Working whilst flying
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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Working whilst flying
I'm looking to commence ATPL training in around a years time. I've considered the different routes to (eventually) get to the RHS of any aircraft. I beleive a structured modular course would be best for me. However, with lack of funding assistance available for this route, and the large risk even if there was, I am looking at working whilst learning to fly.
I already have my PPL, and would like to know about any past experiences of going through this route. Days working/days flying? What kind of job? Success? Failure?
I've done a search for this sort of thing, but didnt have much luck.
Cheers.
Put.
I already have my PPL, and would like to know about any past experiences of going through this route. Days working/days flying? What kind of job? Success? Failure?
I've done a search for this sort of thing, but didnt have much luck.
Cheers.
Put.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London
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you are quite right
do not give up the day job
and DO consider uni
build up your hours and take a cheap ATPL course like from CATS
then in two years time the world will look rosier hopefully
do not give up the day job
and DO consider uni
build up your hours and take a cheap ATPL course like from CATS
then in two years time the world will look rosier hopefully
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Fellow Brummie,
Firstly, I can only echo what Sion said - stick with your job. A job is a job, especially at times like this.
I was in your shoes 4 or so years back. Already having your PPL is an excellent start. I'm not sure on your funding options so your next move is really dependant on that. I had funding in place, so my next move was a D/L groundschool for the ATPL. Working full-time, I completed this in around 18 months. Remember, you'll probably need to use your holiday leave to attend the brush-up courses and your exams.
Then, once they were all passed I moved on to hour-building. Took a couple of trips to the US to do this, again using holiday leave and a few days unpaid leave. Also did some hour building over here as I wanted to have some recent experience of flying in UK airspace and conditions. A good mix is important I think.
I was lucky enough to be able to persuade my employer to then give me 3 months' unpaid leave to go and do my CPL, IR and MCC. In the end, as with all good aviation plans, it was going to take longer so I handed in my notice as I didn't see it as fair on my employer.
I knew I would be able to find temp. work after the completion of the CPL/IR and I had something there (whilst not guaranteed!) to fall back on. As it happened, I was massively lucky (and I cannot emphasise the importance of fortune) to be called for an interview only 4 months after finishing off. For reasons I don't actually know or would even understand, I was offered a job which I now do, and which I love and absolutely adore.
The modular route is a wonderful route for people who already have some sort of profession/job and offers a good balance between experience/study/finance and sanity.
One final thing, it's a marathon not a sprint. With time comes experience, and experience can only make you a better pilot.
Firstly, I can only echo what Sion said - stick with your job. A job is a job, especially at times like this.
I was in your shoes 4 or so years back. Already having your PPL is an excellent start. I'm not sure on your funding options so your next move is really dependant on that. I had funding in place, so my next move was a D/L groundschool for the ATPL. Working full-time, I completed this in around 18 months. Remember, you'll probably need to use your holiday leave to attend the brush-up courses and your exams.
Then, once they were all passed I moved on to hour-building. Took a couple of trips to the US to do this, again using holiday leave and a few days unpaid leave. Also did some hour building over here as I wanted to have some recent experience of flying in UK airspace and conditions. A good mix is important I think.
I was lucky enough to be able to persuade my employer to then give me 3 months' unpaid leave to go and do my CPL, IR and MCC. In the end, as with all good aviation plans, it was going to take longer so I handed in my notice as I didn't see it as fair on my employer.
I knew I would be able to find temp. work after the completion of the CPL/IR and I had something there (whilst not guaranteed!) to fall back on. As it happened, I was massively lucky (and I cannot emphasise the importance of fortune) to be called for an interview only 4 months after finishing off. For reasons I don't actually know or would even understand, I was offered a job which I now do, and which I love and absolutely adore.
The modular route is a wonderful route for people who already have some sort of profession/job and offers a good balance between experience/study/finance and sanity.
One final thing, it's a marathon not a sprint. With time comes experience, and experience can only make you a better pilot.
Last edited by Blueskyrich; 29th Sep 2009 at 17:19. Reason: F/O level spelling...
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I worked while I studied for all of my flight training. I took 4 months unpaid leave to complete my CPL/IR and a bit of hour building. If you search my old posts, I've given a breakdown of my routine when I studied for the ground examinations.
It took a bit of time, but I had no debts at the end of it. However, judging by the bankruptcy thread, so will many others!
The most important thing is to have contacts to give you a head start. I was very fortunate that my school (PAT in Bournemouth) got my CV in front of the right people, and I got a job. However, when I was in an airline I saw many young chaps who had borrowed the money, went to a integrated school, and had saved themselves 3-5 years over me. I suppose you take your chances. That isn't happening today, but I am sure it will happen again.
Make sure you time your end of training to finish around Sept/Oct time for interviews for recruitment straight out of training. You lose currency very quickly.
It took a bit of time, but I had no debts at the end of it. However, judging by the bankruptcy thread, so will many others!
The most important thing is to have contacts to give you a head start. I was very fortunate that my school (PAT in Bournemouth) got my CV in front of the right people, and I got a job. However, when I was in an airline I saw many young chaps who had borrowed the money, went to a integrated school, and had saved themselves 3-5 years over me. I suppose you take your chances. That isn't happening today, but I am sure it will happen again.
Make sure you time your end of training to finish around Sept/Oct time for interviews for recruitment straight out of training. You lose currency very quickly.
