Good time to start training?
Join Date: Oct 2008
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Have we got clearance clarance, thats a roger, roger, give us our vector victor Haha who care's about spelling boys and girls, did we get the message!
Last edited by MerlinV8; 21st Oct 2008 at 17:01.
Aww shucks Tanstopper - thanks. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out and good luck with those exams.
Bye bye.
WWW
Bye bye.
WWW
Join Date: Aug 2001
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BTW - 'your' is spelt 'you're'
CG.
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Ahh ! Well spotted AlphaMale. I was eagerly awaiting the reply. Not bad going to get banned after only a handful of posts !! Then again, not really surprising is it !!?? 
CG
CG
Join Date: Apr 2008
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eikido
Sorry that's simply completely wrong.
Of all the guys who went commercial I kept in touch with from starting training to getting my first public-transport job (I was an instructor in the meantime for several years in the last downturn, so knew a lot) none is now out of work. The very few who were not flying when I last heard of them did not surprise me. They did not have the right personal qualities to be in this business, I could have predicted which would struggle to find work when I first met them.
When my company needed more pilots and wanted those with a personal recommendation I could only find two willing to apply and both were offered jobs here. One decided he didn't want to move, so kept instructing and is now I think doing some public transport flying in the area where he wanted to stay. The other was already flying commercially, and stayed in his job when the company picked up another contract so he was flying more. He has now moved to a bigger company.
We took on a few pilots who claimed they'd stay for a while, and found we could not keep them (even with a bond) as they were in such demand, until we managed to get some by personal recommendation who wanted to work for longer in our sector. They could have taken jobs elsewhere by now, but they like the company, the work and the area we're based in.
The situation has changed now. I would not recommend anyone to start full-time for at least a year. However the good times will come back, they always do! If you're thinking of progressing slowly alongside a full-time job, then this is not a bad time to start.
'm counting for 1:20-1:50 ratio of getting a job. That is only 1 of 20-50 that will get a job. And that is during good times (~year 2004).
Of all the guys who went commercial I kept in touch with from starting training to getting my first public-transport job (I was an instructor in the meantime for several years in the last downturn, so knew a lot) none is now out of work. The very few who were not flying when I last heard of them did not surprise me. They did not have the right personal qualities to be in this business, I could have predicted which would struggle to find work when I first met them.
When my company needed more pilots and wanted those with a personal recommendation I could only find two willing to apply and both were offered jobs here. One decided he didn't want to move, so kept instructing and is now I think doing some public transport flying in the area where he wanted to stay. The other was already flying commercially, and stayed in his job when the company picked up another contract so he was flying more. He has now moved to a bigger company.
We took on a few pilots who claimed they'd stay for a while, and found we could not keep them (even with a bond) as they were in such demand, until we managed to get some by personal recommendation who wanted to work for longer in our sector. They could have taken jobs elsewhere by now, but they like the company, the work and the area we're based in.
The situation has changed now. I would not recommend anyone to start full-time for at least a year. However the good times will come back, they always do! If you're thinking of progressing slowly alongside a full-time job, then this is not a bad time to start.
predictions..
Could the recession see the likes of OAA, CTC and FTE becoming more competitive in their prices? What do you think the impact will be on the smaller FTO's around like Stapleford? It seems that there are still some guys out there who are letting impatience get the better of them, perhaps making them see through rose tinted glasses when it comes to enroling upon a course!
S88
S88
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Hi, I have a place on the wings scheme and will start around march. I was lucky enough to secure the hsbc unsecured loan and would not face repayments until march 2011. Now, in this current climate would you advise me to give up this place and loan, or go ahead and hopefully emerge into an industry on the up?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Join Date: Oct 2008
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I'll borrow this thread for a quick question hehe.
I'm 19 years of age and I'm eager to get an education so that I can get my life on the right track. I've strongly considered becoming a professional pilot for some time now and then the economy crisis hit.
So my quick question to the guys that work in the industry today is: What do you recommend me to do, start my pilot education or get another education and start the pilot training when I'm like 28-29?
The reason I'm asking is because life is short and I don't want to regret anything, I mean that's ten years of my life I could enjoy flying, but I won't be flying if there aren't any jobs availible and I have to live with my parents or perhaps on the street when I'm 25+. :P
Thanx in advance by the way, really appreciate any replies!
I'm 19 years of age and I'm eager to get an education so that I can get my life on the right track. I've strongly considered becoming a professional pilot for some time now and then the economy crisis hit.
So my quick question to the guys that work in the industry today is: What do you recommend me to do, start my pilot education or get another education and start the pilot training when I'm like 28-29?
The reason I'm asking is because life is short and I don't want to regret anything, I mean that's ten years of my life I could enjoy flying, but I won't be flying if there aren't any jobs availible and I have to live with my parents or perhaps on the street when I'm 25+. :P
Thanx in advance by the way, really appreciate any replies!
Join Date: Oct 2008
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despite somewhat limited experience, ive been reading quite a bit on the forums and, added to what i do know and have experienced, i wud advise u strengthen ur fallback position with some sort of formal education/degree...it doesnt seem absolutely necessary for hiring with the airlines but it does supplement what you may have in terms of hours when the time comes for hiring, and the discipline involved in getting to that higher state of education may also help you further down when you're ready to apply yourself to pilot training...
my major reason for recommending you go that route is the current financial climate where there is a great deal of uncertainty, particularly in the industry....and it seems very costly to maintain liscence "currency" on your own post-aviation studies while you try to get hired and paid for your passion..
ure pretty young so i'd say that time is definitely on ur side, and as difficult as deferment proabably will be (trust me i'm experiencing that difficulty myself at this point), from one rookie to another, i think it's something you should consider...
hope this makes sense...
my major reason for recommending you go that route is the current financial climate where there is a great deal of uncertainty, particularly in the industry....and it seems very costly to maintain liscence "currency" on your own post-aviation studies while you try to get hired and paid for your passion..
ure pretty young so i'd say that time is definitely on ur side, and as difficult as deferment proabably will be (trust me i'm experiencing that difficulty myself at this point), from one rookie to another, i think it's something you should consider...
hope this makes sense...
Join Date: May 2008
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Hey Lost Man Standing.
Thanks for the replay.
I've been thinking a lot about what you wrote.
So i started investigating.
Finding a job might be easier where you live, but where i am, it seems difficult.
I spoke to a friend who looked for a job after an integrated course.
He sent out 100 CV's before he was offered a job. And that was last year when it was still good.
He did not limit himself to an area since he's young with no relationship and can move any time.
Eikido
Thanks for the replay.
I've been thinking a lot about what you wrote.
So i started investigating.
Finding a job might be easier where you live, but where i am, it seems difficult.
I spoke to a friend who looked for a job after an integrated course.
He sent out 100 CV's before he was offered a job. And that was last year when it was still good.
He did not limit himself to an area since he's young with no relationship and can move any time.
Eikido
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Kingfisher link
We have 32 Indian Cpl students training at my flight school (Mainland Air) in Dunedin, New Zealand. They all pay 45k (NZ$), roughly £15k, for their Cpl before going back to India to do their MEIR. I believe there is a link with Kingfisher airlines. Sounds like a cheaper option than some I am reading about on this thread, and you get to learn how to mountain fly - you have no choice! No guaranteed job at the end, but like its always been with flying - if you persevere and make a few sacrifices you'll make it.
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hello 152 jockey..
the seen is very bad in india,..even those guys know kingfisher chairman..its impossible to get job..coz kingfisher is sending many experinced pilots out..no airlines recruiting now..thpusands of cpl holders job less.. hope things will improve in a year or two.. its always advisable to keep a secure job and do flying trg in the weekends or parttime..think before start and invest..
the seen is very bad in india,..even those guys know kingfisher chairman..its impossible to get job..coz kingfisher is sending many experinced pilots out..no airlines recruiting now..thpusands of cpl holders job less.. hope things will improve in a year or two.. its always advisable to keep a secure job and do flying trg in the weekends or parttime..think before start and invest..
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Hi gentlemen,.
there are plenty of jobs as a FI, but being a FI is only for suckers like me.Guys,
I remember when most guys said it sucks to teach, guess what?now it sucks to be an unemployed pilot with 200 hours and no instructor license.
Yes it s a good time to start, as long you pay airlines and me, I will have a job.
don't become a FI, this job sucks! all I want is your money!
keep borrowing money...
there are plenty of jobs as a FI, but being a FI is only for suckers like me.Guys,
I remember when most guys said it sucks to teach, guess what?now it sucks to be an unemployed pilot with 200 hours and no instructor license.
Yes it s a good time to start, as long you pay airlines and me, I will have a job.
don't become a FI, this job sucks! all I want is your money!
keep borrowing money...
