Starting Young...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ipswich, UK
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Starting Young...
hiya guys,
i have just turned 15 and am now deciding on which career direction i want to take... Since i wish to persue a career in aviation i am looking at joining the ATC (Air Training Corps) - Is it a good idea to do such a thing so i can get an early start in aviation and learn the basics of flying. I would then have to look into being sponsored by an airline as there is no way i will be able to raise £40000 to learn to fly, i do not come from a poor family but we are not well off enough to afford that
The downside to this is that the UK charter airlines i want to fly for, either, Britannia - Air 2000 - JMC - MyTravel - Monarch, do not do sponsorships a lot because they cannot afford it...
if i learn with the ATC, then surely it would give me the jump on any other sponsorship applicants without experience - but is it worth doing even if i dont get a job flying in the end...
I would appreciate anybody in the know here that may be able to give a response
Adam
i have just turned 15 and am now deciding on which career direction i want to take... Since i wish to persue a career in aviation i am looking at joining the ATC (Air Training Corps) - Is it a good idea to do such a thing so i can get an early start in aviation and learn the basics of flying. I would then have to look into being sponsored by an airline as there is no way i will be able to raise £40000 to learn to fly, i do not come from a poor family but we are not well off enough to afford that
The downside to this is that the UK charter airlines i want to fly for, either, Britannia - Air 2000 - JMC - MyTravel - Monarch, do not do sponsorships a lot because they cannot afford it...
if i learn with the ATC, then surely it would give me the jump on any other sponsorship applicants without experience - but is it worth doing even if i dont get a job flying in the end...
I would appreciate anybody in the know here that may be able to give a response
Adam
Well Adam. You have a lot to learn - for instance JMC are currently sponsoring cadets through a scheme run by the CTC Academy, Britannia recently type rated a host of low time pilots and MyTravel this year accepted in a load of ex-cadets they had trained prior to Sept11th. So keep up your PPruNe'ing to keep properly abreast of events.
On the matter of the ATC. I think its the single most proactive thing someone of your age can do towards a flying career.
The ATC provided me with my license and my first flying instructional qualification. I could pass the PPL theory exams at the age of fifeteen based on ATC lectures and study alone. The experiences and opportunties provided within the organisation will stand you in good stead at any future interview.
Its a no brainer really. Join - then make an effort to attend every event, have a positive attitude and most importantly - polish those shoes 'til they gleam.
Good luck,
WWW
On the matter of the ATC. I think its the single most proactive thing someone of your age can do towards a flying career.
The ATC provided me with my license and my first flying instructional qualification. I could pass the PPL theory exams at the age of fifeteen based on ATC lectures and study alone. The experiences and opportunties provided within the organisation will stand you in good stead at any future interview.
Its a no brainer really. Join - then make an effort to attend every event, have a positive attitude and most importantly - polish those shoes 'til they gleam.
Good luck,
WWW
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in the ATC and enjoyed my time there.
One point I will mention. If you are so set on an aviation career try to keep all your options open.
Why limit your choice of airlines to just the 5 you mentioned ? There is all sorts of flying going on out there.
best of luck
NH
One point I will mention. If you are so set on an aviation career try to keep all your options open.
Why limit your choice of airlines to just the 5 you mentioned ? There is all sorts of flying going on out there.
best of luck
NH
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ipswich, UK
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i thought of limiting myself to these airlines because if i have a family i dont want to spend every night away from them.. But then i see point i think you are making, if i start younger i wont have a family so why not go for someone like Virgin Atlantic...
Guest
Posts: n/a
You seem to be somewhat confused over which airlines will give you the most time at home. The airlines you mention in your initial post are all short/medium haul that will have you working at all hours of the day and as frequently as they can. You are not guaranteed to see much of anyone at home. Someone like Virgin Atlantic are long haul and will give you longer periods off between flights. The thing is it very difficult (if not impossible) to start off on long haul. I think it would be fair to say that most commercial pilots start out on short haul, working lots of hours at weird times of the day. You may feel differently about having to see you family all the time as you get older. In conclusion, flying is a not a great career if you want to spend lots of time with loved ones.
PT
PT
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ipswich, UK
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hiya,
ive been researching on the Virgin Atlantic site and found:
So, i would have to do as you have said an join a Charter Airline working odd hours to build up my flying time.. Then watch for openings on the Virgin Atlantic site and pray 
Im still a bit confused about exactly whats going on but im researching it.. Bear with me, im 15, im going to get most things wrong - ill learn tho
ive been researching on the Virgin Atlantic site and found:
2500-3000 hours total time - this should include at least 1500 hours commercial jet time for those coming from a commercial background.
Im still a bit confused about exactly whats going on but im researching it.. Bear with me, im 15, im going to get most things wrong - ill learn tho
Last edited by WhiteDevil; 24th Apr 2003 at 16:13.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WWW
"Britannia recently type rated a host of low time pilots "
HUH! Ven vas zis!? Are you referring to the FOs they took on a while back, or the people directly from CTC? Or have I missed something
I haven't even got my ATPL so I haven't missed any golden oppurtunities but I really shouldn't be missing things like this!
WhiteDevil
"I was a bit confused, i know more about the aircraft than the airlines that operate them"
u wat?
===========================
I agree with everyone else, join the ATC, not just for the flying or housekeeping (
) **good times**. However, the sqdn I was at quite rapidly became seriously boring...i.e - doing housekeeping every day. College came along, found it a perfectly good reason to quit! I would of gone to the next sqdn..but that was 30miles away and quite a trek..BY FOOT! Wingfield days are a laff and the free flying is....FREE! What else can I say.
As for airlines, nit picking gets thee nowhere! If you're offered a paid job flying a C150 up and down the country all day ferrying hamsters..TAKE IT! You'll soon come to realise that if you do get a job in this industry, no matter what it is....you are one hell of a lucky ...person (to be polite)
At the end of day "go for it"
"Britannia recently type rated a host of low time pilots "
HUH! Ven vas zis!? Are you referring to the FOs they took on a while back, or the people directly from CTC? Or have I missed something
I haven't even got my ATPL so I haven't missed any golden oppurtunities but I really shouldn't be missing things like this!WhiteDevil
"I was a bit confused, i know more about the aircraft than the airlines that operate them"
u wat?
===========================
I agree with everyone else, join the ATC, not just for the flying or housekeeping (
) **good times**. However, the sqdn I was at quite rapidly became seriously boring...i.e - doing housekeeping every day. College came along, found it a perfectly good reason to quit! I would of gone to the next sqdn..but that was 30miles away and quite a trek..BY FOOT! Wingfield days are a laff and the free flying is....FREE! What else can I say.As for airlines, nit picking gets thee nowhere! If you're offered a paid job flying a C150 up and down the country all day ferrying hamsters..TAKE IT! You'll soon come to realise that if you do get a job in this industry, no matter what it is....you are one hell of a lucky ...person (to be polite)
At the end of day "go for it"
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: SE UK
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Definitly Join
White Devil,
I am still a member of the ATC, however i will probably be leaving at the end of this year to pursue training etc.
You should definitly join, however the flying we get now is somewhat less than in previous years. The powers that be have taken away the 'Flying Scholarship', it was deemed to expensive so getting half your PPL done for nothing isn't there at the moment. I say at the moment because I have heard they may well be coming back.
With the cadets, apart from air experience flying in Tutors, and time in VC-10s i have done a gliding scholarship in a Grob Vigilant. Not really gliding at all as it has a whining engine up front. They gave me about 8 hrs and a solo circuit at the end of it, so I like to think I have a few hours .
Most cadets in my experience join when they are 13 or 14, don't worry about that. I joined when I was 15 and I made Flight Sergeant last week.
Join, you'll have a great time mate. It is definitly a good idea if you want to become a pilot as you get to fly regularly for pittance. Also the social aspect is great, meeting loads of people with the same interest as you.
Dozza
I am still a member of the ATC, however i will probably be leaving at the end of this year to pursue training etc.
You should definitly join, however the flying we get now is somewhat less than in previous years. The powers that be have taken away the 'Flying Scholarship', it was deemed to expensive so getting half your PPL done for nothing isn't there at the moment. I say at the moment because I have heard they may well be coming back.
With the cadets, apart from air experience flying in Tutors, and time in VC-10s i have done a gliding scholarship in a Grob Vigilant. Not really gliding at all as it has a whining engine up front. They gave me about 8 hrs and a solo circuit at the end of it, so I like to think I have a few hours
.Most cadets in my experience join when they are 13 or 14, don't worry about that. I joined when I was 15 and I made Flight Sergeant last week.
Join, you'll have a great time mate. It is definitly a good idea if you want to become a pilot as you get to fly regularly for pittance. Also the social aspect is great, meeting loads of people with the same interest as you.
Dozza
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: On a radial
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi, Join the ATC, some flying experiences you'll probably never see/do again!!!! when i was in the cadets, i flew in tristars, hercs, bulldogs, chipmunks, taxiied in an F3 , chinook, puma...... go for it. as far as the flying career goes, firstly get your education sorted. in my experience you are pretty unlikely to get a sponsorship with hust A levels unless you are a genius and get 5 A's etc. i'm in my final year of uni , managed to get my PPL off of the back of a flying Scholarship from the RAF, although i think they have stopped the scheme now. Keep interested and keep an eye out.... i'm on the hunt for sponsorship and have been for some 4 years now, no luck as yet as the debts of partial sponsorships can still bee too high.... it will happen one day!!! 
chris
chris
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Bournemouth, UK
Age: 36
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey!
Like Adam, I am also a bit of a newbie at 15. I have just experienced my first test flight and I would love to do the course. But, £40,000 is a bit steep! I have seen that BA do a sponsorship scheme. Is that worth going into and joining and would my chances be great in being accepted and/or getting a career with them? I know that that £40,000 will eventually be paid off as wages etc, and I know that flying is the career for me. Any more help will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Simon
Like Adam, I am also a bit of a newbie at 15. I have just experienced my first test flight and I would love to do the course. But, £40,000 is a bit steep! I have seen that BA do a sponsorship scheme. Is that worth going into and joining and would my chances be great in being accepted and/or getting a career with them? I know that that £40,000 will eventually be paid off as wages etc, and I know that flying is the career for me. Any more help will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Simon
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I have seen that BA do a sponsorship scheme."
No offence....but that's been off for about 2 years now and there's no evidence of it being continued anytime soon.
However, there are plenty more sponsorship oppurtunities available, including JMC and easyJ.
Do a search on the forums for more info.
good luck
No offence....but that's been off for about 2 years now and there's no evidence of it being continued anytime soon.
However, there are plenty more sponsorship oppurtunities available, including JMC and easyJ.
Do a search on the forums for more info.
good luck
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OBK, be advised:
I have heard talk of heavy redundencies in the hamster ferrying sector.
Perhaps it would be an idea to hang around a flying school, offering to clean aircraft/toilets/windows etc. You may then be offered a weekend job with flying as an offer of renumeration. I did this when I was 17.
I remember flying my first solo on the evening of my 17th birthday. Of course, that was "back in the day" when you had to be 17 to solo. Ah yes, I remember when this was all fields..........
Bill
I have heard talk of heavy redundencies in the hamster ferrying sector.
Perhaps it would be an idea to hang around a flying school, offering to clean aircraft/toilets/windows etc. You may then be offered a weekend job with flying as an offer of renumeration. I did this when I was 17.
I remember flying my first solo on the evening of my 17th birthday. Of course, that was "back in the day" when you had to be 17 to solo. Ah yes, I remember when this was all fields..........
Bill
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I spoke to Britannia ay Luton late last year regarding cadet pilots. At that time they were hoping to run it again this year teaching from scratch, a lot of the training taking place in Spain. Good luck to you and your endevours, alas at 31 years old I am seen as too old to be accepted into these cadet pilot schemes
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Neverland
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Adam, I am a Flt/Sgt with 188 (Ipswich) squadron! Looks like its local to you! We parade twice a week, 1900 - 2130 (usually finish later) Mondays and Wednesdays. We have a program laid out for "newbies". The first few weeks/months may seem a wee bit monotonous, but I promise you it will lead to better things. One way of proving to airlines/HM services(?) that you have been dedicated to the career since an early age is by joining the Corps. I am trained to GS (Gliding Scholarship) standard on both the Viking and the Vigilant, and up to AGT2 standard on the Viking. I could fly both solo before I could drive! The RAFA and the Air League offer flying scholarships every year, however the RAF have ended their formal flying scholarship award, but are giving extended experience to a random few. Thought about the RAF? Once you get some experience flying with RAF I think that you may decide against going along the route you have suggested. I've flown in Dominies, Jetstreams, Chinooks, Hercules, Bulldogs, Tutors, Vigilants, and Vikings. I have represented the whole of the Corps in football, captained the Wing football team as well as our squadron team, attended two weeks work experience at RAFC Cranwell, done numerous courses, including Drill instruction, adventure training camps, done my D of E Bronze award and more! I have just turned 18, and none of my friends have done anything like what I've managed to achieve - none of it would have happened if I hadn't turned up to that first night at the squadron. Everything we do is a laugh (almost), I will be very surprised if you do not enjoy your time as a member of the Corps. However, I do suggest that you get down ASAP, as changing rules in September mean that older cadets still of a low rank will have to leave. Hope to see you soon! TMA
Oh yeah, we have a website too
Oh yeah, we have a website too
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wireless
'I have heard talk of heavy redundencies in the hamster ferrying sector.'
'Perhaps it would be an idea to hang around a flying school, offering to clean aircraft/toilets/windows etc.'
Hmm, I will kind of be looking to utilise my frozen ATPL in a more novel fashion...
'I have heard talk of heavy redundencies in the hamster ferrying sector.'
'Perhaps it would be an idea to hang around a flying school, offering to clean aircraft/toilets/windows etc.'
Hmm, I will kind of be looking to utilise my frozen ATPL in a more novel fashion...
Guest
Posts: n/a
Joining the ATC is one of the best mays to learn to fly for nothing as well as getting loads of experience in leadership things like that. You can do glidng scholarships and if you have the commitment you can join an ATC gliding school and become an instructor on motorgliders from the age of 16+. You can also do flying scholarships with the RAF which I believe they still do for Air Cadets and also scholarships with the Air League and GAPAN.
Study hard at school and go to a good Uni and join a University Air Squadron. They teach you the RAF Elementery Flying Training course which is at least 60hrs. I have done all the above training and the UAS is the best instruction that I have recieved.
I have nearly 100 hrs powered flying all of which has been through the UAS, Flying scholarships and ATC of which I have not had to pay for a penny. Also 300+ glider flights which I have only paid for about 100 of.
Good Luck
Study hard at school and go to a good Uni and join a University Air Squadron. They teach you the RAF Elementery Flying Training course which is at least 60hrs. I have done all the above training and the UAS is the best instruction that I have recieved.
I have nearly 100 hrs powered flying all of which has been through the UAS, Flying scholarships and ATC of which I have not had to pay for a penny. Also 300+ glider flights which I have only paid for about 100 of.
Good Luck
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OBK
I wasn't suggesting that you cleaned toilets when you have a frozen ATPL. My suggestions were aimed towards the original poster on this thread. Working for a flying school worked for me and may work for this chap.
Mind you, never say never. Becoming involved in working for a small aviation company, doing mundane things even if you do hold a CPL may give you an opening or chance to make contacts.
Then that's just me, Bill
I wasn't suggesting that you cleaned toilets when you have a frozen ATPL. My suggestions were aimed towards the original poster on this thread. Working for a flying school worked for me and may work for this chap.
Mind you, never say never. Becoming involved in working for a small aviation company, doing mundane things even if you do hold a CPL may give you an opening or chance to make contacts.
Then that's just me, Bill
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ipswich, UK
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks guys for your help
i have been chatting to The Mother Alligator and am starting at the ATC soon...
Wireless
That sounds like a good idea but there are no flying clubs remotely near me, apart from the ATC. Ipswich Airfield was closed some years ago to be built on...
i have been chatting to The Mother Alligator and am starting at the ATC soon...
Wireless
That sounds like a good idea but there are no flying clubs remotely near me, apart from the ATC. Ipswich Airfield was closed some years ago to be built on...
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: W.Yorkshire UK
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
adam, i have been in the atc for over 4 years now and i have just completed my ppl (im a pilot!), the atc is good for someone your age and you can apply for a flying scholorship or something of that kind to give you a headstart. As for sponsorship, im pretty much in the same boat as you, theres little happening at the moment, i think youve got to keep your eye out.
Theres a fantastic looking school in jerez in spain owned by bae systems, you can apply to go there either if your being sponsored or going your self(thats if your prepared to pay the 62,000 towards the cost of the 18 month course). If you pay to go there then the school can recommend you to certain airlines e.g British airways or my travel.
Anyway good luck for the future and i hope to meet u in the cockpit of an A340 sometime!
Theres a fantastic looking school in jerez in spain owned by bae systems, you can apply to go there either if your being sponsored or going your self(thats if your prepared to pay the 62,000 towards the cost of the 18 month course). If you pay to go there then the school can recommend you to certain airlines e.g British airways or my travel.
Anyway good luck for the future and i hope to meet u in the cockpit of an A340 sometime!