All wannabees...newbe needs your advice!!

[Eno]

First things first.. Hi all

I'm a long time lurker whos got loads of Q's for all of you and hopefully an answer or two to share.

Anyways heres the story, I am a 21yr old wannabe who recently (ie yesterday!!) was told by the bank manager that he would be more than happy to take my home in exchange for a fistful of cash to get myself into flying!....ending 3yrs of mind-numbing 12hr factory shifts ,and ending the flood of PFO's from beancounters yippee!!

So now I need assistance on what the best route would be.

I can blow the whole lot at OAT , Jerez or Cabair for just the basics like thousands of others have.

I can go modular and bolt on an FI rating and maybe have cash left over to buy some extra hours, and have a chance of getting an instructors job

Option 3 is to go to University abroad to get my degree, build the requisite hours whilst there then come back and complete the rest of the course...which would be a load of fun but would take up lots of time

Answers on the back of a postcard or stuck down envelope to.....

(Sorry bout the enormous first post!!)


Many thanks
Eno

[Token Bird]

I personally would go the modular route. If you can afford both the IR and FI(R) then so much the better.

However I am saying this having not actaully gone through either route and tried to get a job or anything, and many will tell you it is easier to find work with an integrated ATPL from Oxford or similar.

If you do decide to go Modular, you can find the complete list of approved schools on the CAA website and shop around to find the cheapest (if that's what you want).

TB

[boxjockey99]

I did the fully approved JAR ATPL exams at PPSC then my flying (almost complete) at Professional Air training (both at Bournemouth). I was told where to go for my training due to my partial sponsorship but I would say don't commit all your cash to one company as they'll fleece you. Hold some back and then if they play funny buggers you sod off at the end of that module and take your money elsewhere.

There are many stories of certain training orgs who favour airline cadets over self sponsors like yourself and so my suggestion might give you some leverage!!!

Hope it helps, if you need any more help just e-mail me.

regards BJ

[Seth Gecko]

Would it be possible to say which bank you managed to secure the loan with? I have approached banks, but they don't want to know. They say it is bad publicity if you default on your loan and they have to take your parents house.

[Eno]

Thanks for the replies all...much appreciated.

I am based in Dublin so I don't know that the same bank would be able to help you. But if you want I can mail you and talk you through what I did.

I had the very same problem for years, the banks were simply not interested in loaning out the money for flight training despite the fact that I had a reasonable salary and was a homeowner. The only thing I can say is that you have to keep at them. I just started on the Banks page I the Yellow pages and worked my way down, then when I got to the end with no joy, I just tweaked my buisness plan and went right back to the top and asked them all again! and eventually one of them gave in but it was a long haul.

[Seth Gecko]

Thanks for the advice Eno. I'll keep trying. Nothing is ever easy in this aviation game is it?

[melissab]

boxjockey,

how have you found PAT? I'm thinking of doing my conversion with them later this year and would appreciate some feedback. I'm an FAA registered CFII, MEI with just over 1000 hours.
Cheers.