Help needed before I muck up my life with a bad decision
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Locarno
Help needed before I muck up my life with a bad decision
Hello all, long time lurker, first time poster.
I need some help on figuring out a plan before I make some idiotic decisions. If some kind soul would like to lend a hand and give some tips I'll be eternally grateful.
My current situation:
-27yo in Switzerland
-About 35'000€ in savings, last salary will be end of February.
-About to terminate a contract as an ATCO trainee after 3 year+ of studying, unsuccessful end of training
-Gigantic time pressure
I'll spare you all the details for the sake of longevity. I've been an ATCO trainee since 2021, after a long time the decision was took to terminate my training, both from the company and as well from my side, because even if being an ATCO was cool and all, I really, REALLY, want to be a pilot, and I was increasingly unhappy with my life, so I welcomed the change.
Well, all good right? I'll work a couple of years and pay for my training as I go... WRONG! Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and the reason is very simple; my lovely girlfriend of 4 years, which endured all the stress of living with a trainee in a highly selective environment (because yes, less than 50% of trainee never get to see a license in our ANSP), has been very patient, supportive, and in general an amazing partner, but she is also 33yo. Why do I mention this? Well, we spent large amounts of our free times planning and dreaming the day the ATCO training would end and we could start a family, both me and her really want children and the clock is ticking, nature is a bitch. She is very supportive of my ambition of working in aviation, also changing now to become a pilot, but the future ain't looking very bright when checking my options.
Bottom line is: If I want to become a licensed pilot, I better start NOW, there is no time to waste.
The options I have considered:
-Do the training integrated, the fastest option, but I can't afford it.
-Ask for a bank loan, possible via my father (they would reject me as I won't have a salary during training) but will also require me to work while training to repay the monthly check (no bank will accept delays on payment after more than three months), and not many schools aren't open to that (AELO in Locarno already told me that they won't accept it as the training is very intensive), while other schools in the area are very expensive and less recognized
-Get hired in a sponsored cadet program, I already sent an application to all those program open to me, but you all know how unlikely it is to get hired.
-Go modular, pay what I can as I go, this would be the slowest option because at some point I will have to stop and get the money up, thing that I can also potentially do during theory (PPL and ATPL mainly) as certain schools allow distance learning. In any case I would need to stop at some point as cumulating 30k€ extra is not exactly a 3 weeks task.
-Modular until December, deploy with the army for 6 months in January and finish the rest later. I have a chance to deploy in some peacekeeping missions as I'm a lieutenant in the Swiss Armed Forces, this will allow me to get 45k€ in a relatively short span, when back, i could finish my training. This option worries me as I will be away from any flying for 6 months, that's a long time, will I forget some stuff? Will my performance suffer from it? How long will all this take?
Additionally on all that, if I pick modular, where do I go? My idea is to go with the more affordable Spanish, Polish or Hungarian schools at least for PPL and hour building as it saves quite a lot, and maybe do the most key courses in more "heavy name" schools for my CV.
I got so much confusion in my head and so little time to think and act about it, my contract with my current employee end at the end of February, if I want to do this, I better have a plan.
Any help or insight will be extremely applicated!
Oh and PS: Yes, I'm 100% sure about flying, I had the luxury of getting free rides here and there with local FI at my airport where I could also fly the aircraft, and it was the time of my life, I LOVE it.
I need some help on figuring out a plan before I make some idiotic decisions. If some kind soul would like to lend a hand and give some tips I'll be eternally grateful.
My current situation:
-27yo in Switzerland
-About 35'000€ in savings, last salary will be end of February.
-About to terminate a contract as an ATCO trainee after 3 year+ of studying, unsuccessful end of training
-Gigantic time pressure
I'll spare you all the details for the sake of longevity. I've been an ATCO trainee since 2021, after a long time the decision was took to terminate my training, both from the company and as well from my side, because even if being an ATCO was cool and all, I really, REALLY, want to be a pilot, and I was increasingly unhappy with my life, so I welcomed the change.
Well, all good right? I'll work a couple of years and pay for my training as I go... WRONG! Unfortunately, time is not on my side, and the reason is very simple; my lovely girlfriend of 4 years, which endured all the stress of living with a trainee in a highly selective environment (because yes, less than 50% of trainee never get to see a license in our ANSP), has been very patient, supportive, and in general an amazing partner, but she is also 33yo. Why do I mention this? Well, we spent large amounts of our free times planning and dreaming the day the ATCO training would end and we could start a family, both me and her really want children and the clock is ticking, nature is a bitch. She is very supportive of my ambition of working in aviation, also changing now to become a pilot, but the future ain't looking very bright when checking my options.
Bottom line is: If I want to become a licensed pilot, I better start NOW, there is no time to waste.
The options I have considered:
-Do the training integrated, the fastest option, but I can't afford it.
-Ask for a bank loan, possible via my father (they would reject me as I won't have a salary during training) but will also require me to work while training to repay the monthly check (no bank will accept delays on payment after more than three months), and not many schools aren't open to that (AELO in Locarno already told me that they won't accept it as the training is very intensive), while other schools in the area are very expensive and less recognized
-Get hired in a sponsored cadet program, I already sent an application to all those program open to me, but you all know how unlikely it is to get hired.
-Go modular, pay what I can as I go, this would be the slowest option because at some point I will have to stop and get the money up, thing that I can also potentially do during theory (PPL and ATPL mainly) as certain schools allow distance learning. In any case I would need to stop at some point as cumulating 30k€ extra is not exactly a 3 weeks task.
-Modular until December, deploy with the army for 6 months in January and finish the rest later. I have a chance to deploy in some peacekeeping missions as I'm a lieutenant in the Swiss Armed Forces, this will allow me to get 45k€ in a relatively short span, when back, i could finish my training. This option worries me as I will be away from any flying for 6 months, that's a long time, will I forget some stuff? Will my performance suffer from it? How long will all this take?
Additionally on all that, if I pick modular, where do I go? My idea is to go with the more affordable Spanish, Polish or Hungarian schools at least for PPL and hour building as it saves quite a lot, and maybe do the most key courses in more "heavy name" schools for my CV.
I got so much confusion in my head and so little time to think and act about it, my contract with my current employee end at the end of February, if I want to do this, I better have a plan.
Any help or insight will be extremely applicated!
Oh and PS: Yes, I'm 100% sure about flying, I had the luxury of getting free rides here and there with local FI at my airport where I could also fly the aircraft, and it was the time of my life, I LOVE it.
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Europe
Hey,
Are you occupied during your potential employment? If it’s possible you could study for your ATPL’s during those 6 months so those aren’t wasted.
I followed the modular path, it allows you to pick your own pace. Either fast or slow. I did the latter because, just like you, I had about 30k available upfront and had to earn the rest on the side.
Holding a decent job it took me about 4 years start to finish. However, if you have the money up front you can speed up your modular courses faster than an integrated study. Remember, you don’t pay upfront, so you decide. Most integrated systems will already have you paid 90% of the total sum before your fifth flighthour, leaving you a completely dependant on their scheduling.
27 is still quite young. Even though taking a loan would get you there faster, the financial burden might weigh in heavier on the long term.
In both cases you can end up being 32 without a job as a pilot, but in one of both cases you probably won’t worry about money that much
Are you occupied during your potential employment? If it’s possible you could study for your ATPL’s during those 6 months so those aren’t wasted.
I followed the modular path, it allows you to pick your own pace. Either fast or slow. I did the latter because, just like you, I had about 30k available upfront and had to earn the rest on the side.
Holding a decent job it took me about 4 years start to finish. However, if you have the money up front you can speed up your modular courses faster than an integrated study. Remember, you don’t pay upfront, so you decide. Most integrated systems will already have you paid 90% of the total sum before your fifth flighthour, leaving you a completely dependant on their scheduling.
27 is still quite young. Even though taking a loan would get you there faster, the financial burden might weigh in heavier on the long term.
In both cases you can end up being 32 without a job as a pilot, but in one of both cases you probably won’t worry about money that much
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: 2500ft
During your summer break go to Hungary or Poland and get your PPL done. At least a bit of it. If you can, try to find a modular school near you. I know its super expensive but it will help you alot if you do it with a local FI who has passion to teach. ATPL theory, you are on your own. Don't go out and keep studying till you get it finished. Very doable. Basically if you plan properly you can get everything done faster than an Integrated guy. I know someone who flew less than 15hrs in 10 months. For hour building Hungary,Spain or Poland. Rent the plane, plan and build the hours. Maybe the last bit with an experienced CPL holder or an FI to learn some instrument stuff. For the CPL/MEIR and APS MCC you can finance it. I did it the same way. no regrets because the costs keep going up and you won't get any younger.
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,976
Likes: 329
From: Hong Kong
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Locarno
Hey,
Are you occupied during your potential employment? If it’s possible you could study for your ATPL’s during those 6 months so those aren’t wasted.
I followed the modular path, it allows you to pick your own pace. Either fast or slow. I did the latter because, just like you, I had about 30k available upfront and had to earn the rest on the side.
Holding a decent job it took me about 4 years start to finish. However, if you have the money up front you can speed up your modular courses faster than an integrated study. Remember, you don’t pay upfront, so you decide. Most integrated systems will already have you paid 90% of the total sum before your fifth flighthour, leaving you a completely dependant on their scheduling.
27 is still quite young. Even though taking a loan would get you there faster, the financial burden might weigh in heavier on the long term.
In both cases you can end up being 32 without a job as a pilot, but in one of both cases you probably won’t worry about money that much
Are you occupied during your potential employment? If it’s possible you could study for your ATPL’s during those 6 months so those aren’t wasted.
I followed the modular path, it allows you to pick your own pace. Either fast or slow. I did the latter because, just like you, I had about 30k available upfront and had to earn the rest on the side.
Holding a decent job it took me about 4 years start to finish. However, if you have the money up front you can speed up your modular courses faster than an integrated study. Remember, you don’t pay upfront, so you decide. Most integrated systems will already have you paid 90% of the total sum before your fifth flighthour, leaving you a completely dependant on their scheduling.
27 is still quite young. Even though taking a loan would get you there faster, the financial burden might weigh in heavier on the long term.
In both cases you can end up being 32 without a job as a pilot, but in one of both cases you probably won’t worry about money that much
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Locarno
During your summer break go to Hungary or Poland and get your PPL done. At least a bit of it. If you can, try to find a modular school near you. I know its super expensive but it will help you alot if you do it with a local FI who has passion to teach. ATPL theory, you are on your own. Don't go out and keep studying till you get it finished. Very doable. Basically if you plan properly you can get everything done faster than an Integrated guy. I know someone who flew less than 15hrs in 10 months. For hour building Hungary,Spain or Poland. Rent the plane, plan and build the hours. Maybe the last bit with an experienced CPL holder or an FI to learn some instrument stuff. For the CPL/MEIR and APS MCC you can finance it. I did it the same way. no regrets because the costs keep going up and you won't get any younger.
Thank you for your kind words tho, it really encourages me. May I ask when did you finish your training and if you found a job afterwards? If so, was it close to where you live or you had to relocate somewhere crazy far?
Has she actually said "Choose me or choose your career" or are you making an assumption? When you get offered that first job in Kazakhstan is she going to try to stop you? Think very carefully about your priorities. Just because your relationship works now, it might not work if you're away for days at a time with a load of girls who aren't 33.
I understand your point and thank you for bringing it up, however, I won't doubt my or her loyalty, we have survived so many bad times together, we have been separated for months, we took many challenges together and the love never stopped. Everything can happen of course, but I could be surrounded by Victoria Secret's models and couldn't care less, I'm not like that.
One thing you mentioned scares me tho, of course I have taken into account that my first job (if I ever get offered one!) could very well mean that we will need to relocate, although we live very close to 3 huge international airports, so a certain degree of hope of not moving is there.
But... Kazakhstan? I hope you are exaggerating to make a point...
Joined: Aug 2022
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 240
Likes: 152
From: Edinburgh
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: 2500ft
Yeah that's what I was thinking, I looked at many options and so far EPT Spain seems to be my main choice, about 600 euros for fully remote ground school + 200 for the exams in Luton, and afterwards 7500 euros for PPL and living costs there. In total the PPL part should be below 10'000 euros or slightly above considering all expenses, and I can work during ground school, while a PPL in Switzerland is double that figure (at least!). As much as I would love to fly in my home country, the savings are unbeatable, same goes for hours building, 75 euros an hour (dry)? Can't beat that, my home airport is triple that, plus harsh landing fees.
Thank you for your kind words tho, it really encourages me. May I ask when did you finish your training and if you found a job afterwards? If so, was it close to where you live or you had to relocate somewhere crazy far?
No, she never said that. But she did say "if it was up to me, I'll like you to NOT do it, but I can't ever ask you to give up your career and have you unhappy for the rest of your life".
I understand your point and thank you for bringing it up, however, I won't doubt my or her loyalty, we have survived so many bad times together, we have been separated for months, we took many challenges together and the love never stopped. Everything can happen of course, but I could be surrounded by Victoria Secret's models and couldn't care less, I'm not like that.
One thing you mentioned scares me tho, of course I have taken into account that my first job (if I ever get offered one!) could very well mean that we will need to relocate, although we live very close to 3 huge international airports, so a certain degree of hope of not moving is there.
But... Kazakhstan? I hope you are exaggerating to make a point...
Thank you for your kind words tho, it really encourages me. May I ask when did you finish your training and if you found a job afterwards? If so, was it close to where you live or you had to relocate somewhere crazy far?
No, she never said that. But she did say "if it was up to me, I'll like you to NOT do it, but I can't ever ask you to give up your career and have you unhappy for the rest of your life".
I understand your point and thank you for bringing it up, however, I won't doubt my or her loyalty, we have survived so many bad times together, we have been separated for months, we took many challenges together and the love never stopped. Everything can happen of course, but I could be surrounded by Victoria Secret's models and couldn't care less, I'm not like that.
One thing you mentioned scares me tho, of course I have taken into account that my first job (if I ever get offered one!) could very well mean that we will need to relocate, although we live very close to 3 huge international airports, so a certain degree of hope of not moving is there.
But... Kazakhstan? I hope you are exaggerating to make a point...
Yes I did but in another continent. Never expected but had to relocate because this was the only thing I managed to pass. Spain looks good. Get your PPL first and then figure out the rest. Hour building is cheaper in Eastern Europe. The weather is better in Spain.
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,976
Likes: 329
From: Hong Kong
One thing you mentioned scares me tho, of course I have taken into account that my first job (if I ever get offered one!) could very well mean that we will need to relocate, although we live very close to 3 huge international airports, so a certain degree of hope of not moving is there.But... Kazakhstan? I hope you are exaggerating to make a point...
Joined: Feb 2010
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Kebab shop
No, she never said that. But she did say "if it was up to me, I'll like you to NOT do it, but I can't ever ask you to give up your career and have you unhappy for the rest of your life".
I understand your point and thank you for bringing it up, however, I won't doubt my or her loyalty, we have survived so many bad times together, we have been separated for months, we took many challenges together and the love never stopped. Everything can happen of course, but I could be surrounded by Victoria Secret's models and couldn't care less, I'm not like that.
I understand your point and thank you for bringing it up, however, I won't doubt my or her loyalty, we have survived so many bad times together, we have been separated for months, we took many challenges together and the love never stopped. Everything can happen of course, but I could be surrounded by Victoria Secret's models and couldn't care less, I'm not like that.
Without turning this into a dating forum, my blunt and honest advice is to break up and focus on your pilot career. By the sounds of it, your girlfriend has endured enough and she's even stated that she basically doesn't want you to do it. She can't ask you to give up the career pursuit knowing you'll be unhappy otherwise, and in turn don't waste her time because this pursuit might be a lengthy one and then she'll hold that against you for the rest of your life. I'm sorry if this sounds grim, but you need to be realistic. The flight training could roughly take 2 years if you start today and you will not walk into a flying job a week after finishing either. So you'll be job-hunting and depending on the European job market at the time you'll likely have to go and fly abroad. By then, your girlfriend will be going on 36 or 37... I think you can see where the problem lies. Some people would call it "either sh!t or get off the pot". This has nothing to do with Victoria's Secret models. You just need to be honest with yourself and your girlfriend about what you really want.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Locarno
Having seen the latest show I'm inclined to agree, it's all a bit DEI these days. Maybe they've started charging by size.
Some people get a fATPL and never get a single job offer. You get one or two chances to enter the industry if you're lucky. There's a 98% chance that you will have to move city and maybe 80% chance that you will have to move country to secure your first job. You have to be very focused and a bit selfish unfortunately.
Some people get a fATPL and never get a single job offer. You get one or two chances to enter the industry if you're lucky. There's a 98% chance that you will have to move city and maybe 80% chance that you will have to move country to secure your first job. You have to be very focused and a bit selfish unfortunately.
Right before I started my flight training I was given a good piece of advice - don't get anyone pregnant and don't get married during training. In order to finish flight school in a realistic timescale you'll require full commitment and no distractions. ATPL theory, alone, has a high washout rate because of lack of commitment.
Without turning this into a dating forum, my blunt and honest advice is to break up and focus on your pilot career. By the sounds of it, your girlfriend has endured enough and she's even stated that she basically doesn't want you to do it. She can't ask you to give up the career pursuit knowing you'll be unhappy otherwise, and in turn don't waste her time because this pursuit might be a lengthy one and then she'll hold that against you for the rest of your life. I'm sorry if this sounds grim, but you need to be realistic. The flight training could roughly take 2 years if you start today and you will not walk into a flying job a week after finishing either. So you'll be job-hunting and depending on the European job market at the time you'll likely have to go and fly abroad. By then, your girlfriend will be going on 36 or 37... I think you can see where the problem lies. Some people would call it "either sh!t or get off the pot". This has nothing to do with Victoria's Secret models. You just need to be honest with yourself and your girlfriend about what you really want.
Without turning this into a dating forum, my blunt and honest advice is to break up and focus on your pilot career. By the sounds of it, your girlfriend has endured enough and she's even stated that she basically doesn't want you to do it. She can't ask you to give up the career pursuit knowing you'll be unhappy otherwise, and in turn don't waste her time because this pursuit might be a lengthy one and then she'll hold that against you for the rest of your life. I'm sorry if this sounds grim, but you need to be realistic. The flight training could roughly take 2 years if you start today and you will not walk into a flying job a week after finishing either. So you'll be job-hunting and depending on the European job market at the time you'll likely have to go and fly abroad. By then, your girlfriend will be going on 36 or 37... I think you can see where the problem lies. Some people would call it "either sh!t or get off the pot". This has nothing to do with Victoria's Secret models. You just need to be honest with yourself and your girlfriend about what you really want.
