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My dream - advice please (collective thread)

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My dream - advice please (collective thread)

Old 26th Apr 2019, 19:47
  #381 (permalink)  

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The MPL route is only available if you are attached/sponsored by an airline.

So age, academic qualifications and ability to pass a medical are important factors.

You might consider being employed in aviation on the ground first, and taking it from there?
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Old 27th Apr 2019, 05:32
  #382 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by parkfell
Youu might consider being employed in aviation on the ground first, and taking it from there?
That's the problem, I'm not a First world national getting a work visa would be more difficult than getting a job.
My questions is are their any other options like CATHAY which takes new pilots regardless of their nationality,Or wether should i go for ATPL at all or wait join a University get a job work my way into getting a green card or blue card and then start flight training because if one can save up 500,000$ he'd get a US greencard or 250,000€ for a belgium Blue card..
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Old 8th May 2019, 13:43
  #383 (permalink)  
 
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Frustrated, lost, and a bit angry

Hi everyone,I'm posting here out of desperation, because I have no more ideas and I'm frustrated. I'd like some advice, options and opinions of my fellow aviators.The long story, short...
Background:

-always wanted to be a pilot (cliche, but true)-went to ERAU, but found out the week before classes started, that flight training costs were NOT a part of tuition (I had no parents to read the fine print or anything - obviously my 18 year old self missed something important).-transferred out of Riddle, worked towards a BA, started flying lessons - got up to 40 hours (inconsistently) & ran out of money.-got a BA-got a job at a flight school in the marketing dept., full-time, and was looking forward to discounted flight training - or at least being able to finally afford it. However I let my naive self be taken advantage of - was paid way under any normal rate for my job & the living area. Left after 3 months.

Where I'm at now (in Europe):

-got a masters degree & a decent paying job (work in an office full-time). Still want to do nothing but fly.-my finances: make about 44K before taxes, after all bills & everything, I'm left with about $1400 (thanks also to GF just moving in!)-got the ppl and also work at the flight school as a Radiotelephony instructor, I also get to ferry the plane to and from maintenance when needed - not much, but 30 min here and there is better than nothing.-43 years old, 1st class medical-taking ATPL classes (well, only 80 hours of classroom instruction are required for this program). I've got 17 big thick binders & the corresponding online question bank trainer as well as AviationExam App. But it's me alone to study & prep.-pre-tests (with 80%), need to be taken by Nov. 3, before I can take the actual real tests (75% = passing).-In about 3 subjects I'm at or near 70%, with the others, I'm between 50 & 65% (flight planning and mass & balance I haven't even touched yet, aside from the classroom stuff).

The dilemma:-I feel like I don't have enough time to study. I'm lucky if I can squeeze out an hour a day going through the question bank trainers. I'm seeing improvement, but it's very very slow and I've only touched on a few of the subjects.-I've been giving this my all, literally. All my money, most of my time and most of my effort. I study most every night after work, and on weekends for 2-4 hours...but it doesn't seem to be enough.-Just this week I've tried studying an hour or so before work, and just going in & staying later so work tiredness/stress won't affect my studying.

My thoughts:-maybe I should just quit - obviously the universe doesn't want me to be a pilot, because no matter what I do, bigger and bigger walls get put up in front of me! (But then again damnit, it's all I want and I've already put in so much)...-quit the ATPL, buy a plane, fly for fun

- cut my job hours in half (and pay and vacation time) - and gain extra time to study...

-other than that, I'm not sure what else I can do or what else there is to do...Like I said above, I'm very frustrated right now and feel like I'm running through mud and the faster I try to run, the more walls get thrown up in front of me.So, if anyone out there has some good advice or novel ideas, I'd really appreciate hearing it.
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Old 19th May 2019, 09:11
  #384 (permalink)  
 
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Career switch (Europe)- advice

Hello everyone,

I know there are a lot of similar threads like these, but some advice would be very much appreciated.

So here's my situation:
  • Currently 24 years old
  • Just before I finished high school (i.e. age of 18 in Europe) I applied for a flight academy and passed all the selection tests. I could have started, but I did not. Why? They told me that during that time the industry was having a hard time and I would probably had to fly in Asia (Western countries were saturated with pilots). Furthermore I met a girl during my last year in high school and was afraid this would put a lot of pressure on our relationship. We're currently still together and got a very stable relationship.
  • Started a 5-year engineering study after high school and graduated a year ago.
  • I have been working in an engineering company for around a little less than a year. I'm making good money, but I feel this kind of job is not my passion and not something I want to do for the rest of my life. (I already felt that way during my studies to be honest, but continued because I did not know what to study else).
  • Therefore I'm considering again to go to a flight school in order to become a pilot in a 2-year track.

Could you guys please advise me on the next questions?
  1. Family life is important to me and my girlfriend made it clear that she does not want to move with me to another country assuming I would be an airline pilot, which I totally respect. I live in The Netherlands. Is it possible that you fly for let's say Lufthansa, you are based in Frankfurt, but live in Amsterdam and you would commute between these two cities? Is this something that occures frequently in Europe?
  2. Is there at this time a good chance I can start flying in a country in Europe (and commute between the Netherlands & this specific country)?
  3. Flying rosters like 5 days flying & 3 days off is fine. Are there also rosters (at e.g. low fair airliners) in which you depart and come back home at the same day?
  4. Would my engineering degree (civil, not in aerospace) help getting hired at an airline? Or do airliners only care about the amount of hours you have flown?

Being an airline pilot is still my dream job and during my studies & current career I felt I should be flying and persue my passion. Yet as you have probably mentioned my family has priority and I don't think I would be able to move to another country which is 10.000km away, leave everyone behind and see them like once every 3 months. So you can be very honest to me: is becoming an airline pilot something realistic considering I would be able to commute, yet not move to another country?

I have been breaking my head around this for quite a while and some advice of people in the aviation industry would helpful ;-).

Cheers
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Old 20th May 2019, 19:41
  #385 (permalink)  
 
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Highflyer, I also saw your post on airwork.

Apply fast to the Tui Belgium MPL program. It will close soon. Commuting to Brussels shouldn't be hard at all.
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Old 20th May 2019, 23:53
  #386 (permalink)  
 
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Thumbs up A few questions before i make the big expensive decision

Hi guys,
From the age of around 5-6, I have always wanted to be a commercial airline pilot, its always been a dream of mine, yet I have always just considered it a dream, as I always knew my family would never have anywhere near the required funds to support me.

I recently have decided to look into becoming a pilot now that I am at a point of fairly high earning, with the possibility to pay over the next few years while training,
I'm absolutely hooked, for the last couple of months, I have gone to bed dreaming about being a pilot, and waking up thinking about it.

I am going into my mid-twenties, and considering buying a house with my partner, I have recently discussed with her that I might consider spending my savings, and working a lot harder to try to fulfil my dream as a pilot, yet shes very considered and worried about if it does not work out, as we will still be renting a property and be in our late 30's, this has made I have to consider this decision a lot.

My questions! :

1)
When I was at high school it was a very bad time for me, my mother was very ill, and my mum and dad were going through a divorce, meaning my dad had to work nearly every hour to try to get himself another property to live in.
So I had a very bad experience in school and ended up working 3 days a week, and doing school one day a week, I left school with little to none GCSE's, do you think this would be a major issue for me?, and if I was to go to college to sit GCSE'S, would a airline consider this as a bad thing?, thinking I was unable to complete school normally, and had to retake at college?

2)
I am self-employed, and earn a relatively high rate of pay (approx £3200 p/month) I live in a very expensive area of UK meaning that a large portion of this going on housing and general day to day living,
I would still have to work a lot while training to pay for the majority of training, I am wondering if somebody else has done that in here, and would be able to share their struggles, is it possible?, is it worth waiting around 5years to save up for a integrated course instead of doing modular at a slower rate? or is it possible to do it while still maintaining a good amount of work time, (obviously taking time off around exams).

Thank you all for reading the post!

any other suggestion's and or advice you can give would be gratefully appreciated!
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Old 2nd Jul 2019, 13:02
  #387 (permalink)  
 
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ATPL career advice, job market

Hello everyone, my goal with this post is to hear your opinion about my plan, as most of you guys are already working in the aviation sector and got more life experience than me.
I'm currently 23 years old and soon to obtain my master's degree.

My dream has always been to become a pilot (like almost everyone's dream here on this forum) and I'm planning to go the modular way to get my ATPL.My biggest concern is the job market. I always keep an eye on the development of the job situation for pilots, but it really came to my eyes, that there are only a handful of airlines that offer jobs to "fresh out of school low hour pilots". As the job market is facing a slight downturn in the coming years (just my perception), it feels impossible to find a job in 2/3 years by the time I'll be done with my ATPL.

Is it just the fear that makes me think like this (impossibility finding a job) or will this never change and taking the risk is just a part of becoming a pilot?As I'm able to work in the US, I was thinking, if I shouldn't find a job after two years of having my ATPL, I would convert my license to FAA and try my luck there. Would cost me a bit but as the job market is in a better condition over there, the chances of getting a job are higher.

Is there any advice you guys could give me? Is the situation here in Europe really as hopeless as it looks on the first view?Thanks in advance !
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Old 8th Jul 2019, 01:53
  #388 (permalink)  
 
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EASA or FAA PPL training

Hi guys,
I have been researching online for a long time now regarding taking up PPL training, due to work annual leave constraints, I have decided the best course of action for me would be to take up a 'fast track' program later this year or early next year. Having done plenty of reading online I have decided that the best place for this would be in the US. I have a couple of questions in regards to this, and I know it may have been asked many times before on these forums, but I decided to join the PPRune community knowing that there will be plenty of honest, accurate knowledge and answers to help and guide me along.
Just to note, I am Irish and currently reside in Ireland, it would be my ultimate goal to fly for an airline based in Europe.
1. FAA or EASA PPL, which ultimately would be more sensible, hour building and value wise?
2.with a view to go professional and achieve CPL level sometime after completion of the PPL, would it be wise to take up the FAA licence, which I believe has additional night flying privileges, and build hours whilst achieving instrument rating?
3. I have read that once 100 hours TT has been reached it is Possible to convert the license including IFR to EASA, is this true? Is it a costly Process?The same rule across all EASA members states or it depends?
4. There is some schools in the US that teach the EASA PPL course,and at a bit of a premium too. but is there any point to travel all the way to the states to do this, rather than do it in the EU somewhere, when the FAA licence is taught pretty much everywhere of course in the US?
5. Recommendations for schools? I've researched a few, but any lessor known ones with a good reputation anywhere in the US would be appreciated.

I have so many thoughts and questions in regards to this training, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of info online, I just wish to clarify some of these issues before I take the plunge, and commit to any training. Any help at all would be great.

Thank you
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Old 8th Jul 2019, 15:55
  #389 (permalink)  
 
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If you're going to train in the US, get an FAA private certificate. There's no point in getting an EASA one as you're only using it as a stepping stone.

You will save both time and money: There aren't meant EASA schools, which makes them among the most expensive. FAA only requires one exam and focuses on flying. You also won't need a night rating.

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Old 9th Jul 2019, 17:47
  #390 (permalink)  
 
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Question Advice - Your typical plea!

Hi All,
I'm 18 years old, just finished my A-Levels and want to break into the world of Aviation and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an Airline pilot.
I know there are a million other posts like this but I still have so many questions and would be so grateful if anyone can help at all!
I live in the UK and I'm aware of the whole Integrated VS Modular scenario.
I've seen L3 (they've changed name again to L3 Harris now?!) I've seen Oxford/CAE. Yes, they're great, but £100,000+ after everything? Seriously?
I've always been set on the whole integrated route, but the more I research and the more I talk to pilots, the more I'm swaying over to the modular route.
Financially, it is possible for me to get through the integrated route but it really would be a stretch (literally re-mortgaging the parent's home to get the funds together). This just seems ludicrous when I actually think about it, especially when the outcome of integrated and modular is the same.
Either way, I want to get cracking with this but I'm feeling like I'm stuck in a rut. I keep hearing stories of poor quality cadets being pushed through L3 and barely scraping through line training.
1) In terms of the modular route, upon completion of the ATPL qualification, can you begin the job hunting or is it necessary to have a type rating before making applications?
2) I know that no-one has a crystal ball but is it possible Brexit is going to through a spanner in the works in terms of recruitment in the next 3 years?
3) Is it true you really are "left all alone" after modular training, desperately trying to get an interview with all the jobs going to those integrated students? Is L3's "placement scheme" a load of baloney?
4) Is now the time to pursue any other interests e.g taking a year out to enjoy other hobbies etc. or is it still true airlines "love" the young pilots?
5) Do you know where I can find a clear 'road-map' of the Modular route layout, recommended schools, realistic pricing and timescale etc.?
6) Are there certain Airlines that particularly favour the integrated candidates, EZY pops straight in mind...
And generally just opinions and maybe even success stories of how modular/integrated has worked for you?
Any comments would be greatly appreciated,
Cheers!
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Old 16th Aug 2019, 14:19
  #391 (permalink)  
 
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Dear All,

I need advice on the following, please.

I have the chance to train here in Peru to CPL/IR and obtain a Peruvian licence that I believe is FAA accredited. My quandary is this... yes, it is something I've always wanted to do but life has gotten in the way over the years. I did start a PPL back in the day but couldn't continue. I'm an international school teacher and I've lived in several countries but I want to fulfill my dream. However, I am 47 and would finish the course aged 48. I am educated to post-grad level, keen as mustard and would go anywhere to fly. Do you think, in your experience, it is something I should pursue. I need to make it a career...I need a job. I really welcome your thoughts.
Best regards,
The Foxes
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Old 11th Sep 2019, 12:53
  #392 (permalink)  
 
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Advice

Hi folks,

I’m relatively new here. First off, I want to say that this site has been immensely helpful.

I am 26 years old. My dream, since childhood, was to be a pilot. Unfortunatley, along the way, I had been ‘put off’, regarding the funding needed.

Fast forward a number of years, I have reclaimed that desire to become a pilot, it is frequently on my mind. Recently, got a decently paid job (Design Engineer) and now looking for that dream to become reality. My dilemma is, regarding my current role, I am contemplating, switching another role, within the company, to help save the necessary funds. The new role would require frequent travelling, but accommodation and other expenses, will be covered for, by the company, therefore allowing me to save a good amount of funds.
I previously applied to he 'Aer Lingus 2018 FFP' program and the 2019, but withdrew this year.
I aim to complete my ‘EASA Initial Class 1 Medical’, within the next 2 months. I want to start my PPL, soon, but I’m unsure of which school/club to join. I will want to gradually make my way to become an airline pilot. I am from Northern Ireland.


Last edited by CMM92; 11th Sep 2019 at 13:49. Reason: New details
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Old 11th Sep 2019, 13:58
  #393 (permalink)  
 
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CMM92,

Hope you are well.

Sounds like you are in a similar position to myself. I am currently working on my PPL, via a modular route. Studying and learning to fly in my free time, when I am not at work.
I strongly suggest getting the Initial Class 1 under your belt. It’s a big investment, but will honestly tell you whether you have a standing chance to become an airline pilot. It’s better to get this done first, than further down the line after investing so much in your hour building etc.

I’m more than willing to chat over DM. Drop us a line.

Best regards.
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Old 11th Sep 2019, 17:22
  #394 (permalink)  
 
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Hello FP,
Thanks for some your advice. Regarding the other job role, that may potentially happen, would it be wise to accept it, save up as much as I can and then do flight-training or continue with my current role, save up a bit and do flight training.

I have seen that advice posted alot, so I have the Class 1 medical booked for the end of November. I am slightly nervous about failing it, but I am optimistic.

Thanks again, mate, any more questions I’ll send you a message.

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Old 16th Feb 2020, 16:37
  #395 (permalink)  
 
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Shortlisting Schools for CPL ME/IR Training

I'm in the process of shortlisting flying schools with a view to visiting them in the next few months in order to come to a final decision. At present, I'm thinking of looking at the following:

Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training
Stapleford Flight Centre
Diamond Flight Academy
Bartolini Air

From looking at previous posts here, they all appear to have good feedback. I was wondering if there are any others I should seriously consider adding to the list or if anyone has comments about my existing choices. I'm interested in any schools in the UK or Europe. Thanks you in advance for any feedback!
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Old 17th Feb 2020, 07:03
  #396 (permalink)  
 
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All of them are one of the best and more serious schools in Europe. I believe if you decide to any of them, you will be well served.

Bartolini count with 1 year waiting list. If you are ready at any moment you might be lucky and pick a spot from someone that gave up but the current waiting time is around 1 year. I believe is more of less the same situation for Diamond but maybe other people can conform this.

Good luck
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Old 17th Feb 2020, 12:24
  #397 (permalink)  
 
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Can't comment on the others but Stapleford are highly recommended.

I completed MEP, CPL MEIR there recently, in minimum hours, on budget, with first time passes thanks to the excellent instruction and support. Took 3 months from start to finish (almost to the day). On the budget front, my net spend at the end of everything was within £200 of the quotation I received. Can't really argue with that - nothing was hidden or misleading. Also the commercial team are fully dedicated to getting everything sorted for you and are top notch.

On site accommodation is perfectly reasonable, nothing special, but lets face it you're there to fly!
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Old 19th Feb 2020, 18:45
  #398 (permalink)  
 
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That's great; thank you for the feedback. The waiting times aren't an issue; I'm planning ahead
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Old 5th Mar 2020, 20:57
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100 percent without a doubt must obtain a college degree to be competitive when applying for a job with one of the major commercial airlines (in the United States at least.) I would recommend your idea of ERAU or another University offering programs that partner with Airlines. Here are a few others: Arizona State University, Purdue University, University of North Dakota, Oklahoma State University. You can find additional University options by going to AeroSearcher and typing in “aviation universities” to the general aviation tab. Good luck!
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Old 13th Apr 2020, 12:11
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Starting ATPL course, becoming a pilot

Hi, this is my first post here on PPRuNe.
I'm 19, I'm from Poland and this year I want to start the ATPL course. Right now I am considering the options I have and which path should I take to become an airline pilot: should I do the integrated ATPL in a private school, apply to the academies like BAA training or go directly to the airline and join something like WizzAir cadet program.
Is it worth paying much more and is that increasing my chances of finding a good job in the future as a pilot?
I would love some advice, feedbacks
Thanks
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