Am I too young? And how young is too young?
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ATPL/CPL
Firstly, atpl is an Air line transport license and CPL is a Commercial Pilot's license.
The difference is that the ATPL requires 1500 hours to UNFREEZE once you've finished the 14 ATPL exams, that doesn't mean it's useless to you since you'll be able to fly as FO (first officer) in order to build those hours. Once you have the 1500 hours (which include a minimum of 500 hours multi!!) then you can get the chance to actually be the captain. The reason everyone goes for the ATPL is that it eliminates the hassle of redoing any exams or paying more in the end. If you just do the CPL and later decide to do the IR JAA/CAA then you have to do the IR tests, hence again why we prefer doing ATPL tests.
You need as far as I know in the USA as well as in Europe a CPL license in order to begin a CFI course, to say the least about
getting a multi engine rating or IR rating.
I know of not a single CFI who works without an IR nor would I imagine that's it
If you are serious about becoming a pilot then I highly suggest you choose to do the entire ATPL course, as to what
school to choose, that's all you. I would suggest though that you go for Bristol ground school for the ATPL, they have a
awesome rep. on line and I also have a friend who highly recommends it since he himself did it.
1/60
The difference is that the ATPL requires 1500 hours to UNFREEZE once you've finished the 14 ATPL exams, that doesn't mean it's useless to you since you'll be able to fly as FO (first officer) in order to build those hours. Once you have the 1500 hours (which include a minimum of 500 hours multi!!) then you can get the chance to actually be the captain. The reason everyone goes for the ATPL is that it eliminates the hassle of redoing any exams or paying more in the end. If you just do the CPL and later decide to do the IR JAA/CAA then you have to do the IR tests, hence again why we prefer doing ATPL tests.
You need as far as I know in the USA as well as in Europe a CPL license in order to begin a CFI course, to say the least about
getting a multi engine rating or IR rating.
I know of not a single CFI who works without an IR nor would I imagine that's it
If you are serious about becoming a pilot then I highly suggest you choose to do the entire ATPL course, as to what
school to choose, that's all you. I would suggest though that you go for Bristol ground school for the ATPL, they have a
awesome rep. on line and I also have a friend who highly recommends it since he himself did it.
1/60
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I've just read madmandan1's post, and I have a couple of thoughts for you.
Dan says that you don't need A-levels to be a pilot, and he's quite right. He also suggests that the scientific and mathematical knowledge required for the ATPL exams is approximately equivalent to GCSE, and, again, he's correct. However, I have a small problem with the implication that it's OK to 'muck up' your A-levels because you don't need them.
A-levels are not easy, I know, but current statistics suggest that the vast majority of students should be able to get respectable results. The days of 50% failure rates are long gone. My concern is that if you attempt and fail A-levels, you are quite likely to find the study required for the ATPL exams to be rather too challenging.
The ATPL ground exams require determination, application and a bloody huge amount of work. The academic level of knowledge may not be that demanding, but the quantity of knowledge required is very large. On top of that, many of you (on distance learning courses) will be studying on your own, without supervision. If you found A-levels beyond you, you will probably seriously struggle with the ATPLs. If your failure was due to lack of work, you really need to look very carefully inside yourself to see if you really are ready for the work required to enter this profession.
For those who are several years beyond their schooling, of course things will be somewhat different. Hopefully, your maturity will have brought the ability to more accurately judge your capability to take on such a demanding undertaking. But for those of you who've just left school, and have done badly at A-levels, you need to think very carefully why that was, and what needs to change before you take on the ATPLs.
Scroggs
Dan says that you don't need A-levels to be a pilot, and he's quite right. He also suggests that the scientific and mathematical knowledge required for the ATPL exams is approximately equivalent to GCSE, and, again, he's correct. However, I have a small problem with the implication that it's OK to 'muck up' your A-levels because you don't need them.
A-levels are not easy, I know, but current statistics suggest that the vast majority of students should be able to get respectable results. The days of 50% failure rates are long gone. My concern is that if you attempt and fail A-levels, you are quite likely to find the study required for the ATPL exams to be rather too challenging.
The ATPL ground exams require determination, application and a bloody huge amount of work. The academic level of knowledge may not be that demanding, but the quantity of knowledge required is very large. On top of that, many of you (on distance learning courses) will be studying on your own, without supervision. If you found A-levels beyond you, you will probably seriously struggle with the ATPLs. If your failure was due to lack of work, you really need to look very carefully inside yourself to see if you really are ready for the work required to enter this profession.
For those who are several years beyond their schooling, of course things will be somewhat different. Hopefully, your maturity will have brought the ability to more accurately judge your capability to take on such a demanding undertaking. But for those of you who've just left school, and have done badly at A-levels, you need to think very carefully why that was, and what needs to change before you take on the ATPLs.
Scroggs
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18 Too Young
Hello
Just a quick question really after a Yes or No answer.
Ive just finished my A-levels gaining BBC, (Didn’t study Maths or Physics)
Currently 18
Do you think its too early for me to start pilot training?
Thanks
Just a quick question really after a Yes or No answer.
Ive just finished my A-levels gaining BBC, (Didn’t study Maths or Physics)
Currently 18
Do you think its too early for me to start pilot training?
Thanks
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Nope not to young. If anything you would have time on your side to choose your path in aviation. Remember that there is a world outside airline. Buy the books and start studying.
Its all about attitute and your level of maturity when it comes to approaching the training/schooling. Also be aware that you will have to stay away from your buddies when they start smoking dope, doing drugs and drink-driving etc.. basically anything thats fun with mates should really be considered before doing to avoid career conflicts.
Any stuff related to that on your record will be held against you when it comes to an interview.
Its all about attitute and your level of maturity when it comes to approaching the training/schooling. Also be aware that you will have to stay away from your buddies when they start smoking dope, doing drugs and drink-driving etc.. basically anything thats fun with mates should really be considered before doing to avoid career conflicts.
Any stuff related to that on your record will be held against you when it comes to an interview.
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If you think you have the drive to put in the work then absolutely not, but you must bear in mind the workload is very high, much more intense than a degree for example.
Another consideration has to be funding - it is not an option to be taken lightly, many spend the money only to never get a job.
But if you are lucky enough to have the funding in place and have the drive to work hard, I think that having age on your side will help. Many employers (the wrongs of which are discussed all over these boards) do prefer younger applicants, and the learning process is easier when younger...
Another consideration has to be funding - it is not an option to be taken lightly, many spend the money only to never get a job.
But if you are lucky enough to have the funding in place and have the drive to work hard, I think that having age on your side will help. Many employers (the wrongs of which are discussed all over these boards) do prefer younger applicants, and the learning process is easier when younger...
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Hi
Thanks for your input everyone.
What worries me is only studying Physics and Maths at GCSE and still i only got a C
I have books that will help me but.....
Is the Physics and Maths really hard to get your head around when you only have a C grade.
Thanks
Thanks for your input everyone.
What worries me is only studying Physics and Maths at GCSE and still i only got a C
I have books that will help me but.....
Is the Physics and Maths really hard to get your head around when you only have a C grade.
Thanks
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Hey,
I am currently 18 and have been in phase 2 ground school for a few weeks now and I must say the same as everyone you need a bucket load of motivation and you have to work so hard it! Ive visited friends at Uni and seen what they get up to and its laughable the amount of work they do!! (One does 9hrs a week, I do more then that in a day! Also not putting Uni students down, I know some courses are dam hard with high workloads to!)
I have a C in Maths and physics and I passed phase one first time with a 90% average, maths is certainly in their but its not to bad you can get your head around it easily! Especially if you’re in full time ground school, my instructors where excellent at helping out on any problems! Plus they made it easy to understand its formulas and the hard part is knowing where to apply them!!
Best of luck!
ADWJENK
I am currently 18 and have been in phase 2 ground school for a few weeks now and I must say the same as everyone you need a bucket load of motivation and you have to work so hard it! Ive visited friends at Uni and seen what they get up to and its laughable the amount of work they do!! (One does 9hrs a week, I do more then that in a day! Also not putting Uni students down, I know some courses are dam hard with high workloads to!)
I have a C in Maths and physics and I passed phase one first time with a 90% average, maths is certainly in their but its not to bad you can get your head around it easily! Especially if you’re in full time ground school, my instructors where excellent at helping out on any problems! Plus they made it easy to understand its formulas and the hard part is knowing where to apply them!!
Best of luck!
ADWJENK
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Try not to worry too much about the old GCSE's. This is slightly off topic, but stick with me!
When I was at skool, I wanted to be an Engineer (Telecomms)
.
I wasn't particularly great at Maths, and all then current advice went along the lines of.. 'you want to do engineering??? You are in foundattion set for maths (meaning a max of gradde D!!), there is NO WAY you can do eng, it's ALL maths' etc etc!!
I didn't let that put me off. To cut a long story short, I did an ONC Electrical / Electronic eng, followed by HNC telecomms (in which I got a distinction for maths!). Worked as a radio engineer, then as engineer surveyor witha large and well known marine life saving charity, who had the foresight to sponsor my HNC.
Moral of the story... don't give up! Work at it. If you're finding it a bit tough now, as I did, you may find that a little later on, with the right tuition it all drops into place... a bit like learning to land!!
Best wishes.
BigAl's (and yes, I'd love to 18 again!)
When I was at skool, I wanted to be an Engineer (Telecomms)
.I wasn't particularly great at Maths, and all then current advice went along the lines of.. 'you want to do engineering??? You are in foundattion set for maths (meaning a max of gradde D!!
), there is NO WAY you can do eng, it's ALL maths' etc etc!!I didn't let that put me off. To cut a long story short, I did an ONC Electrical / Electronic eng, followed by HNC telecomms (in which I got a distinction for maths!). Worked as a radio engineer, then as engineer surveyor witha large and well known marine life saving charity, who had the foresight to sponsor my HNC.
Moral of the story... don't give up! Work at it. If you're finding it a bit tough now, as I did, you may find that a little later on, with the right tuition it all drops into place... a bit like learning to land!!
Best wishes.
BigAl's (and yes, I'd love to 18 again!)
Last edited by BigAl's; 4th Jan 2007 at 16:52. Reason: wasn't just maths.. inglish iz also chalengin
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"Hello
Just a quick question really after a Yes or No answer.
Ive just finished my A-levels gaining BBC, (Didn’t study Maths or Physics)
Currently 18
Do you think its too early for me to start pilot training?
Thanks"
Without trying to sound patronising, go and live a little, get some life experience, your barely out of school. Get some work experience, learn a bit about life and you will gain valuable experiences to bring to a potentiol job interview in a another year or 2.
I joined the police force at 19 and thought I was mature for my age. I unfortunately realised I had a lot to learn and had a lot of growing up to do! I remember looking back at 25 in horror at how grossly immature and unprepaired I was at 19. I knew nothing about life, nothing about work, nothing about people. Like I've said, i dont want to sound patronising, I just want to pass on my own tuppence worth from my own experience.
Just a quick question really after a Yes or No answer.
Ive just finished my A-levels gaining BBC, (Didn’t study Maths or Physics)
Currently 18
Do you think its too early for me to start pilot training?
Thanks"
Without trying to sound patronising, go and live a little, get some life experience, your barely out of school. Get some work experience, learn a bit about life and you will gain valuable experiences to bring to a potentiol job interview in a another year or 2.
I joined the police force at 19 and thought I was mature for my age. I unfortunately realised I had a lot to learn and had a lot of growing up to do! I remember looking back at 25 in horror at how grossly immature and unprepaired I was at 19. I knew nothing about life, nothing about work, nothing about people. Like I've said, i dont want to sound patronising, I just want to pass on my own tuppence worth from my own experience.
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My advice is commence your PPL and live and work for 2-3 years, you will get an appreciation of many factors and will come across as a stronger character come your airline interviews. Most importantly of all you will have an idea of what it means to be in debt and live on the edge. Many youngsters such as yourself have no appreciation of debt and what it means to be £40-60k in debt until they get themselves into it. Right now it is highly unlikely you will find employment as a pilot within the first couple of years of graduating (though it does happen). Without skills in another trade you are limited to burger flipping and scanning barcodes and a pittence of a salary.
I did my PPL at 19 and was very keen to start full time training right away. I didn't due to various factors. I commenced my ATPL at age 24 and do not regret the 5 year gap one bit.
I did my PPL at 19 and was very keen to start full time training right away. I didn't due to various factors. I commenced my ATPL at age 24 and do not regret the 5 year gap one bit.
Last edited by Superpilot; 4th Jan 2007 at 21:41.
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well this thread seems to be for 18 year olds, well im 17 and will be turning 18 this year March.
Im currently re-sitting my AS-levels as i wanted to take physics and Maths(next year) so that i could qualify for a placement at Uni in aeronautical engineering, but i gota say im slipping big time in physics
and i dont think i will take A-level maths next year,
so ive been thinking that i should aim for a less intensive course that is more related and will help me in pilot training ; such as an Air Transport Operations BSc (Hons) at London City University
But my main problem is that i havent been introduced fully into aviation, so it looks like ill be spending my summer holidays at White waltham airfield , i hope i can get a part time job there, ill do anything. lol as long as im next to an aircraft
Im currently re-sitting my AS-levels as i wanted to take physics and Maths(next year) so that i could qualify for a placement at Uni in aeronautical engineering, but i gota say im slipping big time in physics
and i dont think i will take A-level maths next year,
so ive been thinking that i should aim for a less intensive course that is more related and will help me in pilot training ; such as an Air Transport Operations BSc (Hons) at London City University
But my main problem is that i havent been introduced fully into aviation, so it looks like ill be spending my summer holidays at White waltham airfield
, i hope i can get a part time job there, ill do anything. lol as long as im next to an aircraft
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I'd wait a little.
I was 17 when I started my training and was flying for a short haul regional jet airline just after I turned 19. Sure Its great to be in the industry young but it has its disadvantages.
For me I was very much still a young boy who just wanted to fly big planes, and thats all I thought about. However now I am 21 and I've got a different outlook on things. Sure It's a cushty ish job, but the money ain't great and It's not terribly stimulating. I can tell you the prospect of doing this for another 40 odd years is a bit daunting. Sure it has it's challenging times; adverse weather, technical and passenger problems etc, but the day to day flying is a bit boring.
By all means I enjoy my job, and I know that there is still so much to learn; but I feel I would have been able to make a more calculated decision if i waited a few years and gained some more life experiance.
Is 18 to young??....no. And even if I or anyone else discouraged you...would It make any difference to your decision? It certainly didn't discourage me.
By all means go for it, It's a great job....but remember it will become just that...a job.
Good luck
randomair
I was 17 when I started my training and was flying for a short haul regional jet airline just after I turned 19. Sure Its great to be in the industry young but it has its disadvantages.
For me I was very much still a young boy who just wanted to fly big planes, and thats all I thought about. However now I am 21 and I've got a different outlook on things. Sure It's a cushty ish job, but the money ain't great and It's not terribly stimulating. I can tell you the prospect of doing this for another 40 odd years is a bit daunting. Sure it has it's challenging times; adverse weather, technical and passenger problems etc, but the day to day flying is a bit boring.
By all means I enjoy my job, and I know that there is still so much to learn; but I feel I would have been able to make a more calculated decision if i waited a few years and gained some more life experiance.
Is 18 to young??....no. And even if I or anyone else discouraged you...would It make any difference to your decision? It certainly didn't discourage me.
By all means go for it, It's a great job....but remember it will become just that...a job.
Good luck
randomair
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I'm 18 this summer and I was going through the same question for the last three years. I've decided to go to Leeds University in September to read Aviation Technology which, I hope to get a PPL done as part of the course. We are still young so I guess we should just chill at university for a few years and get to do stuff! With a predicted AAB at A2 level in Maths, Physics and Computing I hope to apply for a sponsorship in the Far East with the heavies . Anyways good luck and tell us about your decision.
. Anyways good luck and tell us about your decision.