Becoming a pilot After COVID-19
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Norway
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I recommend you take type training which is sponsored by airline.
A lot of European companies give their own type rating training to new graduates.
Type rating will be a burden for you without 500 or 1000 hours on A320/B737/etc.
Actually even the first officers that have 500 hours on A320/B737 are in danger. Because many small charter airlines are in trouble due to the coronavirus at the moment.
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Orbit
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Whether or not the European carriers, especially the low cost ones, are going to be more interested in hiring experience, or in hiring low time guys is anyone's guess. On the one hand, it would be sensible to hire experience, it would make training easier and more cost effective, as well as adding to safety. On the other hand, experienced guys are less likely to tolerate poor conditions and BS, so some low costs may be more inclined to take low time pilots as they will be more easily controlled, and have less to compare their ****ty conditions/treatment to.
If the majority of carriers decide to hire the experienced guys first, then I'd say 1500 on a C172 is going to be more beneficial, as you're more likely to pick up a job flying a turboprop with this, not to mention, if you go that route, you'll pick up valuable decision making skills, as well as hand-flying skills which, I don't care what anyone says, you will NOT pick up in the RHS of an A320. Those skills will help you a lot in your simulator checks once you are flying that jet. It will also make you appreciate your job on that jet far more when you do get there, and probably make you less insufferable for the majority of captains! ;-)
On the other hand, it can't be denied that most of us want to get into that jet as soon as possible, IF airlines decide to go with the "cadet" route and hire low time guys, then obviously a type rating on said jet will make you more employable in what is going to be a VERY competitive market.
On the whole I'd probably say 1500 hours in a C172, or better still, 500 in a C172 and 500 in a twin, will get you a job somewhere, whereas the 350 hour option will be a risk. Unless you're a sponsored cadet with a "guarantee" (airlines use that term loosely sometimes so be careful) of joining an airline once graduated, I'd say option 1 is your best bet.
Good luck out there, this is a cruel industry.
Educated Hillbilly
Yes you can renew the medical without even flying. If you are under 40, while the class 1 medical expires after 12 months, it is still then gives you a Class 2 medical for a further 4 years (5 years from the date of initial class 1 issue) . So you don't even need to renew the class 1 immediately at the expiry date, you wait until you need a class 1 again.
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Hong Kong
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Well a bit opinion from Hong Kong.
I dont know whether you guys have heard of "SARS" in 2003. It was also a pandemic disease which had an outbreak in mainly Asia.
Hong Kong was one of the most seriously affected place and the death rate of the disease we had here was up to 15-20%.
At that time, as a major global hub, the number of flights in Hong Kong were decreased by almost 80%.
Of course the crisis ended eventually but there is still no vaccine for the virus up to this day actually. The virus itself just magically disappeared.
One concrete data can be shared is that after the end of the crisis (which lasted for around 4-5 months in 2003), the tourism in Hong Kong had been in its historical low.
And eventually it took us around 3 months after the crisis had ended to restore to the pre-SARS level of passenger flow.
I'm not being too optimistic but what I can say is that once the situation of C-19 is controlled, the industry will definitely recover in a very rapid rate.
So let's cross our fingers and hope that the situation will soon get better.
I dont know whether you guys have heard of "SARS" in 2003. It was also a pandemic disease which had an outbreak in mainly Asia.
Hong Kong was one of the most seriously affected place and the death rate of the disease we had here was up to 15-20%.
At that time, as a major global hub, the number of flights in Hong Kong were decreased by almost 80%.
Of course the crisis ended eventually but there is still no vaccine for the virus up to this day actually. The virus itself just magically disappeared.
One concrete data can be shared is that after the end of the crisis (which lasted for around 4-5 months in 2003), the tourism in Hong Kong had been in its historical low.
And eventually it took us around 3 months after the crisis had ended to restore to the pre-SARS level of passenger flow.
I'm not being too optimistic but what I can say is that once the situation of C-19 is controlled, the industry will definitely recover in a very rapid rate.
So let's cross our fingers and hope that the situation will soon get better.
de minimus non curat lex
Well a bit opinion from Hong Kong.......
........And eventually it took us around 3 months after the crisis had ended to restore to the pre-SARS level of passenger flow. I'm not being too optimistic but what I can say is that once the situation of C-19 is controlled, the industry will definitely recover in a very rapid rate.So let's cross our fingers and hope that the situation will soon get better.
........And eventually it took us around 3 months after the crisis had ended to restore to the pre-SARS level of passenger flow. I'm not being too optimistic but what I can say is that once the situation of C-19 is controlled, the industry will definitely recover in a very rapid rate.So let's cross our fingers and hope that the situation will soon get better.
[first year Economics 1973 by one Dr. Reeky ~ Newcastle]
That in turn is a function of being in employment to earn the money, and the confidence to spend it, and not saving it all for a rainy day.
It follows that (excessive) unemployment will delay recovery.
The reported comment of “Christ” from Boris is the realising that lockdown is a double edged sword.
My money is on a vaccine available by December 2020. The Oxford team seem reasonably confident. Eight other teams also “working on it”
As for the recovery; well, green shoots in Q.2 of 2021.
Even keel Q.3 of 2022
Last edited by parkfell; 8th Jun 2020 at 13:38. Reason: Last two paragraphs. “ Doing a Cummings “
Join Date: Aug 2016
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Now that the shock and fear from the pandemic are gradually abating, people have already started thinking about travel. And the number of naysayers who believe in any sort of "new normal" involving far less travel long-term is getting smaller and smaller. Public confidence will be regained not too long after the restrictions are lifted and the economy will most likely recover fairly quickly as it entered the crisis in pretty good overall shape. Sure, there will be a period of re-absorption of experienced pilots into the market, leaving little space for new entrants. Some jets will inevitably have their tails repainted, many personnel will go to bed being employed by one company and wake up being employed by a different one. But saying that there's no future in airline flying and no efforts to enter this profession are worthwhile is pure nonsense.
I would still advise any newbie against going much further than a PPL, the odd hour once or twice a month to keep current and at-home studying of the ATPL subjects (since they require a fair bit of work and it's never too early to get started on that) for at least a year from now. I'm absolutely not saying this in the sense of "steer clear and get into something else". I'm saying it as in "not just yet, have some patience until the dust settles". If you can do a degree in the meantime - fantastic. If not - you can still acquire some valuable new skill or work experience. In some time, flying will be there for you. Just be patient and take your time.
I would still advise any newbie against going much further than a PPL, the odd hour once or twice a month to keep current and at-home studying of the ATPL subjects (since they require a fair bit of work and it's never too early to get started on that) for at least a year from now. I'm absolutely not saying this in the sense of "steer clear and get into something else". I'm saying it as in "not just yet, have some patience until the dust settles". If you can do a degree in the meantime - fantastic. If not - you can still acquire some valuable new skill or work experience. In some time, flying will be there for you. Just be patient and take your time.
Join Date: Sep 2017
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Let this pandemic be a warning to all you wannabe's how quickly your dreams can go up in smoke through no fault of your own. To borrow the ridiculous sums of money required to go on an overpriced course is sheer madness. The travelling public has been treated shoddily by the airlines and travel companies and this has shaken their confidence in making holiday arrangements. Business travel and a limited amount of bucket and spade bookings will not be enough to sustain some airlines so expect to see a few companies go under. This will have a knock-on effect on their recruitment and opportunities will become few for several years. Do not rush and make sure you have a plan B not involving Aviation.
I REALLY SHOULDN'T BE HERE
I would say that the mid 2022 is likely to be the earliest that wannabies should consider starting their commercial training if there sufficient indication of improvement. Be super careful about paying up front for any training - there will be lots of financially stressed companies out there. Willie Walsh has just been on LBC - BA won't return to 2019 size until 2024 which is probably a reasonable window for any large companies which survive. Bear in mind that when you do pop out the far end of the training system, salaries may be lower than they have been for the past few years - frequently in times of turmoil, pilot unions are asked to sell the next generation down the river to protect their own contracts by allowing companies to offer a diminished package to new joiners. Personally I have been flying for about 15 years and this is the second time I am having to assess options outside the industry in case I am made redundant. If you are smart enough to fly commercially, you are smart enough to succeed in many other professions which are less turbulent.
Join Date: Nov 2018
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I get that this 'it will get better, just look at [random example]' is a way of cognitive coping for many, but it will only lull newbies into selling their parent's house since their confimation bias will be reinforced by these 'hopeful messages'.
I invite you to take a look at the "European Airline Pilots" FB group to get a sobering view on the situation. created the 31st of may and 10k+ members already.
Fresh F/O's, SFO's, CPTs, ex-mil drivers, all in **** or about to be, meanwhile driving delivery trucks just to get by.
Daily stories of people who just got into RHS, 3-4-5-6 years after finishing their fATPL, now on furlough/dismissed.
Yes it will get better, but just be real.
Join Date: Aug 2016
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It will get better, that's for sure. But, with all that unemployed experienced crew, a 200-hour junior birdman will be far behind the pack when jobs start coming up - simply because airlines will have so many more convincing candidates to choose from for quite a while. Just put into perspective the fact that former A380 pilots will be applying for the same jobs as you. And that will likely be the case for at least three years from now. Of course, with some degree of variation by region.
So, it's down to you to accept that this will take a bit longer than you hoped for and spend your time and money wisely rather than rush straight into it the moment lockdown is lifted and then spend a year or two struggling with debt, frustration and diminishing skills and knowledge. Whether you will be studying for a degree, starting up your own business, getting vocational training in a trade, working and saving money to do the entire fATPL without getting into any debt or a combination of those - that's up to you. But making the most out of that inevitable waiting time can pay you massive dividends in the long-term run. You can choose to come out of the other end as a well-rounded, financially sound and confident individual with a fATPL. Or you can choose to become a minimum-wage worker with a fATPL, hamstrung with debt, struggling to keep current and devoid of any prospects anytime soon. Your call.
So, it's down to you to accept that this will take a bit longer than you hoped for and spend your time and money wisely rather than rush straight into it the moment lockdown is lifted and then spend a year or two struggling with debt, frustration and diminishing skills and knowledge. Whether you will be studying for a degree, starting up your own business, getting vocational training in a trade, working and saving money to do the entire fATPL without getting into any debt or a combination of those - that's up to you. But making the most out of that inevitable waiting time can pay you massive dividends in the long-term run. You can choose to come out of the other end as a well-rounded, financially sound and confident individual with a fATPL. Or you can choose to become a minimum-wage worker with a fATPL, hamstrung with debt, struggling to keep current and devoid of any prospects anytime soon. Your call.
Join Date: Mar 2016
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What amazes me is how these conversations ALWAYS descend in to name calling and arguing! People are genuinely looking for advice and help, common sense would say ‘go to a forum with pilots and ask them for assistance’. Give it a few days and it’s chaos.
I understand that people will have different ideas about the way to proceed with training and the effect of COVID on the industry. But let’s try and be mature, help each other out and be respectful to one another.
every thread is full to brim with ‘glossy brochure this’ and ‘mummy and daddy that’ with the odd splattering ‘You are an idiot if you don’t go modular’.
it’s not helpful.
rant over! Peace
I understand that people will have different ideas about the way to proceed with training and the effect of COVID on the industry. But let’s try and be mature, help each other out and be respectful to one another.
every thread is full to brim with ‘glossy brochure this’ and ‘mummy and daddy that’ with the odd splattering ‘You are an idiot if you don’t go modular’.
it’s not helpful.
rant over! Peace
Many people are in difficult situations. Take me for example. I am studying for my ATPLs at the moment and would have sat exams this month if it weren't for the cancellation of them. I'm in a real pickle with what to do. My current plan is to sit them as slowly as possible, probably stretching the exams out until next summer. Then to take a break and find a full-time job and see how the market looks after that. Only three years to get the CPL/IR after finishing the exams of course.
Another part of me is thinking that I should just give up now and start again when the market looks like it's picking up.
I don't think there is a right answer, and, TBH, I'd be a little scared to ask here in case someone describes me as an 'idiot' or 'out of my mind'. Nobody is against honest advice, but the way some people put it...
Join Date: Aug 2016
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As unpleasant as it is to read that you are delusional and out of your mind and you need to have your head checked, it's usually nothing personal. It's not about you; it's about some colleagues having coping problems and relieving them by preaching doom and gloom all over the place. I've seen that a number of times in real world as well. Many seem to feel some relief by making those around them upset.
There's no denial that the current situation is not pretty and it will not get miraculously sorted by next month. But by moaning about how screwed we are we won't make it any better. So, everyone shall ask themselves two things. First, what do I need to do to survive this financially? Second, how do I keep my skills and knowledge sharp for that day when a suitable job comes up? As long as you have those answered, it's a matter of patience.
There's no denial that the current situation is not pretty and it will not get miraculously sorted by next month. But by moaning about how screwed we are we won't make it any better. So, everyone shall ask themselves two things. First, what do I need to do to survive this financially? Second, how do I keep my skills and knowledge sharp for that day when a suitable job comes up? As long as you have those answered, it's a matter of patience.
de minimus non curat lex
I am studying for my ATPLs at the moment and would have sat exams this month if it weren't for the cancellation of them.........My current plan is to sit them as slowly as possible, probably stretching the exams out until next summer. Then to take a break and find a full-time job and see how the market looks after that.......
Full time job now, and ideally do the necessary without incurring debt. Class One Medical issued?
Gentle hour building, IR(R), night rating, QCC and once the green shoots have firmly established, write the exams, followed by the modular CPL/IR courses.
Just bear in mind, when airlines talk about recovering etc, that is not talking about active recruitment. Retirements will be more frequent than expansion.
Confidence and ‘circulation of money‘ are the essential drivers for recovery.
Join Date: Mar 2016
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https://www.iaa.ie/personnel-licensi...t-examinations
''At ATPL level, a pass in the theoretical knowledge examinations will be accepted for the grant of a CPL and/or an Instrument rating (IR) for a period of 36 months, counted from the end of the calendar month when a pass in all required examination papers was achieved. Provided that both a CPL and IR are granted within the aforementioned 36 month period, ATPL level examination results will be accepted for the grant of an ATPL for a period of seven years from the most recent validity date of the IR entered in the CPL.''
Yes, I have a PPL and class 1. I suppose I am quite lucky in some regards. The only money I have paid for upfront at the moment is for the ATPL theory which is pennies in comparison to other parts of training. I have no debt and have already saved up enough money through working to pay all the way through to MCC. For me personally, I've waited a fair while and waiting a few more years to finish at the ideal time is not a massive issue in the grand scheme of things.
Educated Hillbilly
Parkfell, you are partly correct, there is an 18 months time limit to complete the exams once the first exam is sat, the 36 months for completing the training starts from when the exams are completed. So yes the clock does start ticking at the first exam effectively.
Are you sure about that?
https://www.iaa.ie/personnel-licensi...t-examinations
''At ATPL level, a pass in the theoretical knowledge examinations will be accepted for the grant of a CPL and/or an Instrument rating (IR) for a period of 36 months, counted from the end of the calendar month when a pass in all required examination papers was achieved. Provided that both a CPL and IR are granted within the aforementioned 36 month period, ATPL level examination results will be accepted for the grant of an ATPL for a period of seven years from the most recent validity date of the IR entered in the CPL.''
Yes, I have a PPL and class 1. I suppose I am quite lucky in some regards. The only money I have paid for upfront at the moment is for the ATPL theory which is pennies in comparison to other parts of training. I have no debt and have already saved up enough money through working to pay all the way through to MCC. For me personally, I've waited a fair while and waiting a few more years to finish at the ideal time is not a massive issue in the grand scheme of things.
https://www.iaa.ie/personnel-licensi...t-examinations
''At ATPL level, a pass in the theoretical knowledge examinations will be accepted for the grant of a CPL and/or an Instrument rating (IR) for a period of 36 months, counted from the end of the calendar month when a pass in all required examination papers was achieved. Provided that both a CPL and IR are granted within the aforementioned 36 month period, ATPL level examination results will be accepted for the grant of an ATPL for a period of seven years from the most recent validity date of the IR entered in the CPL.''
Yes, I have a PPL and class 1. I suppose I am quite lucky in some regards. The only money I have paid for upfront at the moment is for the ATPL theory which is pennies in comparison to other parts of training. I have no debt and have already saved up enough money through working to pay all the way through to MCC. For me personally, I've waited a fair while and waiting a few more years to finish at the ideal time is not a massive issue in the grand scheme of things.
Join Date: Nov 2017
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Hey guys looking for some advice. Currently I hold a PPL and was about to start sitting my atpl exams. Do you recommend delaying it? My only worry is about the changes they are bringing regarding '100 KSA'. I would be sitting all my exams in Poland
Join Date: Jan 2012
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