maybe,

The apptitude tests are flying related, hand/eye co-ord, memorising radio/alt/speed/heading etc, spatial awareness. The maths questions are put into an aviation context, but are basically just your normal mental arithmetic questions. (you do get a pencil and paper, so dont worry!)

As regards the heels/flats issue, there is a part where you need to use your feet on rudder pedals. The CTC guys suggested to the girls present that they took off their shoes.

It's been said a million times before, but try and be chilled and relax. It's the best way to perform to your maximum potential!
Good luck!
M330

MonarchA330,

Thanks for your reply... when you say the aptitude tests are flying related, do they require flying knowledge? I have no flying experience so if they are based on knowing how to fly a plane, or knowing about instruments etc, then I don't stand a chance!!

maybe,
check your Private messages.
M330

maybe,

Not meaning to sound too harsh but maybe getting some background knowledge on your chosen career might be a good idea? If you're passionate about wanting to be a pilot, I'd have thought you'd know SOMETHING about how aircraft fly etc. !?

It's safe to say that the CTC people will probe you about your knowledge of all sorts of things related to flying inc. the airline industry, basic flying stuff, etc. if you'e lucky enough to get through.

Good luck,

V1R

Maybe,

So you have applied to become an airline pilot and accept a debt of £60,000 - and you seem to know virtually nothing about it or even know if you'll enjoy it!

Go to your local flying club and have a trial lesson. You'll learn two things:-

1) Do you still want to be a pilot?

2) You will now have at least some idea of how an aircraft is controlled and what the instruments are.

It amazes me just how many wannabee pilots have never had a single flying lesson.

I *have* had a trial lesson thank you!

This made me decide that I definitely wanted to learn to fly, I'm just not sure if I want to make a career out of it.

From having one trial lesson, yes I know vaguely how the controls work, but I don't have enough knowledge to answer questions or do tests on the subject.

Apologies, maybe, but you did say you had "no" flying experience.

I did, sorry if it was unclear, but I would hardly consider a trial lesson to be "flying experience" !! I was focusing more on looking at the landscape than the controls and instruments :rolleyes:

Stage 2
 

Maybe,

I had my Stage 2 back in September and there are NO use of pedals, just a joystick. CTC-McAlpine's selection process did use a joystick AND rudder pedals but the new CTC Wings Scheme does not, unless they have introduced them VERY recently, which I doubt.
(Monarch, did you go through the system a while back or recently?)

Aptitude tests can be found at www.pilapt.com. You can't take the tests but there are screenshots which allow you to get an idea of what to expect.
You don't need to have seen the inside of an aircraft to take and pass these tests. They assess your hand-eye coordination skills, and ability to work under pressure and consistently improve at certain tasks. i.e. with the aptitude tests you are given 3 goes at each, the idea being to improve your score with each attempt.

Monarch was right about the Numerical/Maths test. Simple stuff just phrased in an aviation related way. eg Aircraft is descending from 8,000ft at 750ft/min. How long will it take to descend to 5,000ft.?
ANSWER: 8,000ft-5,000ft=3,000ft @ 750ft/min=4 Minutes.

Hope this helps,

Simon.

yeah, did my stage 2 a while ago. looks like things have changed since then!
M330

The CTC guys who recently just finished Mod 2 with me at BGS paint a rather dull picture. Easy Jet are not recruiting these guys at the moment, so this set of 6, plus some others, are being given Type Rating dates towards the end of 2005. They won't start their IR until Feb/March either. They are being offered cabin crew positions at EJ.

They all sounded a bit depressed to me, and stated that CTC had hired far too many for the positions that are available. CTC said they were trying to get other airlines to sign up soon.

Unfortunately, if they want to persue their career out of CTC, they will have to pay £1000 per month for the next 7 years.:ugh:

They are a good bunch of lads, all switched on, and I genuinely feel a bit sorry for their predicament.

Simon_Sez said:

"You don't need to have seen the inside of an aircraft to take and pass these tests. They assess your hand-eye coordination skills, and ability to work under pressure and consistently improve at certain tasks. i.e. with the aptitude tests you are given 3 goes at each, the idea being to improve your score with each attempt"

Does that mean one should do the first attempt as bad as he only could, and just pay attention to the last attempt to show those guys that he learns fast?

Not quite.

Once you're sitting in front of the monitor, it's a slightly different story.
you shold try your best at each attempt. After each attempt, you'll notice different things about the exercise and you'll want to improve on that particular aspect. It's hard to explain fully but you'll see once you get there.

Bottom line: Try your best. Simple.

Simon.

No sponsor - your information is wrong and the parts that resemble the truth are out of date.

CTC cadets are the most fortunate wannabes there are. They are certainly not in any "predicament".

Easyjet were going to stop recruiting for 6 months, they have now reversed this decision and are continuing with 737 training for a little longer. Some delays are still expected, but CTC are dealing with those in another way.

Other airlines are increasing their recruitment of wings cadets and so, those on Easyjet courses that are to be delayed are going to be released to go to other airlines, as long as CTC fill up Easyjets requirements with later cadets.

Bottom line - delays will not occur to any significant extent and everyone is still in a great position. All airlines, including Easyjet are increasing their requirements for cadets. No need to "feel sorry" for anybody. Getting into a top airline, flying jets after 18 months isnt too bad at all!

Also, that £1000 per month - well thats not such a big deal when a) the airline pays it out of non-taxed salary, which saves the cadet thousands, or b) you start a job with First Choice, Britannia, Monarch who all start on about £45k with flight pay included. Bear in mind repayments dont start until employment is gained.

It'll take no sponsored people like yourself years longer to clear your debts, thats if you actually get a job. Thats who I feel sorry for :ugh:

Anyone else going for stage 3 on 17th December?

Highflyer27,

I am merely passing on the statement and sentiments made by the cadets I have been training with in the last few weeks.

I agree they are all in an enviable position once placed as a FO in an airline.

I also work for a living, and will not have any debts once I've finished.

Think you might find the is a bit of a myth as Monarch for sure have just dropped their T's and C's for new joiners - I would say more like 35k as more realistic - not that that is bad but just not the golden ticket dreamed of. As you say though still a nice position to be in.

Info from the inside!!
 

no sponsor,

You are very correct. The cadets at CTC are sat around and have been told 6 months. There was some crap given to them about 2 potential airlines possibly going to take them on but I think this was to keep their spirits up - the same crap was given about 12 months ago about an extra airline signing up with nothing happening in the end. The dole office is now very busy with CTC cadets because of the easyjet delay, with all that interest racking up on the £60k. Not good.


highflyer27,

You sound very much like one of the CTC PR crew who did the presentation at selection. Its not Rod Wren behind that username is it??????
You are wrong. Having spoken to some friends on the inside very recently, there is still no word on whats going on apart from a non-commital post on their internal forum - no phone calls or anything - THEY ARE STILL SAT AT HOME WAITING FOR NEWS! It could be longer than 6 months.
Also, they only have to be in the CTC holding pool for 12 months before CTC can get rid of them with no ties. A bit worrying!!

I've been thinking about applying for the "CTC Wings" scheme for a while. I have 70 hours P1 in Gliders, before i apply would it be advantagous to get an NPPL which I can get for ~10hours. Or would it be better to apply with no Power flying experience.

Good luck too all

Well yes, the last post I wrote was based around that internal post on the forum, which I found out about.

Even if the ezy guys do have to wait, they are still going to enter employment faster than self-sponsored guys, and its still a jet f/o position.

Also bear in mind, since the ATP scheme has been running since 1994, CTC have never failed to place a cadet. Thats 10 years and nobody has left without a job.

The only chance you have at a job with Monarch for example, who's pay is still good (ppjn) is via CTC. Remember, those ab initio cadets going into the ATP pool go straight to the top of the list and can turn down two airlines if they so wish.

A great position, which I want to be in :ok: