Easyjet MPL, CX Cadet or Self Funded?

[Mickey Kaye]

And what are the FlyBE MPL lot upto these days?

[RidingWings]

Originally Posted by ay380

I'm looking to start flight training and not really sure which would be the best option for me in the current market. I've saved enough to allow me to go self funded and I qualify for cadet programmes so currently my options are:

1. Easyjet MPL Cadet Programme - have read all the posts about cadets being dropped etc. but this is still a most direct way of getting onto a jet
2. Self funded UK CAA/EASA fATPL (integrated) - no guaranteed employment at the end of the course (done the research and integrated is the way to go for me)
3. CX Cadet Programme - have read all the posts about current CX conditions/contract and long time before upgrade to FO (if ever) but also a direct way to be on a widebody

Being 30, I feel like I should build as much experience as possible instead of spending 5-7 years after training as a relief pilot so I am leaning towards either the Easyjet MPL or self funded route. However, I'm having a difficult time deciding which option would be the best to take as I worry about the licence and job opportunities that I will end up with.

So my questions are:
If you were in my position, which of these options would you go for?

• Go for the most direct route to hands on jet flying but run the risk of being stuck with a MPL and/or with no job?
  • How risky do you think the MPL course is given that Europe is in/heading towards post-COVID recovery?
• Self fund a UK CAA & EASA fATPL and hope the job market will be positive when done with the course? What do you think the job market will be like in 2024/25?
  • I note that if I choose this route, I'm unlikely to be able to be offered a job with Easyjet as they're only taking cadets from CAE (as mentioned on this forum), so that would be one opportunity out the window right off the bat
• Or spend 5-7 years (according to posts I've read) in the jumpseat of a widebody hoping to eventually upgrade to FO whilst being close to family and friends

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you for your help in advance.

Hello all, I'm in a similar situation so didn't want to start a new thread on the topic.

I'm also looking to start flight training but unsure of which path to choose. I have similar options to the OP except that I don't have the funds to go integrated.
I've applied for the CX Cadetship and awaiting to hear back about assessments, but after reading through this forum I'm not sure if its a good option anymore, considering I could get stuck indefinitely in a SO position, unable to move elsewhere with a P2X.
I've also been offered a position as Cabin Crew with BA although due to a massive backlog, have no start date yet. I thought perhaps I could do this while going modular in the UK.
Been seeing the option of going to flight school in the US mentioned in this forum as well, but unclear as to how that would work.
Since it's early 2023 now and many restrictions have been lifted, I'd like to ask the opinion of those in here as to what you think is the best path towards getting licensed now?

TIA!

[RidingWings]

Hello all, I'm in a similar situation so didn't want to start a new thread on the topic.

I'm also looking to start flight training but unsure of which path to choose. I have similar options to the OP except that I don't have the funds to go integrated.
I've applied for the CX Cadetship and awaiting to hear back about assessments, but after reading through this forum I'm not sure if its a good option anymore, considering I could get stuck indefinitely in a SO position, unable to move elsewhere with a P2X.
I've also been offered a position as Cabin Crew with BA although due to a massive backlog, have no start date yet. I thought perhaps I could do this while going modular in the UK.
Been seeing the option of going to flight school in the US mentioned in this forum as well, but unclear as to how that would work.
Since it's early 2023 now and many restrictions have been lifted, I'd like to ask the opinion of those in here as to what you think is the best path towards getting licensed now?

TIA!

[Karimbelba]

Funding

Originally Posted by Theholdingpoint

Unless you really want to work for easyJet I'd go modular while working.
As far as I know there are a couple of banks willing to finance part of the training, but it won't go anywhere near the full cost (max about 70k €) and the interest rates are over 3%.
That means a ~700€/month repayment at least (over 10 years).

hi do you have any more information about this banks?

[Andreia Almeida]

Easyjet& Ryanair & WizzAir

Hi everyone,

That's so helpful to read all your doubts that's are mines as well in the end.

I am over 30 and the decision on which path to go for a pilot training is even more important because I can't just spend all this amount of money for a course and then being without a job. And it scares I think for all of us.

▪︎ Regarding Easyjet Cadet Program anyone knows how is the CAE school? And if you do the MPL cadet program when they release you how many flying hours do you have? In their page looks like much more theory than actually learn how to fly in a real airplane or it's just my misunderstanding?

▪︎If considering Ryanair Cadet Program as far as I could see you do the training in the schools they recommend but is not guarantee that they will actually hire you because you just have high priority in the assessments and who knows what that mean. The school fee will be around 60-80k Eur + Type Rating with them if we got selected. So is almost same money than Easyjet Cadet Program in the end. Am I right?

▪︎ Wizz Air cadet program, anyone knows if they select candidates from all over Europe or just eastern europeans?

And anyone knows if a age is a concern for this programs?

Thank you very much for your feedback

[italianwings]

Originally Posted by RidingWings

Hello all, I'm in a similar situation so didn't want to start a new thread on the topic.

I'm also looking to start flight training but unsure of which path to choose. I have similar options to the OP except that I don't have the funds to go integrated.
I've applied for the CX Cadetship and awaiting to hear back about assessments, but after reading through this forum I'm not sure if its a good option anymore, considering I could get stuck indefinitely in a SO position, unable to move elsewhere with a P2X.
I've also been offered a position as Cabin Crew with BA although due to a massive backlog, have no start date yet. I thought perhaps I could do this while going modular in the UK.
Been seeing the option of going to flight school in the US mentioned in this forum as well, but unclear as to how that would work.
Since it's early 2023 now and many restrictions have been lifted, I'd like to ask the opinion of those in here as to what you think is the best path towards getting licensed now?

TIA!

Hello there,
I find myself in similar boots and have been working for BA in the cabin for the past year. Have you joined us yet ?
I am considering starting my ppl and then join eventually a cadet program.
Stays safe
Giulio

[mhurley]

Originally Posted by ay380

I'm looking to start flight training and not really sure which would be the best option for me in the current market. I've saved enough to allow me to go self funded and I qualify for cadet programmes so currently my options are:

1. Easyjet MPL Cadet Programme - have read all the posts about cadets being dropped etc. but this is still a most direct way of getting onto a jet
2. Self funded UK CAA/EASA fATPL (integrated) - no guaranteed employment at the end of the course (done the research and integrated is the way to go for me)
3. CX Cadet Programme - have read all the posts about current CX conditions/contract and long time before upgrade to FO (if ever) but also a direct way to be on a widebody

Being 30, I feel like I should build as much experience as possible instead of spending 5-7 years after training as a relief pilot so I am leaning towards either the Easyjet MPL or self funded route. However, I'm having a difficult time deciding which option would be the best to take as I worry about the licence and job opportunities that I will end up with.

So my questions are:
If you were in my position, which of these options would you go for?

• Go for the most direct route to hands on jet flying but run the risk of being stuck with a MPL and/or with no job?
  • How risky do you think the MPL course is given that Europe is in/heading towards post-COVID recovery?
• Self fund a UK CAA & EASA fATPL and hope the job market will be positive when done with the course? What do you think the job market will be like in 2024/25?
  • I note that if I choose this route, I'm unlikely to be able to be offered a job with Easyjet as they're only taking cadets from CAE (as mentioned on this forum), so that would be one opportunity out the window right off the bat
• Or spend 5-7 years (according to posts I've read) in the jumpseat of a widebody hoping to eventually upgrade to FO whilst being close to family and friends

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you for your help in advance.

I am in nearly the exact same boat as you, 31 looking to start training at 32. I'd love an update, maybe we could in touch, too.