How old are current wanabees?
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Hello all,
I'm 16 just left school. My first step is to do an apprenticeship to get a trade this will take the maximum of 4years and then you can make a lot of money if you have a decent trade in the mean time hope to complete a PPL. After saving up enough money from a trade i will hopefuly do an ATPL. Failing to get employed straight away i will always have a decent trade to fall back on as a plan B. (hopefully it all falls into place first time
)
Good Luck ALL. Hopefully cya's in the sky!
Alan.
I'm 16 just left school. My first step is to do an apprenticeship to get a trade this will take the maximum of 4years and then you can make a lot of money if you have a decent trade in the mean time hope to complete a PPL. After saving up enough money from a trade i will hopefuly do an ATPL. Failing to get employed straight away i will always have a decent trade to fall back on as a plan B. (hopefully it all falls into place first time
)Good Luck ALL. Hopefully cya's in the sky!
Alan.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ENGLAND, BUT IN ASIA NOW
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Just gone 17 in july, got PPL, night rating and have 169 TT. Been flying since like 14. Always been a dream to fly in the skies, but been working hard in education as a backup also, s far i'm half-way through my "masters of public administration" in aberdeen. Hopefully may go to do ATPL theory in january, or maybe go to imperial college to do my PHD, still don't know yet. But guess i'll have something to fall back on at the end. I think that older people just discriminate us young people, by thinking were not mature enough, but I think aslong as we are determined as a person to do something, you will always pass. But somehow i've been passing everything first time, like my PPL and my driving license, done my driving license in 4 weeks so was quite amazing. But I guess young people now are just lacking of determination sometimes. But thanks to my old teachers back in high school who motivated, I have picked myself up. Now hopefully will be finishing my masters of by december. Also currently on the pathfinder course in cabair which is cool. Just hoping from now on there is no age discrimination out there.
Take Care everyone
BRI ^^
Take Care everyone
BRI ^^
You can spot a good attitude a mile off! Good luck, Brian304, I'm sure you'll be in the RHS before long. 
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Hi,
With regards to the older generation starting flight training i would like to say they are taking far more of a risk then many of the young ones out there!!
I know 1 student who left a very nice job in London which paid well to enter a career in aviation, and my hat goes of to him as it does to you all who leave well paid jobs to take on the mountain which is ahead of us all, especially with family as well!!
Life’s to short to hang around if the flying bug bites you and you want a career in aviation go after it!
Everyone i knows has never looked back! I know of a gentleman who gained his first f/o position in his mid forties!
Also i have heard of BA taking a low hour cadet pilot onto their SSP scheme at the age of 34!
You’re never to old!!
But with regards to grades id say that ideally you should have at least A-Levels when you start your training, to show you can take education to the next level!
ADWJENK
With regards to the older generation starting flight training i would like to say they are taking far more of a risk then many of the young ones out there!!
I know 1 student who left a very nice job in London which paid well to enter a career in aviation, and my hat goes of to him as it does to you all who leave well paid jobs to take on the mountain which is ahead of us all, especially with family as well!!
Life’s to short to hang around if the flying bug bites you and you want a career in aviation go after it!
Everyone i knows has never looked back! I know of a gentleman who gained his first f/o position in his mid forties!
Also i have heard of BA taking a low hour cadet pilot onto their SSP scheme at the age of 34!
You’re never to old!!
But with regards to grades id say that ideally you should have at least A-Levels when you start your training, to show you can take education to the next level!
ADWJENK
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Well, I just hit 40, did 12 years in the British army (on tanks) and the last 10 years as a contrator in IT. I decided time to make the change and go do something I actually love doing. Im looking at starting my own business (here come the flames!!!) doing short business hops and local sightseeing tours for all you visiting westerners over here in the former Sovit loc countries.
Not sure what licence above my current PPL I will need, looking to get a twin prop and use that for the business hops, maybe a C172 for the sightseeing. Gonna head to the US I reckon for my IR and Multi. Like I said not sure what else Im gonna need to be able to fly and charge but no doubt someone here does.
I know its maybe seems crazy doing this but sometimes if you dont try something you will never know what could have been! If all else fails I will have got higher qualified and at least have a C172 without my other half moaning
All you "youngsters" out there, GO FOR IT!!!!!!I wish I had when I was younger!
Not sure what licence above my current PPL I will need, looking to get a twin prop and use that for the business hops, maybe a C172 for the sightseeing. Gonna head to the US I reckon for my IR and Multi. Like I said not sure what else Im gonna need to be able to fly and charge but no doubt someone here does.
I know its maybe seems crazy doing this but sometimes if you dont try something you will never know what could have been! If all else fails I will have got higher qualified and at least have a C172 without my other half moaning
All you "youngsters" out there, GO FOR IT!!!!!!I wish I had when I was younger!
Join Date: Oct 2006
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I'm 16 and a half years old and have recently started my PPL training in Gloucestershire, UK. I've had the dream of becoming an airline pilot for about 3 years now, and I am extremely passionate towards it. I initially started on the FS packages out there, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000; I now own a copy of FS2004 and use (not "play" lol) it during ALL of my free time. I also regurlarly use a special online server called "VATSIM" which has revolutionised the way we use flight simulators across the internet. You can simply log onto VATSIM and fly with tens of hundreds of other virtual pilots around the virtual skies whilst using extremely authentic ATC services, which are done by real people using headsets in the homes. I would certainly advise ANYONE interested in civil/military aviation to take a look into the world of Flight Simulators - I certainly think they are an amazing aid to flight training, and if I hadn't set foot on a Flight Simulator package back in 1999, I simply wouldn't be here and have such a huge passion for aviation and be so motivated to succeed in my field of great interest. Please take a look at my website for everthing FS, and discover how your passion too for any aspect of aviation can grow: www.freewebs.com/air1jwilkins1212
Regards, Aaron
Regards, Aaron
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Ben,
Please explain how my post projects my "jealousy"? I have wished you Goodluck which was genuine. How do you expect to get through your training and career without even listening to criticism or advice? Once again, I wish you the best of luck as I know you have a lot to get through and nothing is guarenteed even if your father is a TRE/TRI at Mytravel (it's a small world).
Orvil
Please explain how my post projects my "jealousy"? I have wished you Goodluck which was genuine. How do you expect to get through your training and career without even listening to criticism or advice? Once again, I wish you the best of luck as I know you have a lot to get through and nothing is guarenteed even if your father is a TRE/TRI at Mytravel (it's a small world).
Orvil
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Ben, I've never implied that if you have a degree you will 100% get a job. What I've tried to imply,is that being educated to a higher level will in the long term be more beneficial not just for flying but for life. It's also away of processing applications, your enthusiasm will not be projected to an administrator in the HR dept. ! Sorry but it's a fact - they find it an absolutely mind numbing experience.
So many variables can bugger up your career as a pilot too. a recession, loss of medical, politics etc..the list is endless.
I know there is a industry saying that once your in your in. However, you only have to look at this website to see how many extremely qualified (pilot terms) and they are unemployed.
The problem is that when you are a pilot it is difficult to transfer to another occupation (one that pays the same).
Having a degree/ trade is an "Insurance Policy" and unfortunately times have changed. HMG now expects at least 50% of 18 year olds to go to Uni. That's an hell of a lot. We also live in a global market. Eastern Europeans are vastly higher educated than we are (soviet hang over) and are willing to work for lower wages (search Ryanair T+C). In India, the same.In China, the same.
If you don't consider Education worth while now, I would seriously consider it in the future. May be an Open Uni degree once you've settled into that jet job. I think they do Airline Managment/Operations stuff. That would be considereable ammunition on the CV for when you go for that DFO/Chief Pilot job in the future.
Thanks for the wishes.
Orvil
So many variables can bugger up your career as a pilot too. a recession, loss of medical, politics etc..the list is endless.
I know there is a industry saying that once your in your in. However, you only have to look at this website to see how many extremely qualified (pilot terms) and they are unemployed.
The problem is that when you are a pilot it is difficult to transfer to another occupation (one that pays the same).
Having a degree/ trade is an "Insurance Policy" and unfortunately times have changed. HMG now expects at least 50% of 18 year olds to go to Uni. That's an hell of a lot. We also live in a global market. Eastern Europeans are vastly higher educated than we are (soviet hang over) and are willing to work for lower wages (search Ryanair T+C). In India, the same.In China, the same.
If you don't consider Education worth while now, I would seriously consider it in the future. May be an Open Uni degree once you've settled into that jet job. I think they do Airline Managment/Operations stuff. That would be considereable ammunition on the CV for when you go for that DFO/Chief Pilot job in the future.
Thanks for the wishes.
Orvil
Join Date: May 2003
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33 here & climbing, starting CPL on Monday, IR after Christmas, then MCC, FIC straight after, 2 young kids, hefty mortgage, a well paid job that is about to be terminated (you gotta love cheap Eastern European labour), also started some A levels to "enhance" the ol' CV
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Thanks
BRI ^^
TightYorksherMan
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Join Date: Jun 2006
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I'm 25, 26 in November and have just put in the second part of my application for CTC Wings Cadet Course with an intention of starting studying in September 2007 ideally.
I left college with 4A*'s, 6A's at GCSE, an A and 2 B's at A-Level (which i did in a year) but didn't go to University. I've done lots of interesting things, including running my own record label and releasing numerous records including two of my own. I'm finishing up my album at the moment and then i'm done with that side of things for a good while. I'm also writing short stories and have my first book idea in my head. I've set up my own shop (nothing to do with the music!) and i'm a year and a half into that, having hit targets all the way through (though the last couple of months have been pretty slow and fraught financially). The plan is once i complete my first two years trading to sell the business, ideally for most if not all of the necessary money to do the CTC course, and probably sell my house as well - free myself of responsibilities, plus top up the finances available too if needs be. I'm doing my PPL (tho the downturn in sales has slowed my lessons - i've only done a few) and I love flying - can't wait to be up there in the sky all the time!
I left college with 4A*'s, 6A's at GCSE, an A and 2 B's at A-Level (which i did in a year) but didn't go to University. I've done lots of interesting things, including running my own record label and releasing numerous records including two of my own. I'm finishing up my album at the moment and then i'm done with that side of things for a good while. I'm also writing short stories and have my first book idea in my head. I've set up my own shop (nothing to do with the music!) and i'm a year and a half into that, having hit targets all the way through (though the last couple of months have been pretty slow and fraught financially). The plan is once i complete my first two years trading to sell the business, ideally for most if not all of the necessary money to do the CTC course, and probably sell my house as well - free myself of responsibilities, plus top up the finances available too if needs be. I'm doing my PPL (tho the downturn in sales has slowed my lessons - i've only done a few) and I love flying - can't wait to be up there in the sky all the time!
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Hi.
Im 19 years of age and at the moment im attending a 6month full time atpl groundschool course.
I left school 18months ago with 9 A*-B grade GCSEs and 3 good passes at Alevels inc Maths. I didnt go to uni or even consider it.
In the year after my alevels i did my PPL, Night and hour building along with working to save up for groundschool, cpl etc. Im half way through the atpl exams now, and its roughly 12months since i first started flying and the pursuit of the atpl licence. Im about to do my MER next month.
When i finish the groundschool in February im going straight into the CPL (well, ok maybe a week or so off ) as long as my money is sorted so i can start. Straight into the IR after that and then straight into the MCC.
I will still work part time as i have for the past year or so, but being young i just want to crack it all off, suffer some debt undoubtedly but then just get into a job or instructing while i wait for one as plan B.
I have it all roughly planned out, and im looking forward to the future and doing some more flying very much!
Scott
Im 19 years of age and at the moment im attending a 6month full time atpl groundschool course.
I left school 18months ago with 9 A*-B grade GCSEs and 3 good passes at Alevels inc Maths. I didnt go to uni or even consider it.
In the year after my alevels i did my PPL, Night and hour building along with working to save up for groundschool, cpl etc. Im half way through the atpl exams now, and its roughly 12months since i first started flying and the pursuit of the atpl licence. Im about to do my MER next month.
When i finish the groundschool in February im going straight into the CPL (well, ok maybe a week or so off
) as long as my money is sorted so i can start. Straight into the IR after that and then straight into the MCC.I will still work part time as i have for the past year or so, but being young i just want to crack it all off, suffer some debt undoubtedly but then just get into a job or instructing while i wait for one as plan B.
I have it all roughly planned out, and im looking forward to the future and doing some more flying very much!
Scott
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erm....
i'm *Just 23
... am I still young enough ???
... lol... obviously I am ....
Done with my graduation in Computing frm Staffordshire University and doing job in HR ... adding funds to my bank balance... and i got enough of em already ... but u kno
"More the Sugar is, More Sweeter it will Get"
as I am very much settled in Job a break means Cutting of a Resource ? Yeah it does.... so, hopefully will be doing job like
till next summer .... thn , u will see a Thread Starting by me Title "Now, What Should I do ?"...lol..
till thn , PEACE !!!
i'm *Just 23
... am I still young enough ??? ... lol... obviously I am ....Done with my graduation in Computing frm Staffordshire University and doing job in HR ... adding funds to my bank balance... and i got enough of em already ... but u kno
"More the Sugar is, More Sweeter it will Get"
as I am very much settled in Job a break means Cutting of a Resource ? Yeah it does.... so, hopefully will be doing job like
till next summer .... thn , u will see a Thread Starting by me Title "Now, What Should I do ?"...lol..till thn , PEACE !!!
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[QUOTE=scotskenny;2907346]
My problem is not my age but my brain, I have to be realistic with regards to ATPL exams, I was not any good at school with Maths or any Science.
I reckon I would really struggle with the tests, but never say never, Im just hoping to get my PPL within the next year and maybe I will consider working towards a CPL.
QUOTE]
I wouldnt worry too much about the exams, if you undertake a full time groundschool course for example as long as you keep up with work and put the revision hours in you'll do fine. After all the papers are multi choice so the answers in there somewhere
Good luck with your PPL too, the PPL exams are good small taster of atpl equivilants too. The atpl exams as youve probably twigged just go into far more depth than required of the farmstrip PPLer
My problem is not my age but my brain, I have to be realistic with regards to ATPL exams, I was not any good at school with Maths or any Science.
I reckon I would really struggle with the tests, but never say never, Im just hoping to get my PPL within the next year and maybe I will consider working towards a CPL.
QUOTE]
I wouldnt worry too much about the exams, if you undertake a full time groundschool course for example as long as you keep up with work and put the revision hours in you'll do fine. After all the papers are multi choice so the answers in there somewhere
Good luck with your PPL too, the PPL exams are good small taster of atpl equivilants too. The atpl exams as youve probably twigged just go into far more depth than required of the farmstrip PPLer
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hi,
I am over 30, and I suggest to all young student (around 20yo) to be very carefull with aviation and to not give up your university or yours professional training (IT,...) for aviation.
I know a guy with 20 years old, with high school degree, he missed to be enroll in an university cus he wanted go to the USA, and a few weeks later things are already not working very well for him.His friends are studing hard to become doctor, electrician,... during this time, he is still at home hoping to find a school in the states.
then he didn't think about the medical, there is still a risk that a JAA doctor find something bad in you.
the medical is much easier in the USA or in australia than in Europe.
the best would be to pass the 1st class before to spend lot of your cash in a commercial training, and have a good degree as a backup in a field other than aviation.
then consider than when you will be finished wth your commercial training, maybe you are in a good time, or you coud be in a 3 rd world war with N korean or Iran and who know how things will be in 2-3 or 4 years.
My advice is not to rush your aviation training, wait to be 25year old, finish your degree and then you will plan your avaition training.and don't sell your house...give it for rent and get a monthly cash!
good luck! (sorry for my bad english)
I am over 30, and I suggest to all young student (around 20yo) to be very carefull with aviation and to not give up your university or yours professional training (IT,...) for aviation.
I know a guy with 20 years old, with high school degree, he missed to be enroll in an university cus he wanted go to the USA, and a few weeks later things are already not working very well for him.His friends are studing hard to become doctor, electrician,... during this time, he is still at home hoping to find a school in the states.
then he didn't think about the medical, there is still a risk that a JAA doctor find something bad in you.
the medical is much easier in the USA or in australia than in Europe.
the best would be to pass the 1st class before to spend lot of your cash in a commercial training, and have a good degree as a backup in a field other than aviation.
then consider than when you will be finished wth your commercial training, maybe you are in a good time, or you coud be in a 3 rd world war with N korean or Iran and who know how things will be in 2-3 or 4 years.
My advice is not to rush your aviation training, wait to be 25year old, finish your degree and then you will plan your avaition training.and don't sell your house...give it for rent and get a monthly cash!
good luck! (sorry for my bad english)
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[QUOTE=dartagnan;2910124]
My advice is not to rush your aviation training, wait to be 25year old, finish your degree and then you will plan your avaition training
QUOTE]
Thats all very well for people who have dreamed about flying and dont want to do a degree. I couldnt find a subject i wanted to go a degree in, purely because i wanted into aviation. Its all very well saying that too, ive planned carefully and sorted the money for my training, another £10-15k for a degree isnt possible.
why wait and be miserable, get it done and the sooner you can get into what you want. I would rather qualify young, and then get a job to tide me over whilst staying current that to get some horrible job for five years before training.
You say wait, but why? None of us are sure what the pilot recruitment system will be like in another 5 years...good or bad, nobody knows.
You've got to take life by the horns
Sorry differing of opinions here!
Scott
My advice is not to rush your aviation training, wait to be 25year old, finish your degree and then you will plan your avaition training
QUOTE]
Thats all very well for people who have dreamed about flying and dont want to do a degree. I couldnt find a subject i wanted to go a degree in, purely because i wanted into aviation. Its all very well saying that too, ive planned carefully and sorted the money for my training, another £10-15k for a degree isnt possible.
why wait and be miserable, get it done and the sooner you can get into what you want. I would rather qualify young, and then get a job to tide me over whilst staying current that to get some horrible job for five years before training.
You say wait, but why? None of us are sure what the pilot recruitment system will be like in another 5 years...good or bad, nobody knows.
You've got to take life by the horns
Sorry differing of opinions here!
Scott
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Well said ScottieDog - great attitude.... Take the bl00dy bull by the horns
It's great to have the internet to have these discussions, sadly when I did my CPL at the age of 18 there was no internet. That was 20 years ago
For all you young wannabes - keep going, flying IS the best job in the world
It's great to have the internet to have these discussions, sadly when I did my CPL at the age of 18 there was no internet. That was 20 years ago
For all you young wannabes - keep going, flying IS the best job in the world