Joining Age?

[Fraser19]

I plan on applying for CTC and OAA (Integrated ATPL). But what age can i APPLY? I'm 17 on the 31st of August and i know that to start training you must be 18. I want to apply at the same time as i do for uni so that i will have the option of accepting university offers if I were to be unsuccessful in getting into CTC/OAA.

Also I plan on getting some flying experience over summer holidays, anyone recommend anywhere in Scotland nearer to Glasgow the better.

[smartguy]

for oaa you have to be 17 and a half to apply and I think it's probably the same at ctc. If I were you I would apply for all the airline schemes they do at oaa and ctc for example: monarch, flybe, British airways FPP. And if you are unsuccessful for the airline schemes oaa and ctc will most likely give you a place on their own integrated schemes, if that make sense

[Fraser19]

Thanks

Yes i do understand what you mean only thing is most are closed right now do you know when they open up again? and would you recommend applying at age 17 and a half?

Thought it was 17 and half, just wanted to make sure.

[Aerouk]

Check out Prestwick Flight Centre to do some flying, there is also Leading Edge at Cumbernauld.

[B2N2]

No offense, just my personal opinion.
I think you are waaay to young to attempt an integrated course.
Wait 4-5 years and go for it when you are in your early 20-ies.
Get a proper education in something else first.
Alternatively go glider flying or do your PPL and fly recreationally for the next 3-4 years.

[smartguy]

Fraser19, some of the airline schemes open in November like the British airways future pilot program and I believe that other airline schemes open around spring time. I think that if you want to go apply when your 17 and a half you should, in fact a fair proportion of cadets and airline pilots started training at that age. However if you want to have some sort of back up plan go to university. But if you are pretty sure you want to be a pilot I don't think you should waste three years of your life and waste more money on a degree that you will most likely never use!

[Fraser19]

Yes I agree I'm a bit young but I will still apply for university and integrated courses as by the time I hear from universities I should have heard from flight schools like CTC and OAA. I was told by a BA pilot try as soon as possible as he said just like you said if you don't get in go to uni and do a course like Aeronautical Engineering and the chances of you getting in will be much better after you complete the degree.

I can see where you are coming from but you don't know until you try.

[Fraser19]

I don't need to waste money on a degree as I'm scottish where higher education is free and I live close enough to Glasgow and Strathclyde that i wouldn't need to spend money on staying in a campus.

I have been told by various people from pilots to people working in CTC don't bother wasting 3 years at university.

Ok so if it says I must be age 18 I will be able to apply age 17 and a half?