GECAT

[avrodamo]

Although i did the 737 SSTR at GECAT there were 2 guys who were on a SSTR on the Airbus, who got taken on by the Big Orange straightaway. Neither were from Oxford.
As for me i have to wait 4 months before getting a position, after finishing the type rating. I can not fault the course, reading materials or instructors. It was all conducted very professionally.

[New FO]

GECAT, easy, Iago, Alteon, My Travel!

I'll 2nd that avrodamo, tuition was ace and they made the tr seem like a walk in the park. The instrument rating was a lot harder than the final LST on the TR.

As for Easy and GECAT, having just done the transition, I think easy are slowing up a tad with gecat due to a lack of training captains. My course was all ex OAT however we werent all integrated. I get the impression from talking to GECAT that they get a huge amount of applications and take aplicants for non destination courses very seriously. It doesnt matter of your background to get on one of these. All be it theres no destination, i believe all previous guys from a course like this are in. And as for the 'destination' courses, the job promise letter is so flimsy I'm supprised the banks come up with the money as there is no garuntee at all! An example from easy, it basically said "we'll probably give you a job in summer, if theres no recruitment downturn." As it happens we were subsequently delayed due to the training captains spanking all their hours earlier in the year!

GECAT non destinations probably not a bad idea. Including base training (arranged by Iago) it costs about 21.5k. You cant expect to go straight into a job, but once we're over the hurdle of this summer it peobably wont take long.

Also the Alteon My Travel Scheme worth a look. Only a 6 month contract tho.

Good luck to all!

[potkettleblack]

This info is about 12 months out of date but a mate gave me a copy of a memo from GECAT to Cabair that was up on their notice board. Cutting to the chase at the back of the marketing spin about the SSTR there was a table of the courses for that year - 737, airbus. Alongside each course a Cabair instructor had noted various airlines - Mytravel, BMI etc based on a meeting with one of the training captains at GECAT. The story being that from what I saw and read everyone had been placed, some even before they had completed the type rating. Talking to mates that have been down the SSTR route GECAT is one of the market leaders and definitely not a production line like so many of the cheaper alternatives.

[BUS319]

Originally Posted by flapsfullretard

All,
Would be good to hear from anyone, good and bad. Do they have a good placement rate? anyone not been placed? etc etc etc

I went through GECAT on the placement TR and am really glad I did it. The training was of a very high standard and the end resulted in me signing on the dotted line with the promised airline. Out of 20 or so mates that have gone through I am yet to hear of a student who hasnt ended up where they believed they would be before they started.
What many people fail to realise is that although its expensive the starting salary is rarely below 35k and you will carry no bond with that airline should you want to leave. It would be nice if airlines paid the TR and some do however from a LOW HOURS perspective can you blame them. You have 220 hours and your last type was a 15 year old seneca you may evaluate it as a bit of a gamble investing 25k, i would!

[BUS319]

I was integrated but few of the other lads were modular.

[too_sleepy]

Anyone heard of gcatt

Hi
This is a real long shot but has anyone heard of a type reting outfit called gcatt, it could be spelled differently.

Thanks

[Dempes]

Gecat interview/airline assessment

Hi

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Gecat assessment for Airlines? especially the written psycho tests etc. It would be highly appreciated.

Dempes

[no sponsor]

For SIM detail, expect the 733, 757 or 767. 40 Min flight with a SID, tracking to/away from a beacon, into steep turns then 'resume own navigation' into the hold which was discussed in the brief. Straight into a STAR (no notice, and as I went overhead the beacon expecting another hold, so I guess he's looking at flight mgt skills) and ILS. Land and then position back on runway for another take-off but this time an engine out after V1.

As for the routes, they've got a few, and you only find out which one when you turn up.

Don't deviate by more than 100 ft, and don't miss any headings. Full use of MCC/CRM required.

Instructor/TRE doesn't say very much, no coaching, and is in the LHS. I'm non TR. If you have a TR expect a single engine ILS but you may use the FD and will be asked some technical questions.

Compass tests followed, including some spatial awareness, numeracy etc.

[Dempes]

Gecat assessment

hello again

cheers for replying, I know about the sim but need some info about the compass tests etc....thanks

dempes

[wilcoluca]

GECAT Pilot Programme

Hi,

I am considering the possibility of applying to them for a Self Funded TR with a view to a possible employment after completion.

I would like to hear from those of you who had experience with them, what are the possibilities and what more do they offer in respect to similar programme such as Sigmar?

Thanks!

[SinBin]

Well, I've decided to do the GECAT Pilot Program, having been accepted onto it, with possibilities of being put forward for interview with certain airlines.

Can I have some feedback from people who have recently done the SSTR?

Thanks

[Green Army]

INFO GECAT Assessment

Hello All,

Is there anyone out there that can give me information regarding the assessment with Gecat? I wonder what the apptitude tests etc are all about?!?!?

Please any info is welcom!

THX

[SinBin]

It's a sim check initially on 737, 757, or 767.

Take off
SID
Track to a beacon,
steep turns
then possibly another beacon,
hold at the second beacon,
Procedural ILS to land
Same ILS with one engine

They give you the route when you arrive. It's quite tough, they are looking for a certain standard and the best tip is to memorise pitch and power settings and try not to go first which gives to time to prepare and stay within +/-100 ft and within 5 degrees of heading. Try to keep deviations on ILS down to 1/2 a dot too and don't go below selected speed at all.

They tell you there and then whether you'd be recommended and you usually get offered the course you request on the next day, if you pass. Aptitude tests and interviews are a 'healthcheck' as 'you can't fail them'. They then give you a debrief and tell you where to improve etc.

That's it!

[Localiser Green]

Same ILS with one engine

They give you a s/e ILS when you haven't got a type rating? Bit harsh isn't it?

[SinBin]

Why harsh? It's not as hard as it sounds!

[boogie-nicey]

Are there any written tests such as reasoning or arithmetic...? If so what form do they take and how long do you have to complete them.

Thanks.

[class a]

And thats for the privilege of giving them 20k plus for a type rating

[avrodamo]

There was no single engine ILS on mine. It was out of Shannon. Tracking a few NDBs, steepturns. Maintain 5000ft. Accel to 250 kts, slow it to 210 knots. Take up hold, and then procedural ILS to land. Put me back then at 7 miles and got me to do ILS again whilst asking me a few questions, whats your date of birth? Whats your telephone no? It was quite tough, but also relaxed.

[planeshipcar]

When applying to GECAT, how is it decided whther you are suited for the pilot programme or the independent pilot programme.

Does it take long to get an assessment with GECAT once handing in CV and also do independent pilot to well in secruring jobs quickly?

If you haven't been to Oxford will you have difficulty?

[SinBin]

There are a huge number of Oxford guys who go through GECAT, everyone on my assessment was Oxford, except me, and I got through. It doesn't really make much difference, but I think the majority of the CVs they put forward for assessment are from recommendation from OAT. I think they get inundated with them.

The IPS and GPP are one of the same thing. Most people start on the IPS and are either put forward for jobs during or shortly after the TR.

This is what I have been told.