Which FTO for best employment stats?

[alexeibutterwick]

Hello everyone,

Now I can probably imagine that this question has cropped up on numerous occasions on this forum but I hope someone could possibly take a minute or so to tell me a couple of things.

I am about to go and do my re-sit for the Qatar Cadet Scheme at CTC on the 27th October. Then I have a re-sit for OAA in December.

Ive already been accepted into FTE Jerez.

If it so happens that I dont get into the Qatar Cadet Scheme, but I am offered a place on the self-funded ATPL course at CTC, which one would people say has the highest employment stats??? Ive purely based it on which FTO has the most amount of partnering airlines. I could be very wrong.

[byrondaf]

Personally I chose CTC because of the employment opportunities after, that's presuming one doesn't completely balls up the training. Get first time passes and you'll more than likely end up at Easyjet on a flexicrew contract. Not ideal, but it's paid employment. Go to OAA and you'll most likely end up at Ryanair, just bear in mind the 30k for the type rating. Not sure on FTE and their tie-ups, worth checking out past cadets.

Quality of training at CTC I would presume is as good as the other two FTO's, can't compare because I doubt anybody experiences both. Maybe also look at where you want to train. CTC tends to be NZ (Arizona base now operational), OAA is Arizona, FTE Jerez.

If you get onto the Qatar scheme and thats your thing, then go for it. Best to have an airline tie-in if you are fortunate enough. Although there's a big debate on the pro's and con's of the airline schemes, read through them on here to make an informed decision. Im happy with my choice, just do your homework on all three schools. If you are made of the right stuff and don't have problems through the course, chances are you'll end up in a job eventually. Just seems that CTC is a bit quicker than others.

[alexeibutterwick]

Many thanks for the prompt reply. I can certainly assure you that Ill be doing my best to get into the 90% region in terms of passing the exams. I really liked all three of the schools to be quite honest. I only just recently came back from FTE Jerez and thought the atmosphere was great!

But I did get the impression that there was a laid back attitude at Jerez, and I like that BUT I dont want my social life to jeopardise my chances of getting better results in the exams. (Had many years at University and I know that after a few, I tend to do no work the next day).

From what I saw at OAA, they are very strict. Dont know about CTC. Were they strict?

P.S which airline do you fly for now?

[byrondaf]

I'm still in the NZ phase with CTC and I can't recommend them enough. It's a great experience out here and they get you into the mindset of being a pilot.

CTC are reasonably strict in terms of uniform, timekeeping and things like that, but it's more about just being adult about things and remembering that it's ultimately your responsibility to complete your training to the best of your ability. Also things like not drinking the night before a flight etc are common sense, but some people seem to think it's the FTO's responsibility to keep you on track. You'll get out what you put in.

If you work hard and strive to pass your ATPL's, CPL and IR first time, then you will undoubtedly be placed with an airline within a few months after the AQC. If you have a sense of entitlement or don't put in the effort, then it doesn't matter which FTO you choose, you won't make it. It's all about what choices you make.

Of course employment is going to be your number one concern, so having family friends that went through CTC and seeing them placed with airlines within 3-4 months, for me it was a no-brainer. Both were placed with Easyjet, one finished his training in April just gone and started his type rating beginning of September. use that info how you want.

Best of luck.

[pilotchute]

Alex,

If you failed the Qatar and OAA assesment first time what makes you think you will get first time passes in everything that Ryanair and I assume Qatar expect?

Those assessments aren't super hard. Think long and hard before spending that type of cash on something which has no guarantee.

Remember even airline sponsored cadets get cut from time to time.

[alexeibutterwick]

Very brave of you to comment like considering you don't know the circumstances. I did them without any idea as what to expect.

[olicana]

If you fly as well as you write I am sure first time passes will pose no problem. Ahem.

[Earlydownwind]

You did them with no idea of what to expect? This profession is heavily geared towards prior planning and preparation.

In any case, as pilotchute said, these entry tests are not particularly difficult, they don't actually require that much prep as they are "aptitude" tests, and if you are having difficulty at this early stage you will most certainly have your work cut out for you on the CPL and IR.

If you do get that far, entry into any reputable airline will then involve further tests. These tests do not get easier the further down the line you go. Think hard if this career is actually for you. Falling at the first hurdle can sometimes be a saving grace in the long run.

[fwjc]

Having had some limited involvement in an integrated FTO, I can promise you that self-discipline is definitely required and whilst the school may be strict, there's very good reason for it. I wouldn't be spending money at a "laid back" school.

I have seen students fail to turn up to class - this leads to course failure due to not making the minimum attendance requirements.
Students turning up late, or messing about in class, or falling asleep in class - firstly this leads to disruption for other students, secondly it means that the instructor has to waste more time trying to get the lagging students up to speed, so the more hardworking students are actually getting a reduced service. This does not make you popular, and won't look good on your school report which airlines can ask to see.
Turning up for flights late, unprepared, tired or hungover - you're wasting your own money and time on a flight that will not be as productive and useful, if you are even allowed to fly.

It's a huge amount of money that you are committing to pay for your training. Do you not think that it would be worthwhile to get your money's worth rather than messing about, screwing it up for other people and then having to spend extra money to make up for your own inadequacies.


This is all assuming that you have any kind of aptitude and attitude to become a professional pilot in the first place. Other comments on here about the initial assessment are true. The assessment is easy, whether or not you prepared. There are some who say that the main criteria is your ability to pay, although I won't comment on that right now. But the fact you hadn't prepared is indication of a less than appropriate attitude towards the whole process. This is a serious industry where your professional behaviour is key to the safe and efficient conduct of a flight. Have a think about that.

[pilotchute]

Alex,

The amount of people with a fATPL looking for work in the UK and the rest of world right now is staggering. It sounds like you need to do a bit more research before committing to spending money on a licence.

Passing things first time in this tight jobs market is essential.

[MaydayMaydayMayday]

The social life at FTE is certainly laid back, largely because everyone lives on site. It has a great social atmosphere. Wherever you go, though, you're going to have a social life. It's entirely up to you how you balance that with studying.

Don't be under any illusions, you're expected to work your arse off, be on time, smart, etc. There's plenty of support if you need it, but most people really do very well because they knuckle down and do the work.

You know, just because there's a bar, it doesn't mean you have to get drunk every night. *hiccup*

No idea about job stats, though.

[S7EVIN]

In my humble opinion, getting a job rely almost entirely (as any other thing in life) in being at the right place at the right time.

Getting the licences at OAA or CTC will guarantee you nothing but to pay the type rating with some 30-40K € less in your bank account compared to other guys that went to "low-cost" flight schools.

You will probably have some more chances in being called for an interview, I'll give you that.

What makes the difference is you, from the very beggining and will always be.

[alexeibutterwick]

Thanks very much for all your help. Having done 4 years of university, I have certainly had the privilege of experiencing intense work and meeting deadlines. Rest assured I can work my arse off and even lay off the social life for 15 months if it means getting a very good job at the end of it. (I did a lot of that at university and still managed a second class degree in Russian and History of Art).

That's why I might put oxford and Ctc above FTE for the time being.

Anyone else anymore advice?

Thanks

[average-punter]

As others have said I would exhaust applications to all 'tagged' schemes before you contemplate going down the self-sponsored road.

I agree with byrondaf - especially regarding the pros and cons of the Qatar MPL course. When talking to people going down this road I am surprised that often they have not researched Qatar and don't have much clue what awaits them in Doha. It would be a part of the world in which I would personally hate to live. Qatar seems to have no input and they receive no communication from them. The organisation of the course seems poor and no one seems to have a clue what is going on, not to mention the astronomical price-tag which offers no guarantees. From this point of view I actually think the standard 'CTC Wings' route is the better option!!!

It is also worth saying that at any FTO you are a paying customer and from where I sit I see no reason why the usual standards of expected customer service don't apply.

There is a thread on this forum called 'CTC Vs CAEOAA' or something like that, if I were you I would give it a read as the poster was asking similar questions.

[alexeibutterwick]

SUrely the astronomical price tag that you pointed out is the same as the self-sponsored price tag though? You pay 90,000 at CTC, then you have to pay for a type rating. Thats another 20,000. So you are pretty much paying the same amount on the Qatar Cadet Scheme because the hefty price of 105,000 has the type rating included.

[average-punter]

Fair enough point - I forgot about the TR cost post wings course.