MPL vs Modular full time (vs part time)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MPL vs Modular full time (vs part time)
Hello,
I'm a 30 year old political adviser and am currently saving to make the switch to aviation. I have about £40k so far and can save around £1500 a month. I'm weighing up what route to pursue - integrated is out due to the cost and so it's either modular or the EasyJet MPL in my mind. My plan is to save approx. £100k before starting training so that I can afford either the MPL, or modular plus a type rating. I have good credit and so can probably borrow £10-20k to start sooner, but I'd be nervous about the repayments in the event I don't get a job soon after finishing training.
The MPL has been my preference because as far as I can tell the cost is roughly the same when factoring in the type rating (MPL is £90k and includes type rating, modular is ~£60k and type rating is ~£30k so £90k total) but also comes with additional job security. I know that the job isn't guaranteed and EasyJet pulled offers during Covid, but from what I've read on this forum EasyJet has since offered seats to those who lost out.
It seems like the main risk of the MPL is that I'd be at the mercy of EasyJet and CAE. If things are delayed or something goes wrong, my training is delayed and there's not much I can do about it. Since the course is full time this would be a problem as I would have to cover the living costs for longer while not being employed. Modular doesn't have this risk, but there is a higher risk of being unemployed once I finish my training. I don't have any family I can stay with or can support me.
And if I did go modular, should I do it full time or part time? I like the idea of full time so that I can fully dedicate myself to it and get it done in a couple of years. My job can be all-consuming at times and it would be difficult to consistently train outside of work.
I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.
Thank you
I'm a 30 year old political adviser and am currently saving to make the switch to aviation. I have about £40k so far and can save around £1500 a month. I'm weighing up what route to pursue - integrated is out due to the cost and so it's either modular or the EasyJet MPL in my mind. My plan is to save approx. £100k before starting training so that I can afford either the MPL, or modular plus a type rating. I have good credit and so can probably borrow £10-20k to start sooner, but I'd be nervous about the repayments in the event I don't get a job soon after finishing training.
The MPL has been my preference because as far as I can tell the cost is roughly the same when factoring in the type rating (MPL is £90k and includes type rating, modular is ~£60k and type rating is ~£30k so £90k total) but also comes with additional job security. I know that the job isn't guaranteed and EasyJet pulled offers during Covid, but from what I've read on this forum EasyJet has since offered seats to those who lost out.
It seems like the main risk of the MPL is that I'd be at the mercy of EasyJet and CAE. If things are delayed or something goes wrong, my training is delayed and there's not much I can do about it. Since the course is full time this would be a problem as I would have to cover the living costs for longer while not being employed. Modular doesn't have this risk, but there is a higher risk of being unemployed once I finish my training. I don't have any family I can stay with or can support me.
And if I did go modular, should I do it full time or part time? I like the idea of full time so that I can fully dedicate myself to it and get it done in a couple of years. My job can be all-consuming at times and it would be difficult to consistently train outside of work.
I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.
Thank you
Hello,
I'm a 30 year old political adviser and am currently saving to make the switch to aviation. I have about £40k so far and can save around £1500 a month. I'm weighing up what route to pursue - integrated is out due to the cost and so it's either modular or the EasyJet MPL in my mind. My plan is to save approx. £100k before starting training so that I can afford either the MPL, or modular plus a type rating. I have good credit and so can probably borrow £10-20k to start sooner, but I'd be nervous about the repayments in the event I don't get a job soon after finishing training.
The MPL has been my preference because as far as I can tell the cost is roughly the same when factoring in the type rating (MPL is £90k and includes type rating, modular is ~£60k and type rating is ~£30k so £90k total) but also comes with additional job security. I know that the job isn't guaranteed and EasyJet pulled offers during Covid, but from what I've read on this forum EasyJet has since offered seats to those who lost out.
It seems like the main risk of the MPL is that I'd be at the mercy of EasyJet and CAE. If things are delayed or something goes wrong, my training is delayed and there's not much I can do about it. Since the course is full time this would be a problem as I would have to cover the living costs for longer while not being employed. Modular doesn't have this risk, but there is a higher risk of being unemployed once I finish my training. I don't have any family I can stay with or can support me.
And if I did go modular, should I do it full time or part time? I like the idea of full time so that I can fully dedicate myself to it and get it done in a couple of years. My job can be all-consuming at times and it would be difficult to consistently train outside of work.
I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.
Thank you
I'm a 30 year old political adviser and am currently saving to make the switch to aviation. I have about £40k so far and can save around £1500 a month. I'm weighing up what route to pursue - integrated is out due to the cost and so it's either modular or the EasyJet MPL in my mind. My plan is to save approx. £100k before starting training so that I can afford either the MPL, or modular plus a type rating. I have good credit and so can probably borrow £10-20k to start sooner, but I'd be nervous about the repayments in the event I don't get a job soon after finishing training.
The MPL has been my preference because as far as I can tell the cost is roughly the same when factoring in the type rating (MPL is £90k and includes type rating, modular is ~£60k and type rating is ~£30k so £90k total) but also comes with additional job security. I know that the job isn't guaranteed and EasyJet pulled offers during Covid, but from what I've read on this forum EasyJet has since offered seats to those who lost out.
It seems like the main risk of the MPL is that I'd be at the mercy of EasyJet and CAE. If things are delayed or something goes wrong, my training is delayed and there's not much I can do about it. Since the course is full time this would be a problem as I would have to cover the living costs for longer while not being employed. Modular doesn't have this risk, but there is a higher risk of being unemployed once I finish my training. I don't have any family I can stay with or can support me.
And if I did go modular, should I do it full time or part time? I like the idea of full time so that I can fully dedicate myself to it and get it done in a couple of years. My job can be all-consuming at times and it would be difficult to consistently train outside of work.
I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.
Thank you
Definitely borrow some cash. If you need to repay it then you’ll just be repaying the money you’d have otherwise been saving, but you’ll start a year earlier.
Alongside this I trust your carpet bombing BA/Aer Lingus/TUI sponsored schemes as well? Take any, hardest bit is getting the first job!
If you're a political advisor you should be shrewd enough and sneaky enough to land yourself an interview which is the hardedt part. Follow the route that will get you into the RHS as quickly a possible. Spending an extra year saving £18k is going to cost you £180k in career earnings.
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm in a broadly similar position to the OP, looking into the industry from the outside.
Firstly, make sure you can get a Class 1 medical, you won't be able to fly commercially without one.
As has been said, apply for any fully sponsored schemes which come up. An important part of these is that the airline has skin in the game, so to speak. It's not in their interest to terminate the programme mid-way through due to an industry downturn or similar. If it's a self-funded "tagged" programme, the airline doesn't have the same investment in making sure you have a job at the end.
As for the self-funded full-time/part-time debate, how easily can you return to your current career after a break? If you can pick up contractual ad-hoc work, full-time training might be worth a bet, however if it's tough to get back in then you might be better going part-time. Commercial aviation is very cyclical when it comes to employment and it can change very quickly. The job market may be strong now but will it be in two years' time? No-one really knows. I'm a bit risk-averse and tend to plan around the worst outcome and work from there but that's just me.
You haven't said how much flying you've done so far, it may be worth taking up gliding or getting a PPL to see if you enjoy it. The only thing to watch out for is that TUI won't take you on their sponsored scheme if you have over 100 hours.
Firstly, make sure you can get a Class 1 medical, you won't be able to fly commercially without one.
As has been said, apply for any fully sponsored schemes which come up. An important part of these is that the airline has skin in the game, so to speak. It's not in their interest to terminate the programme mid-way through due to an industry downturn or similar. If it's a self-funded "tagged" programme, the airline doesn't have the same investment in making sure you have a job at the end.
As for the self-funded full-time/part-time debate, how easily can you return to your current career after a break? If you can pick up contractual ad-hoc work, full-time training might be worth a bet, however if it's tough to get back in then you might be better going part-time. Commercial aviation is very cyclical when it comes to employment and it can change very quickly. The job market may be strong now but will it be in two years' time? No-one really knows. I'm a bit risk-averse and tend to plan around the worst outcome and work from there but that's just me.
You haven't said how much flying you've done so far, it may be worth taking up gliding or getting a PPL to see if you enjoy it. The only thing to watch out for is that TUI won't take you on their sponsored scheme if you have over 100 hours.
Also, MPL or integrated is very much all or nothing.
By going Modular you can effectively stop and assess at each stage. Your PPL and first hundred hours are about having fun. Once you have passed the ATPL exams you have a 3 year clock ticking and your next 100 hours will be more professionally focused: CBIR, MEP, MEIR and CPL. If the market takes a downturn you have the option to finish everything single engine (for about what you have saved) Then you can just sit on it and let everything expire. When the market recovers you can get your MEIR and MCC
By going Modular you can effectively stop and assess at each stage. Your PPL and first hundred hours are about having fun. Once you have passed the ATPL exams you have a 3 year clock ticking and your next 100 hours will be more professionally focused: CBIR, MEP, MEIR and CPL. If the market takes a downturn you have the option to finish everything single engine (for about what you have saved) Then you can just sit on it and let everything expire. When the market recovers you can get your MEIR and MCC
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Sunny Solihull
Age: 67
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A no brainer Fiskardo. Modular every time be it part-time for flexibility and financial safety due change in world events or full-time (known it done in 15 months). You could mix & match say PPL at weekends (after class 1 medical first), then hour building as required. The ATPLs are the most tricky & demotivating part and you might want to consider doing them full-time 6-8 months (that's what I did over 30 years ago). Some of the flying CPL & IR will require almost full-time attendance for consistency.
Remember the MPL is airline specific assuming you can actually get a place on one of the schemes, great if it works but could be left with nothing if it doesn't. You also can't go and fly a light aircraft for fun without further training. With a Frozen ATPL (CPL/IR) preferably both UK & EASA rated you can then apply to any operator and YOU not the 'sponsoring' airline are more in control of your dreams.
Strongly recommend you follow rudesuff's & others of a certain vintage advice as we are not trying to sell you something.
Remember the MPL is airline specific assuming you can actually get a place on one of the schemes, great if it works but could be left with nothing if it doesn't. You also can't go and fly a light aircraft for fun without further training. With a Frozen ATPL (CPL/IR) preferably both UK & EASA rated you can then apply to any operator and YOU not the 'sponsoring' airline are more in control of your dreams.
Strongly recommend you follow rudesuff's & others of a certain vintage advice as we are not trying to sell you something.
Join Date: Apr 2024
Location: UK
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would recommend modular as the others have said. It is usually cheaper while also allowing you to work at the same time.
I can't remember the exact requirements, but take a look at the airlines recruiting to see what they want. I think BA want no more than 3 training providers or something.
As Chris said, TUI and BA both do the sponsored schemes, so they could be worth looking at. TUI is open next January I think.
I can't remember the exact requirements, but take a look at the airlines recruiting to see what they want. I think BA want no more than 3 training providers or something.
As Chris said, TUI and BA both do the sponsored schemes, so they could be worth looking at. TUI is open next January I think.
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: Leeds
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I’d definitely advise a modular route. If I was doing it again, I’d go modular and do my PPL and Hour building whilst continuing to work and saving up to then do ATPLS right the way through to MCC and UPRT as full time as possible.
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would advise modular, gives the flexibility fraction of the price. And allows you to start sooner rather than later while still saving. The market is good at the moment, though always hard to predict what it will look like in 18-24 months. At the moment, there are airlines out there recruiting who will fund your type rating with no up front cost. If you delayed a year or so to save the money for the type rating to find you didn't need it then that could be time wasted that you could have otherwise been flying (but nice to have that money laying around!)
I went modular with no funds set aside for type rating and secured a role with a bonded type rating. Though I wouldn't have predicted that 12 months ago. It's worth the risk though, and if you get to the end and do need to pay for the type rating - borrow the money then would be my opinion.
I went modular with no funds set aside for type rating and secured a role with a bonded type rating. Though I wouldn't have predicted that 12 months ago. It's worth the risk though, and if you get to the end and do need to pay for the type rating - borrow the money then would be my opinion.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone, I'm leaning more towards modular now and doing at least the first bit part time. I want to be strategic with how I use my annual leave and when to take a sabbatical or quit and go full time. I've drawn up a rough plan:
1. Class 1 Medical
2. While working full time, study for the PPL exams on evenings and weekends and get these all done before flying. Then take a few weeks of annual leave during a summer and start flying. Then night rating.
3. Take an 8-10 month sabbatical from work to study ATPL theory full time (is it worth doing both CAA and EASA? I only have the right to live and work in the UK but I think RyanAir requires EASA too)
4. Return to work and hour build on weekends and during annual leave (e.g. go to Florida/Arizona for a few weeks)
5. Go part time at work (e.g. 3 days a week) and do IMC->CBIR->MEP->MEIR->CPL in that order to save costs as suggested. I'd quit my job at some point in this process as it sounds like IR and CPL are better done full-time.
Does this make sense? Appreciate any suggestions on how to improve this, like if I should hour build before the ATPLs, or skip going part time and just go straight into the IMC full time after hour building etc.
1. Class 1 Medical
2. While working full time, study for the PPL exams on evenings and weekends and get these all done before flying. Then take a few weeks of annual leave during a summer and start flying. Then night rating.
3. Take an 8-10 month sabbatical from work to study ATPL theory full time (is it worth doing both CAA and EASA? I only have the right to live and work in the UK but I think RyanAir requires EASA too)
4. Return to work and hour build on weekends and during annual leave (e.g. go to Florida/Arizona for a few weeks)
5. Go part time at work (e.g. 3 days a week) and do IMC->CBIR->MEP->MEIR->CPL in that order to save costs as suggested. I'd quit my job at some point in this process as it sounds like IR and CPL are better done full-time.
Does this make sense? Appreciate any suggestions on how to improve this, like if I should hour build before the ATPLs, or skip going part time and just go straight into the IMC full time after hour building etc.
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would say on point 2 - don't expect to complete PPL in a few weeks, especially not in UK. Book every available day you have, and expect 50% to be cancelled. Also, book early. I once had a lesson and once landed I went to book in for the next lesson, and I had to wait 7 weeks. With instructors thin on the ground now due to the market buoyancy and everybody wanting to train, I expect this wait would be longer. Plan very early and ahead if you can.
On the CPL and IR - I did both over the course of 5 months while working a full-time night job (Tues-Fri 1900-0530) - its very doable around work if you have the capacity. I flew Saturday PM, available all Sunday and Monday, and Tuesday AM. On a given week I may have only flown twice. May not need to quit the job, can earn and do your training at same time with a reputable modular school!
On the CPL and IR - I did both over the course of 5 months while working a full-time night job (Tues-Fri 1900-0530) - its very doable around work if you have the capacity. I flew Saturday PM, available all Sunday and Monday, and Tuesday AM. On a given week I may have only flown twice. May not need to quit the job, can earn and do your training at same time with a reputable modular school!
Join Date: May 2024
Location: Southampton
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would say on point 2 - don't expect to complete PPL in a few weeks, especially not in UK. Book every available day you have, and expect 50% to be cancelled. Also, book early. I once had a lesson and once landed I went to book in for the next lesson, and I had to wait 7 weeks.
