Seeking for a sponsorship with no flight experience
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Seeking for a sponsorship with no flight experience
I am a 17-year-old aspiring pilot from the UK. I have a strong passion for aviation and want to know if it's possible to get a sponsorship from an airline to help me become a pilot. I am not limited to the UK and am open to moving / living anywhere in the world if it can increase my chances. I understand that this may be an unrealistic possibility, given I have no previous flying experience, but I'm willing to work hard and take on any challenge to make my dream a reality. I've done some research and found that some airlines do offer sponsorship programs, but they often require some sort of flying experience or qualifications (I have all A*s in GCSE, soon to be A-Levels too, but nothing in regards to flying). I'm open to any advice or suggestions on how I can start my journey towards becoming a pilot. I've considered taking flying lessons and working towards obtaining a PPL, but with the costs being so high I'm unsure whether it's worth doing with no guarantee of future employment. I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through / is going through a similar experience or knows more about sponsorship opportunities for aspiring pilots not only in the UK but worldwide. I'm not fortunate enough to afford to pay for flight school with the costs ranging from £70,000 all the way up to £130,000, however I do not want that to stop me. Thank you in advance for your help.
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Scholarships are few and far between. Use your A-Levels when you get them to get a decent paying job, fund flying through savings and a loan towards the end if needed. 99% of people go through flying training with no guarantee of employment so don't let that deter you. All the best
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Could it be as simple as getting a loan for flight school and paying it back when I become a pilot, and just securing the loan to a property? My main concern with that would be that I'm not sure whether flight schools will guarantee employment after graduation or not, thanks.
For any zero to hero scheme, whether self funded (99.9% of the time this is the case) or that very rare sponsorship that may or may not raise its head again in the future, you would significantly improve your chances by at least having some flying background, perhaps working towards a PPL, or look one of the scholarships for PPL flight training that are available to people your age. Also consider uni, do anything that might get you a decent backup career (and money to spend on training), perhaps look at joining a University Air Squadron which will offer you a pretty solid grounding for a career in military or civilian aviation and would be something good to talk about at interviews.
By all means hold out for scholarships but be prepared to pay lots if not. Do not be put off, it is doable, particularly if you get a good job in your 20’s as arena33 says, and be careful about other financial commitments.
By all means hold out for scholarships but be prepared to pay lots if not. Do not be put off, it is doable, particularly if you get a good job in your 20’s as arena33 says, and be careful about other financial commitments.
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A very eloquent opening post.
I can’t help thinking however that there is something strange about it.
Many here will have been in the same position as you and will have had the same desires. Where perhaps they differ from you is that they will have found a way to get flying no matter what.
A career in aviation would have been the dream but getting airborne now would have been an all consuming need.
Not intended to be accusatory in any way I’m just curious. I wish you the best of luck.
I can’t help thinking however that there is something strange about it.
Many here will have been in the same position as you and will have had the same desires. Where perhaps they differ from you is that they will have found a way to get flying no matter what.
A career in aviation would have been the dream but getting airborne now would have been an all consuming need.
Not intended to be accusatory in any way I’m just curious. I wish you the best of luck.
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That is why I am here, because I am strongly passionate about flying and it's what I want to do no matter what (having my father, and grandfather being pilots) and having grown up around such background. I just have not had the chance to get any real experience until now, just hoping to get any insights.
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I mean the flight school will take me regardless of my experience I'd assume (because I am paying upwards of $100,000 in some cases), I think it is just the case of securing a job afterwards. I've heard in North America there is a great shortage of pilots, maybe that would be worth looking into? Like I mentioned I am open to living anywhere around the world to maximize my chances.
I can’t help thinking however that there is something strange about it.
Many here will have been in the same position as you... Where perhaps they differ from you is that they will have found a way to get flying no matter what.
Not intended to be accusatory in any way....
Many here will have been in the same position as you... Where perhaps they differ from you is that they will have found a way to get flying no matter what.
Not intended to be accusatory in any way....
He's trying to find his "way". He's just trying to understand a complex and puzzling subject.
Your response to him is in fact "accusatory".
It's unfortunate he came here for answers to his first questions.
Hang in there, Bakerin. Keep asking questions.
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I can see how you think that bafanguy.
As I said the opening post was very well written but most 17 year old aspiring pilots I’ve met get flying somehow rather than state they’re waiting for sponsorship and job offer first.
Im certain a pilot selector would look for evidence of a motivation to fly to back up statements.
Heres hoping the OP rather than feeling affronted wonders why I found the post strange thinks it through and benefits from it.
If however the OP would like to PM me I’ll share a snippet of information that should be music to their ears.
btw how do you know it’s a “he” ?
As I said the opening post was very well written but most 17 year old aspiring pilots I’ve met get flying somehow rather than state they’re waiting for sponsorship and job offer first.
Im certain a pilot selector would look for evidence of a motivation to fly to back up statements.
Heres hoping the OP rather than feeling affronted wonders why I found the post strange thinks it through and benefits from it.
If however the OP would like to PM me I’ll share a snippet of information that should be music to their ears.
btw how do you know it’s a “he” ?
Last edited by sudden twang; 5th May 2023 at 00:00.
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The best advice is to get a profession or trade, train in a modular capacity (and NETWORK as you do!) and then you will likely end up in a job or, worst case, looking for a job with a stable and secure income. Modular is also significantly cheaper than integrated.
A lot of pilots end up redundant at some point due to the cyclical nature of the industry; having something you can easily fall back on that isn’t aviation related is a massive plus, I know at 17 “it won’t happen to me” but believe me it does, and the ability to shrug and speak to an old colleague and be back earning decent wages is solid gold. It also means you aren’t one of the people who have never worked outside of aviation so either lose touch with what is “normal” in a job and moan all the time or, worse, will sell your grandmother to sit RHS because that’s all you can do and you don’t value your skills or time.
I have met a number of modular and integrated students over the years, I am pleased to say I helped a number get jobs in some small ways, and have helped mentor others, but the key thing is here that starting out with no “base” in the industry is incredibly hard compared to being a bit older, a bit more experienced with more than a wet CPL to offer - a number of young people I met had basically no idea that airlines outside of RYR, EZY and BA existed. It’s also massively appreciated by a Captain and the whole operation when things go a tad awry and you have an FO who has had enough life experience to be able to easily sort hotels, taxis, generally chivvy and manage people.
A final point - a decent trade or profession will also give you a lot to talk about at interview, where they’ll be looking for a demonstrated professional attitude and experience working under pressure.
A lot of pilots end up redundant at some point due to the cyclical nature of the industry; having something you can easily fall back on that isn’t aviation related is a massive plus, I know at 17 “it won’t happen to me” but believe me it does, and the ability to shrug and speak to an old colleague and be back earning decent wages is solid gold. It also means you aren’t one of the people who have never worked outside of aviation so either lose touch with what is “normal” in a job and moan all the time or, worse, will sell your grandmother to sit RHS because that’s all you can do and you don’t value your skills or time.
I have met a number of modular and integrated students over the years, I am pleased to say I helped a number get jobs in some small ways, and have helped mentor others, but the key thing is here that starting out with no “base” in the industry is incredibly hard compared to being a bit older, a bit more experienced with more than a wet CPL to offer - a number of young people I met had basically no idea that airlines outside of RYR, EZY and BA existed. It’s also massively appreciated by a Captain and the whole operation when things go a tad awry and you have an FO who has had enough life experience to be able to easily sort hotels, taxis, generally chivvy and manage people.
A final point - a decent trade or profession will also give you a lot to talk about at interview, where they’ll be looking for a demonstrated professional attitude and experience working under pressure.
A good way to get things going might be just starting to fly: Get a medical, learn glider flying, maybe instructing and work your way up the ladder. Investing time and work hours can make up for lack of funds. This will prove to any possible sponsors later on that you are able to fly, learn and continue a successful career.Wishing you all the best and great intro.
If you have a chance to join a university, any engineering degree will be helpful for future airline careers. The other option is to have the military fund your flying education part-time as a reservist (ROTC style) or full time for some years. And have some plan B at hand if your health makes a pilot career impossible.
If you have a chance to join a university, any engineering degree will be helpful for future airline careers. The other option is to have the military fund your flying education part-time as a reservist (ROTC style) or full time for some years. And have some plan B at hand if your health makes a pilot career impossible.
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Hi, I can see how it may look like I am waiting for everything to come to me, but this is simply not the case. I just haven't got a good idea where to start, my dad recommended this site to me, (he learned to fly around 30 years ago so things were presumably different back then). I will definitely PM you shortly and I hope for the best, thank you for the reply.
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Hello, I can see where you're coming from but this is not the case. I'd appreciate if you refrained from commenting something like this as there is a lot of good information in here and your comment does not contribute, all the best and have a good day.
I am a 17-year-old aspiring pilot from the UK. I have a strong passion for aviation... I understand that this may be an unrealistic possibility [sponsorship]... but I'm willing to work hard and take on any challenge to make my dream a reality. I'm open to any advice or suggestions on how I can start my journey towards becoming a pilot.
Keep asking questions, bakerin.
The question is are you prepared to work for it? Because there's 99.9% chance that is what you will have to do. It doesn't even have to be that much - you can still get a CPL in the UK for £50k and in the US for a lot less than that.
Here's the secret: Study hard. Get a job. Get a credit card and build your credit. Get a weekend job. Get an evening job. Don't drink, smoke or shag. Live at home and save every penny.
In 1 year you'll have a PPL.
In 2 years you'll have half the money and a credit rating that will let you borrow the rest.
In 3 years you'll be looking for your first job as a commercial pilot just as your mates are graduating Uni with a worthless degree.
It's a simple as that. But it's not easy. You're 17. You won't listen to any of that ****. You'll spend your PPL money on a new car. You'll get drunk, sleep in every day, get some tart pregnant and throw your life away. You'll end up in a dead end job wishing everything had been different. Then in 20 years you'll be back here posting in the 'Am I too old? thread...😜
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Hi Bakerin, welcome to PPRunE. A quick lesson in life and particularly this industry - ignore all of the haters.
Regarding your question. Everyone you speak to (including me!) will have had a different experience. Different generations of pilots will have gone through different paths and journeys to reach this profession.
I think you need to sit down and speak to your parents. Can they afford to fund you? Are you able to get a small job to also get some funds together?
Don't go wasting £100,000+ by doing the training in the UK. Go abroad and do it. There are a few excellent schools in Poland which offer the whole training for less than 50,000 EUR (less than £45,000)! They also offer the courses so you can obtain a UK license (don't go for EASA training unless you have an EU passport... thank you Brexit). Don't forget you'll need some extra money for living costs (rent, food, etc) but Poland is very cheap!
But no matter where you go, here's my biggest piece of advice to you. Always have a bit more money than you actually need. You may need to do an extra lesson here or there, buy equipment (headset, books), etc.
Don't bother with sponsorships.
Regarding your question. Everyone you speak to (including me!) will have had a different experience. Different generations of pilots will have gone through different paths and journeys to reach this profession.
I think you need to sit down and speak to your parents. Can they afford to fund you? Are you able to get a small job to also get some funds together?
Don't go wasting £100,000+ by doing the training in the UK. Go abroad and do it. There are a few excellent schools in Poland which offer the whole training for less than 50,000 EUR (less than £45,000)! They also offer the courses so you can obtain a UK license (don't go for EASA training unless you have an EU passport... thank you Brexit). Don't forget you'll need some extra money for living costs (rent, food, etc) but Poland is very cheap!
But no matter where you go, here's my biggest piece of advice to you. Always have a bit more money than you actually need. You may need to do an extra lesson here or there, buy equipment (headset, books), etc.
Don't bother with sponsorships.
Avoid imitations
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Having come from a background where there was no money for flying, my ambition was to fly, from the day my father took me to Farnborough Airshow (when I was five years old and it was a proper airshow). It made me want to fly military hardware. Not an easy path to tread, but having put all my efforts into gaining a place, after a couple of large hiccups, I succeeded in getting accepted as a pilot.
Have you considered the military?
Have you considered the military?
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Have you considered the military?[/QUOTE]
Hey thanks for the advice it is seriously appreciated, as for the military it’s not something that would be my first choice in regards to flying, but flying is still the end goal. My eyesight is not great (just enough to obtain a class 1 by the skin on my teeth), and correct me if I am wrong but isn’t near perfect eyesight needed to fly in the military / army? My current prescription for my amblyopia is -4.5. Thank you again.
Hey thanks for the advice it is seriously appreciated, as for the military it’s not something that would be my first choice in regards to flying, but flying is still the end goal. My eyesight is not great (just enough to obtain a class 1 by the skin on my teeth), and correct me if I am wrong but isn’t near perfect eyesight needed to fly in the military / army? My current prescription for my amblyopia is -4.5. Thank you again.
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Hey, I’ve been told by a lot of people to instead go the modular route, due to up to now me having no notable flying experience. I previously mentioned that going to a school was not possible in my situation, however I’ve been told by my dad (former captain) that it is something that is very possible and they can help to make it happen if it is what I am serious about (I am!). I just wondered what your take was or anyone reading this in my scenario? Appreciated.