Am I too young? And how young is too young?
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Well I say 18, but in 20 days I'll be 19 so...
I started when I was 17 with the groundschool after doing one hellish year in college. Passed the groundschool end of last year (September).
Been doing flying training at a well known FTO based at LBA, owned by a really rich man who's just bought some large hangars and a large BBJ...quite flash, though as for the FTO...
I've been training for CPL/IR since September. To be fair, I have compelted all the CPL syllabus and most of the IR but it seems as though I'm paying the above organisation to do me favours when really they should be offering a service...very long story!
Good luck with what you decide.
I started when I was 17 with the groundschool after doing one hellish year in college. Passed the groundschool end of last year (September).
Been doing flying training at a well known FTO based at LBA, owned by a really rich man who's just bought some large hangars and a large BBJ...quite flash, though as for the FTO...
I've been training for CPL/IR since September. To be fair, I have compelted all the CPL syllabus and most of the IR but it seems as though I'm paying the above organisation to do me favours when really they should be offering a service...very long story!
Good luck with what you decide.
Join Date: Apr 2004
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OBK,
How hard did you find the groundschool?
I know that the volume of information that has to be learned is massive, but I would like to know how difficult you found the ATPL exams!
The reason I ask, is that I would be slightly concerned about my level of Maths knowledge, I only managed a C at GCSE, is this a problem?
How hard did you find the groundschool?
I know that the volume of information that has to be learned is massive, but I would like to know how difficult you found the ATPL exams!
The reason I ask, is that I would be slightly concerned about my level of Maths knowledge, I only managed a C at GCSE, is this a problem?
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Groundschool was a major bore sometimes, not so much hard. Maths was ok, the hardest you're going to get is trigonometry (sp?)...and for that, what the hell, learn the tactic on your calculator.
I did it distance learning so it required an tremendous amount of determination to get up at 9am in the morning to go downstairs and sit infront of the books for 9 hrs on my own and do tests etc for 3 or 4 months (per module). It all paid off though when I passed the exams though and I'm enjoying the flying (whenever i get the chance!).
Cheers
OBK
I did it distance learning so it required an tremendous amount of determination to get up at 9am in the morning to go downstairs and sit infront of the books for 9 hrs on my own and do tests etc for 3 or 4 months (per module). It all paid off though when I passed the exams though and I'm enjoying the flying (whenever i get the chance!).
Cheers
OBK
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what made u choose that FTO?
I was a fool really, took someones word that they were a decent outfit and they had a glossy brochure...too late now to change. I have to admit though that one particular instructor there has gone to great lengths to help me out and I'm extremely grateful (Cheers Malc!).
Rgds
OBK
I was a fool really, took someones word that they were a decent outfit and they had a glossy brochure...too late now to change. I have to admit though that one particular instructor there has gone to great lengths to help me out and I'm extremely grateful (Cheers Malc!).
Rgds
OBK
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i`m on the Pilot studies course at Leeds Uni so we had to use them!
Been washed out twice for the 1st flight but early aspects so far seem to be good.
Passed all of the exams except nav but that`ll change on thursday!
my first 25 hours are to be flown on the 2 weeks in the Middle of August from Sheffield in a PA28 Warrior.
Been washed out twice for the 1st flight but early aspects so far seem to be good.
Passed all of the exams except nav but that`ll change on thursday!
my first 25 hours are to be flown on the 2 weeks in the Middle of August from Sheffield in a PA28 Warrior.
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I've also decided that uni is not for me. I already have my PPL and plan to take that to fATPL level as soon as possible.
My question is:
At 18 (Just) do you think I would be better going integrated (ignoring the money issue), or going modular and working to gain experience in other areas that any airline may look favourably on (ie more life experience)?
Thanks for any replies (and good luck fa777 and obk)
My question is:
At 18 (Just) do you think I would be better going integrated (ignoring the money issue), or going modular and working to gain experience in other areas that any airline may look favourably on (ie more life experience)?
Thanks for any replies (and good luck fa777 and obk)
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Hi Cloud 99
I also decided Uni was not for me. Why get into debt doing a degree when I can get an fATPL instead...
Anyway, with regards to modular/intergrated, I decided modular because I had to work in between. Integrated wouldn't have allowed me to do this. Integrated is also a lot more expensive and you get exactly the same ticket in the end. You could do an integrated-modular f-ATPL...basically, do it modular but full time (work at weekends, fly during the week).
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Cheers
Obk
I also decided Uni was not for me. Why get into debt doing a degree when I can get an fATPL instead...
Anyway, with regards to modular/intergrated, I decided modular because I had to work in between. Integrated wouldn't have allowed me to do this. Integrated is also a lot more expensive and you get exactly the same ticket in the end. You could do an integrated-modular f-ATPL...basically, do it modular but full time (work at weekends, fly during the week).
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Cheers
Obk
Join Date: May 2004
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Flyaway777..
Your never to young to begin training..
I received my Commercial license when I was 18 and it was definatly one of the best days of my life. If you think you are ready and of course if you think you are MATURE enough to do this then you shouldn't have a problem. I wanted to become an Airline Pilot from birth so the dream and the passion for flying helped me get through the tough parts of training. As you see I stressed the word Mature, it plays a big role in your future especially at the age of 17-19!
Good Luck!
Your never to young to begin training..
I received my Commercial license when I was 18 and it was definatly one of the best days of my life. If you think you are ready and of course if you think you are MATURE enough to do this then you shouldn't have a problem. I wanted to become an Airline Pilot from birth so the dream and the passion for flying helped me get through the tough parts of training. As you see I stressed the word Mature, it plays a big role in your future especially at the age of 17-19!
Good Luck!
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Any young wannabes on here?
Hey im Chris and im 15, just wondering if there are any other people on here that were around my age and were interested with being a pilot or just anyone who wants to chat or anything?
Chris
Chris
Last edited by titchuk; 9th Jul 2005 at 20:55.
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Any young wannabies out there?
Hey im Chris and im 15, just wondering if there are any other people on here that were around my age and were interested with being a pilot or if anyone wants to give some advice thats great!
Chris
Chris
Last edited by titchuk; 10th Jul 2005 at 11:33.
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Hey Titch, I always wanted to be a pilot ever since I was about 6, but I'm not quite their yet, but have my foot on the ladder.
I always wanted to be a Fighter Pilot but never got the grades in school so decided to go civvy, its not as fast but the chances of me being a fighter pilot was so slim anyway id have probably been fobbed off on a hercules or something. Although the job would be awesome in the forces I couldn't stand being at annual camp with the ATC so never mind for the rest of my life.
Anyway where abouts in the country are you Titch?
I always wanted to be a Fighter Pilot but never got the grades in school so decided to go civvy, its not as fast but the chances of me being a fighter pilot was so slim anyway id have probably been fobbed off on a hercules or something. Although the job would be awesome in the forces I couldn't stand being at annual camp with the ATC so never mind for the rest of my life.
Anyway where abouts in the country are you Titch?
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Hi Chris,
I've wanted to become a pilot for quite some time now. Basically in the same position as you, although I'm a couple years older. There's a lot of advice to be had on these forums, but also a fair amount of negativity - don't let that put you off.
As for becoming a commercial pilot you first need the GCSE grades. Try your best at school, and chose your A-levels wisely - it isn't always best to focus your choices simply for flying. Physics and maths are good, but don't feel you have to take these. Once the A-levels are finished theres a few sponserships you can try and get (I'm hoping more will be made availabe soon). However, if the situation remains as it is at present, you may need to consider paying for it yourself. Prices vary but are generally 35-50K, and with that I believe it is possible for you to get a FO job.
For now though, try and do well with your GCSE's. I'm about to start my A2 courses but I've also invested in the PPL. It's always worth having a flight with your local flying school, so you can be sure you're okay with flying and also check you're okay with the medical side.
Hope this provides some basis on where to start - as I say, I'm in the same position.
Good luck!
JW.
I've wanted to become a pilot for quite some time now. Basically in the same position as you, although I'm a couple years older. There's a lot of advice to be had on these forums, but also a fair amount of negativity - don't let that put you off.
As for becoming a commercial pilot you first need the GCSE grades. Try your best at school, and chose your A-levels wisely - it isn't always best to focus your choices simply for flying. Physics and maths are good, but don't feel you have to take these. Once the A-levels are finished theres a few sponserships you can try and get (I'm hoping more will be made availabe soon). However, if the situation remains as it is at present, you may need to consider paying for it yourself. Prices vary but are generally 35-50K, and with that I believe it is possible for you to get a FO job.
For now though, try and do well with your GCSE's. I'm about to start my A2 courses but I've also invested in the PPL. It's always worth having a flight with your local flying school, so you can be sure you're okay with flying and also check you're okay with the medical side.
Hope this provides some basis on where to start - as I say, I'm in the same position.
Good luck!
JW.
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thanks for the msg thats great! yea i mean ive jst tkin my gcse mocks and done pretty good in them so if things go good that shud be alrite but i realli dunno wot to be taking in a level. i mean im not bad at maths and physics but not perfect and i think if i take thm for a level thn i might just mess up :S
for getting your ppl how do you go about it?
thanks chris
for getting your ppl how do you go about it?
thanks chris
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Well good luck with the GCSE's. As for A-level, don't worry too much about maths and physics. I took both and have struggled with physics, therefore only taking maths (plus English and geography) next year. It's probably best to do things which you're good at, and enjoy.
The PPL - this can be done at almost all flying clubs. You firslty go down to one, and have a trial flight. If you enjoy it, and feel you want to learn to fly then you book another lesson. If for some reason you're not happy with the flying school, have a look around some others, and pick which you feel most comfortable.
It costs a fair bit - I've known it be as low as £3500, but realistically its more like £4500+ depending on where you learn. I'm expecting to pay in the region of £7000 for mine. It can only take a couple weeks to get the PPL. But if you plan on taking your time with it (say one hour a week) it'll take at least a year to get through it. There are 7 ground exams, and a flight test to take, as well as being required to take 45 hours of flight training. All of this will be explained when and if you decide to go for it. Have a look at the "private flying" forum, as well as flyers forums. Both have good info. on PPLing. I must say, I'm only 5 hours into the PPL, but it is fantastic. If it's possible for you to do it, do! But it is a good idea to get a trial flight....just in case it isn't for you.
JW.
The PPL - this can be done at almost all flying clubs. You firslty go down to one, and have a trial flight. If you enjoy it, and feel you want to learn to fly then you book another lesson. If for some reason you're not happy with the flying school, have a look around some others, and pick which you feel most comfortable.
It costs a fair bit - I've known it be as low as £3500, but realistically its more like £4500+ depending on where you learn. I'm expecting to pay in the region of £7000 for mine. It can only take a couple weeks to get the PPL. But if you plan on taking your time with it (say one hour a week) it'll take at least a year to get through it. There are 7 ground exams, and a flight test to take, as well as being required to take 45 hours of flight training. All of this will be explained when and if you decide to go for it. Have a look at the "private flying" forum, as well as flyers forums. Both have good info. on PPLing. I must say, I'm only 5 hours into the PPL, but it is fantastic. If it's possible for you to do it, do! But it is a good idea to get a trial flight....just in case it isn't for you.
JW.