructor at a flight school who are currently recruiting and he said its hard to find mep ir instructors and as such, if they find a suitable candidate with the multi engine time they would be happy to do a bonding arrangement for the ratings themselves.
I should also state i knew what i was getting into. The job hunt and associated difficulties came as no surprise having been an avid reader of pprune since 2007. But i always kidded myself into the belief that i would be happy in having completed my ambition of being a cpl holder....and that i could always say i tried rather than i wish i had tried. However, having finally done what i have always dreamed about and got to fly loads to get the license, it has made me realise that career wise there is nothing else that will bring me professional satisfaction - i was born to fly and some of the most happy times of my life have been spent in little aeroplanes!!
Last edited by itchybumba; 21st Apr 2018 at 09:22.
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This is why we all do it, minus some of the green types at L3/FTE/OAA who are just in it for the glory.
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Took me over 3 years to get my 1st job. Didn't get a single interview until then. Similiar situation to you, 1st passes in everything with an average above 90% and a degree with distinction in aviation in my bag, big difference was my age, I was 26. Did my training in a small flight school in Portugal (read: I didn't pay £120000 for my training). Never considered P2F due to no guarantees and the insane amount of money asked. Considered flight instruction however if then I had to pay for a rating to get my job after, just couldn't do it so put that on stand-by too. Moved countries to save money for hour building in general aviation. Found a job as aircraft dispatcher. Made contacts and got valuable info and finally an interview appeared.
Don't ever give up. Keep your ratings current, this is a MUST. No-one will hire you with your ME/IR expired, not even look at your CV. Think ahead and save the money for that instead of spending it on silly things like watches, cars, holidays. After 6 years, still got people from my course looking for a job. Some of them gave up, others just haven't been lucky yet. 6 months is nothing if you haven't heard anything. Consider general aviation jobs as well, not only jets. Good luck and keep your head up!
Don't ever give up. Keep your ratings current, this is a MUST. No-one will hire you with your ME/IR expired, not even look at your CV. Think ahead and save the money for that instead of spending it on silly things like watches, cars, holidays. After 6 years, still got people from my course looking for a job. Some of them gave up, others just haven't been lucky yet. 6 months is nothing if you haven't heard anything. Consider general aviation jobs as well, not only jets. Good luck and keep your head up!
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Hang on!
Stick with flying somehow. The instructing is not a bad thing and try to renew your ir/me every year. One other thing i would like to mention: try to book with your ex-mcc partner somewhere a cheap sim (does not have to be a full motion sim) and practice your mcc stuff again. U stay in the loop because you dont want to screw up your first sim check on a job interview. Dont waste money on flying small piston aircraft, it is fun, but that is it.
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I can’t see how your age, lack of higher education and choice of MCC provider is stopping you getting an interview.
It seems maybe it’s your lack of contacts within the industry, it really is everything, more so when you are that little bit older.
With all due respect you mention you only want to fly a jet, that’s fair enough but again you’re severely limiting your options. I really don’t see how paying more money for a more expensive MCC is going to increase your chances of a break. When you finally do get on line with an airline you’ll see the MCC is a mere box ticking exercise. Albeit an enjoyable one.
Having been a similar age to yourself when finishing training the only advice I’d offer is get out there and get involved in the industry and make contacts. You are only 36, had you been 46 then I’d be slightly concerned. However, you still have time to make contacts and get a break. Be that getting an FI rating or getting a job with an airline in any role that will see you working with people that are well placed to help you.
All the best with whatever you decide to do. Give me a shout through PM if you have any questions.
It seems maybe it’s your lack of contacts within the industry, it really is everything, more so when you are that little bit older.
With all due respect you mention you only want to fly a jet, that’s fair enough but again you’re severely limiting your options. I really don’t see how paying more money for a more expensive MCC is going to increase your chances of a break. When you finally do get on line with an airline you’ll see the MCC is a mere box ticking exercise. Albeit an enjoyable one.
Having been a similar age to yourself when finishing training the only advice I’d offer is get out there and get involved in the industry and make contacts. You are only 36, had you been 46 then I’d be slightly concerned. However, you still have time to make contacts and get a break. Be that getting an FI rating or getting a job with an airline in any role that will see you working with people that are well placed to help you.
All the best with whatever you decide to do. Give me a shout through PM if you have any questions.
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: uk
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I can’t see how your age, lack of higher education and choice of MCC provider is stopping you getting an interview.
It seems maybe it’s your lack of contacts within the industry, it really is everything, more so when you are that little bit older.
With all due respect you mention you only want to fly a jet, that’s fair enough but again you’re severely limiting your options. I really don’t see how paying more money for a more expensive MCC is going to increase your chances of a break. When you finally do get on line with an airline you’ll see the MCC is a mere box ticking exercise. Albeit an enjoyable one.
Having been a similar age to yourself when finishing training the only advice I’d offer is get out there and get involved in the industry and make contacts. You are only 36, had you been 46 then I’d be slightly concerned. However, you still have time to make contacts and get a break. Be that getting an FI rating or getting a job with an airline in any role that will see you working with people that are well placed to help you.
All the best with whatever you decide to do. Give me a shout through PM if you have any questions.
It seems maybe it’s your lack of contacts within the industry, it really is everything, more so when you are that little bit older.
With all due respect you mention you only want to fly a jet, that’s fair enough but again you’re severely limiting your options. I really don’t see how paying more money for a more expensive MCC is going to increase your chances of a break. When you finally do get on line with an airline you’ll see the MCC is a mere box ticking exercise. Albeit an enjoyable one.
Having been a similar age to yourself when finishing training the only advice I’d offer is get out there and get involved in the industry and make contacts. You are only 36, had you been 46 then I’d be slightly concerned. However, you still have time to make contacts and get a break. Be that getting an FI rating or getting a job with an airline in any role that will see you working with people that are well placed to help you.
All the best with whatever you decide to do. Give me a shout through PM if you have any questions.
Just want to clear one thing up - i would not turn down any flying job right now that could provide enough income to keep a roof over my familys head, food in our bellies and bills covered - regardless of power plant. Ending up in a jet is the ultimate goal but if i was offered something in a sep or mep that could cover us finacially i would happily take it and love every minute of it!! However, instructing full time is off the table at the moment until me and the bank manager are square because a FI pay packet wont cover all these commitments. I am considering instructing on a part time basis though.
I agree with you - lack of contacts really hampers the process. I am trying to leverage all the ones i have and make new ones. This is why part time instructing could be so valuable - i would get to meet more people and grow my network.
Re mcc provider - another thing i want to just say is that i am very happy with the mcc training course i did. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learnt lots!! I would happily recommend their course to others.
The reason i am considering another mcc is not the quality of training i received, its that the "premium" providers have links with recruiters / airlines and people that go to some of these providers are going to job interviews that you wont see advertised. It is this that attracts me to it - i am confident that if i do one i will get interviews that i wont get if i dont do it!!
Ultimately this is the choice - do another mcc and get interviews that i wont get without doing it or do an instructors rating and instruct part time to build hours, experience, grow the network and also give something back to aviation! I cant do both (well not immediately anyway) so i need to work out which is going to have the most chance of getting me a job that means i can give up the office and fly full time.
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Scotland
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I feel for you mate, stuck between a rock and a hard place. As you say family and bills come first. As someone said above, never give up, keep current and keep working the contacts. The opportunity will come