getting started?
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: england
getting started?
Can anyone offer me some advice to getting started in the pilot world? Im 23 and a recent graduate from uni and keen to get going but everythings so expensive to train. Ive applied with CTC for a place but the likelihood isnt that good considering the amount that apply. Im keen on the civil route as opposed to forces but just wondering the best way to train and get a job? much appreciated
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From: Middlesesx
Wish you all the best but your request is a bit like asking for 'lottery' numbers for saturday. Chances at airline level now is virtually nil unless possessing PPL and/or other experience. To fund your way at flying school could cost £40,000 plus and a lot of time. Best route via the RAF.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: england
thanks for the advice, though getting in the RAF isn't that easy either so ive heard. I expect I will need to do a CPL as well as a PPL in order to stand any chance with the airlines, its just damn risky spending all that cash!! bring back sponsorships!
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Europe
Originally Posted by newbie008
its just damn risky spending all that cash!!
Do lots of research to familiarize yourself with the license stuff and get started! Where's a will there's a way!!!
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: England
There are airlines that run sponsorships, like Easy Jet and BA. At least thats what i have been reading on their sites. In the way of finances they seem to help you out alot, but obviously they look for the "best of the best" if you see what i mean.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: england
I think your mistaken on the sponsorships. No airlines except bmi do sponsorships, but they only take on recruits about once every 2 years. As for easyjet they take recruits from CTC which is the course ive applied for. Im tempted to pay for my ppl and cpl and then apply with CTC for the ATPL (f) seeing as many ppl recommend them.
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: London, UK
Hello all, my name's Paul and I'm in a similar position 
. (I've been reading the forums since high school but first time posting so HI )
I'm at university at the moment, looking at graduating at 21/22 with an engineering degree, and zero cash!
CTC is obviously worth the application but not feeling hopeful for that (did I hear that 2% are chosen?
). I have a £15k job guaranteed as a backup, but hopefully better oppurtunities when I've got that degree.
Option 1) A few years hard work and a £25 unsecured loan, then off to OAT or similar
Option 2) Stay on the £15 (very flexible employer) and train part time.
What do you think?
. (I've been reading the forums since high school but first time posting so HI )I'm at university at the moment, looking at graduating at 21/22 with an engineering degree, and zero cash!
CTC is obviously worth the application but not feeling hopeful for that (did I hear that 2% are chosen?
). I have a £15k job guaranteed as a backup, but hopefully better oppurtunities when I've got that degree. Option 1) A few years hard work and a £25 unsecured loan, then off to OAT or similar
Option 2) Stay on the £15 (very flexible employer) and train part time.
What do you think?
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: europe
and what about a normal job in IT?
forget aviation or just apply with NO experience.
wait a few years and see how this market will be.
if you think you have a real chance to be hired, start your training, but at this time, I would suggest you to wait another 2 years.During this time you can still apply at your RAF club.
forget aviation or just apply with NO experience.
wait a few years and see how this market will be.
if you think you have a real chance to be hired, start your training, but at this time, I would suggest you to wait another 2 years.During this time you can still apply at your RAF club.
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From: Suffolk UK
Originally Posted by newbie008
Can anyone offer me some advice to getting started in the pilot world? Im 23 and a recent graduate from uni and keen to get going but everythings so expensive to train. Ive applied with CTC for a place but the likelihood isnt that good considering the amount that apply. Im keen on the civil route as opposed to forces but just wondering the best way to train and get a job? much appreciated
Scroggs
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From: Canada
Originally Posted by HZ123
...Chances at airline level now is virtually nil unless possessing PPL and/or other experience...
Joined: May 2003
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From: UK
Unless things have changed in the last 5 or so years, max age for an RAF pilot applicant is 23 1/3 years old............... and don't think the RAF is any easier to get into than a civiie job (in fact, it's probably a good deal harder).
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Wales
Originally Posted by newbie008
it is 23 but they said apply anyway. I know it is likely to be harder, I dont hold much hope for the RAF to be fair. Concentrating on CTC at the moment
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From: UK
It's funny how CTC is seen as the best thing since sliced bread! A 65k modular course on Diamond Stars (lovely as they are) which will be costing CTC about £10 per hour to run on fuel! And you do Bristol distance learning. How can they charge £65,000? Also funny how people think they aren't paying for it as it's a "sponsorship" scheme!
Look for schemes such as Flybe, BA Connect and Thomson Fly with FTE and Thomas Cook and Excel with OAT. You do have to find the money yourself as they aren't sponsorship schemes, however the banks are willing to help a lot more if you are on an airline scheme.
Another thing is don't forget there is more to flying than the airlines. You could instruct, with a few more hours you could fly air taxi (although you would need an IR). Anyway, best of luck.
Look for schemes such as Flybe, BA Connect and Thomson Fly with FTE and Thomas Cook and Excel with OAT. You do have to find the money yourself as they aren't sponsorship schemes, however the banks are willing to help a lot more if you are on an airline scheme.
Another thing is don't forget there is more to flying than the airlines. You could instruct, with a few more hours you could fly air taxi (although you would need an IR). Anyway, best of luck.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 126
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From: england
good point but I think the reason people like CTC is because you know what your getting. You know that if they accept you then you've basically bought yourself a career! With the airlines on board I think people are willing to pay knowing the training is going to be a class above the rest. Also it is a cash bond and you dont start paying it back until the training is completed which would suit me down to the ground!!
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From: Deepest Europe...
Originally Posted by newbie008
Also it is a cash bond and you dont start paying it back until the training is completed which would suit me down to the ground!!
Originally Posted by Lord Flashheart
A 65k modular course on Diamond Stars (lovely as they are) which will be costing CTC about £10 per hour to run on fuel! And you do Bristol distance learning. How can they charge £65,000?
Originally Posted by Lord Flashheart
Look for schemes such as Flybe, BA Connect and Thomson Fly
