Question....

[Danny_R]

Hi people,

Quick question, when applying for an airline if you have a frozen ATPL do you need to also have A Levels??


Thanks

Daniel

[5150]

In a word 'no'. Having 'A' levels is certainly another feather in the cap tho, so don't rely on the fact that because you have a licence, you'll get a job!

[CrashDive]

All things being equal ( sort of ), when all you have is the minimum qualification for the job ( e.g. fATPL ) then you'll need 'something else' to make you a more interesting recruitment prospect, e.g. that you A'Levels, or that you've walked to the North Pole, or that you've been a stock-brocker responsible for billions of £$€'s, i.e something / anything to give you the edge over the other applicants who also have fATPL's.

Also, and imho, when all you have is a fATPL it really makes no difference if you have 251.3 hours, or 280.5, or 600.1 hours in light aircraft - where it's more about what you did to get the hours, i.e. their 'quality' rather than their quantity - as the airline people will see you much as just another person with a fATPL.

Let's maybe put it another way....

The airlines know what they can provide for you, i.e. a job, a type rating, training, opportunity........ but what do you bring to the airline ?!

[Danny_R]

Well would the fact that leaving school at 16 with 10 GCSE's grades A-C to be a member of a gaming development team, that ended up earning a lot of money that was able to pay for the licence, and still have a lot left over, be something that stands out over the other applicants??

[buzzc152]

No, wouldn't stand for much. Might make for an interesting but brief topic of conversation at interview.
Interviewers want to see a passion for flying, a spirit of adventure etc. Personally, Id go for the guy who spent 4 years slogging out a meagre living to pay for his flying, gaining a few interesting feathers in his cap along the way.

All this will get you through the interview. Ultimatley it'll come down to a sim test I guess. It'll be the quiality of the flying that gets you though that.

Oh, and to answer your original question.... I think having some A levels is a pretty basic requirement for anything.

[Pilot Pete]

Danny

It's horses for courses. Plenty of pilots out there don't have degrees or A levels. It's all about what you have flown and how many hours you have as Crashdive has already said. If you have not got any do not worry over it. Most airlines who want some form of academic ability run their own (or bought) numeracy and literacy tests. What you need to spend your time on is gaining more flying experience than 'just' a brand new fATPL. That's what will get you noticed and don't forget to network, network network! I don't know of any airlines than demand A levels for direct entry, but plenty ask for them for sponsorship. So you see, it's not worth worrying about, getting head and shoulders above the others in the flying stakes should worry you more.............!

Good luck

PP

[Danny_R]

Thanks for your answers guys, I can still do A Levels as I have plenty of time and am still young. I was just wondering whether its worth studying for A Levels or just concentrating on getting flying hours under my belt