Virgin Atlantic recruitment?
 

Anyone know how to get in to this FANTASTIC company?
Can it be done with turboprop experience only?
Could I join as cabin crew initially?

In short, no to both internal/turbo-prop!

Could be wrong, but don't think VS have ever done Cadets or "Pay to Fly" donkeys!

As far as I know, VA did do a cadet scheme a long time ago. I recall meeting a very young chap in Boston who may have been the last. I could be wrong but..

Come to think of it, think I had a chat with a Second Officer type in Antigua! Cruise pilot I think, so stand corrected on that! But it's not something I've seen them do for a while...

They will definitely be doing a cadet scheme. I don't know the time scale but keep an eye on the website.

Oh great another cadet scheme. Just what we need. It's sad that often today your first airline job will be your last. Were it's TP flying or LCC there is nowhere to go as airlines just want cadets. Sign of the time I suppose. It's just a shame that TP guys who work so hard and are great operators are stuck in the TP forever. It used be a case of starting small and ending up heavy jet. I feel that is no longer the case.

Yes MON took on some ex Dash operators from FlyBE but they will likely be out if a job soon and BA are only taking rated NAND experienced guys so there is still very little scope.

I've heard a couple of guys that VS is a like an old boys club and the chances of getting in matter not what your experience and skill set is but rather which squadron you were in when you were in the military. This coupled with the upcoming cadet scheme really means that VS is a no go to a lot of us. Shame as I'd love to work for them.

The Irony is so lost on so many!

I have also been told by a very reliable source today that they will be opening up cadet recruitment very soon. Most likely end of september, early october.

two factors to consider (if this programme starts):

a) will there will be an age restriction (say max age is 28)
b) will there be a flight time restriction - ruling out anyone with more than a PPL

If its like the BA programme, well good luck to the ab initio wannabees, but tough luck for all with anything more than a PPL.

I would imagine it would be similar to the current FPP and EASY MPL

Let's just all face it, the only place the traditional move on upwards to eventually go long haul is the US. Good luck getting the right to live and work.

Pure PPRuNe speculation at its best here.

IF the cadet scheme goes ahead, who's to say it won't parallel the CX one and (initially) be open to international and experienced pilots?

Let's wait and see eh? :rolleyes:

Believe it's a MPL scheme they are launching

Does anybody know whether this scheme is likely to be sponsored in any way, shape or form? I read previously that they are likely to be selecting OAA as their preferred FTO?

So are virgin seriously planning to put cadets into the right hand seat or will they be sent elsewhere to fain experience?
What do you guys think of this?

Why ?
 

Why would Virgin be recruiting cadets ?

They've made huge losses for the past 5 years and only just recovering ?

Plus their new aircraft (789) are replacing their ageing 343/346/744 as they don't want to pay for expensive D checks.. No fleet expansion. So where is the big demand for new pilots coming from?

And they've streamlined their operation to get away with 2 crew operation to a lot east coast and Caribbean destinations (almost 33%) of their route network.

I'd be very surprised if they took on cadets unless they're looking for a few skivvies to do general ops for a few years before slotting them in when there is natural decay.

Why not?! The big players all do it and Virgin is a big player. The cost would fall to the cadet, as per every other cadet program. I have many pals working there who would not consider anywhere else. There's a lot of experience at Virgin and any cadet chosen to work there would be a very lucky chap/chapette. Time to command can be a lengthy spell, but worth the wait.
Good luck to them. Am glad to hear Virgin are opening their doors and good luck to all who apply. To all the TP drivers, you have a job..be grateful of that. There are thousands around you who would jump at the chance to fly anything bigger than a C150. Yes the industry has changed and the career paths of 20 years ago are a distant memory bar a few exceptions.

Big player ?
 

Don't believe the virgin hype.

They like to think they're one of the big boys, but with a fleet of 38 aircraft they're hardly huge.

I'm with Mr Walsh, I'll be surprised if the brand lasts another 4 years given delta are now involved.

cheap easy way of getting cruise pilots.

By the time they have claimed the VAT back, not paid cooperation tax on the training, reduced pay and reduced NI contributions they will have a free pilot for 2-3 years.

And they will get someone to carry the nav bag and make the skippers bed up to boot.

Considering that VA will be present at the Flyer event in November for the first time, I'd say this is worth keeping a close eye on.