Extra 2 A-levels or straight into modular flight training?

[Effjas]

Hello I’m planning to become a commercial pilot via the modular route but I am coming back from a long illness (still eligble for a Class 1 medical CAA+EASA). And I have been thinking of what to do after completing my first A-level my physio recomended that I start with one A-level in one year(geography). During that year I am going to work so that with even 1 year of part time work I can afford my ATPL theory with BGS and hour building in the US. Also id like to start my PPL it costs a lot where i live (~13.5 k) so I was thinking of going to Spain and get a CAA/EASA PPL for a lot less any info or advice for that would also be great.

I’m debating whether to:

A) Do 2 A-levels in the second year, then start ATPL theory.

or

B) Stick with just 1 A-level and begin ATPL theory.

I’m not aiming for university my long-term goal is to be a pilot. I’m hoping to be dual-licensed and I am a uk/eu citizen and willing to move anywhere to improve my chances of getting hired. Would skipping the extra A-levels limit my future career options (e.g. SFI roles, management)?

Thanks in advance — any advice or shared experience would really help.

[Genghis the Engineer]

£13.5k iis about right for an ICAO compliant PPL these days, but you need it.

The two A-levels of greatest utility to you would be maths and physics. A-levels are a very cheap way to gain that knowledge and those highly useful study skills. Nothing wrong with geography as a subject, but it's less complimentary to pilot training than other things.

My recommendation would be to knuckle down and get three good A-levels, do part of your PPL training as a motivator but don't get too distracted by it *yet*, then go all out on PPL + ATPL G/S once you've finished the A-levels. You will then hit those studies much more prepared for them.

Doesn't really matter where you do your PPL (but do UK or EASA, not FAA), but if you've got dual citizenship it makes massive sense to pursue a dual UK/EASA ATPL course.

G

[Effjas]

thanks for responding I passed GCSE maths and physics but im not sure i could do it up to A-level standard. I would most likely do geography, history and travel and tourism if i did all 3 or if i just did 1 fast track I would just do geography.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Studying travel and tourism, and history are great if you enjoy the subjects but realistically have little application to developing you as a pilot. The maths and physics would, and certainly develop your study skills in beneficial ways.

In my opinion!

G

[RichardH]

Some maths & physics revision to GCSE standard would be useful. Have you actually got a Class One in your hand, being eligible is not the same thing until the Dr signs you're okay.

You've stated you want to be a commercial pilot so IMHO I shouldn't waste time doing any A levels. Get a job preferably within an airline or industry related & start networking.

[Effjas]

yes that was the 1st thing i did went to London and i have my CAA and EASA class 1 thankfully everything was ok. I am going to try and get a job at the airpot its only about 10 mins away and use that money for ATPL costs and some hour building

[rudestuff]

Think long term. If you're going to get a job, get a job at an airline, one with a cadet program. Even if that means moving. 100% you will have to move for a flying job anyway.

[Effjas]

rudestuff absolutely i live on a tiny island at the moment so id have to move its something i am really exited for its just that I was worried that without having that academic backround will it set me back trying to get my 1st flying job or in the future if i transfer to a SFI or managment role if i lose my medical?

[rudestuff]

Write up a plan. Figure out some target airlines who fit the bill, Jet2, Wizz, DHK etc then figure out what you need qualification-wise to get into those in an office* role. Then you can move, start flight training, get more A levels etc. Think of it as a series of smaller problems to overcome one by one.

*Crewing, dispatch, rostering, HR, IT, admin, EFB support etc. Stuff that will have you on first name terms with the Chief Pilot. Then you use psychology to your advantage: Ask them for some advice on how to get a PPL etc. Follow their advice and you'll have them on the hook; now they're invested in your career. Its a long game but I've seen it happen multiple times.