Changing modular ATO

[Trey Table]

I’m considering changing ATO mid way through training (modular). I’ve completed CPL and MEP with my current ATO but am looking at delays completing the IR due to sim and instructor availability.

Changing to a new ATO would involve moving to a different type to the one I did my MEP on, but I’d be able to train more intensively and get my licence months earlier.

It would mean I’d be ineligible to apply for a job at British Airways since I’d train with more than 3 separate ATOs, but they’re not hiring from outside the Speedbird Academy at the moment anyway.

Are there any other pitfalls or considerations I should be aware of?

[rudestuff]

You have a CPL and MEP but no IR? How did you manage to paint yourself into that corner? You should have got your IR a hundred hours ago.

[Trey Table]

Originally Posted by rudestuff

You have a CPL and MEP but no IR? How did you manage to paint yourself into that corner? You should have got your IR a hundred hours ago.

Well there are reasons - the main one being a misunderstanding about the way my competent authority works (having been misinformed). But this is where I find myself.

Since I don’t have a time machine, I’m simply asking if there’s anything I may not have considered before I swap.

[B2N2]

I would consider staying and finishing.
If BA is really that strict then it doesn’t seem worthwhile to move.

[rudestuff]

Best of luck then, I agree: Stay and wait if BA is a viable option.

[Trey Table]

Originally Posted by rudestuff

Best of luck then, I agree: Stay and wait if BA is a viable option.

”Viable” being the word. Wait another 2-3 months, when I wouldn’t be able to apply to Wizz/Ryanair/Jet2/TUI/Loganair/RVL/DEA etc, on the off-chance that BA open applications and I’m successful later.

Hence the dilemma. Not looking for The Answer, just curious as to others’ opinions.

[VariablePitchP]

Originally Posted by Trey Table

”Viable” being the word. Wait another 2-3 months, when I wouldn’t be able to apply to Wizz/Ryanair/Jet2/TUI/Loganair/RVL/DEA etc, on the off-chance that BA open applications and I’m successful later.

Hence the dilemma. Not looking for The Answer, just curious as to others’ opinions.

Where do you want to see yourself in ten years? Are any of those airlines ones you’d want to stay at long term? If yes, great. If no, and you’d be using them as a stepping stone to get to BA as it’s your aim, then you’d be mad to not hang fire.

2-3 months is nothing, it may feel like a lot now but that’s less than most people’s notice period alone.

[rudestuff]

Play the numbers. You're saying you effectively have a choice between applying for half a dozen airlines or just one.

[VariablePitchP]

Originally Posted by rudestuff

Play the numbers. You're saying you effectively have a choice between applying for half a dozen airlines or just one.

On the flip side those are airlines that will all still be there two months later. To wipe out the dream job, if in this case it is their dream job, seems a little foolhardy.

[ModularMerchant]

Ironically, I was modular and changed schools. I went to 2 schools in the end and had no issues. But in your situation, I would stick it out despite the delays. No airline is recruiting massively as it's the summer, so finishing faster right now won't necessarily help you out. There is a reason why BA ask for no more than 3 schools and while other airlines don't specify this, they will have the same expectation.I think waiting it out and have less schools on a CV looks more attractive than finishing earlier and having no jobs to apply to. BA is rumoured to recruit in Q3/4 this year anyway so you got time on your hands while they use up the current pool of cadets and Speedbird pilots.

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by ModularMerchant

There is a reason why BA ask for no more than 3 schools...

For those of us not familiar with how things are done over there, what would the reason be ?

[ModularMerchant]

Originally Posted by bafanguy

For those of us not familiar with how things are done over there, what would the reason be ?

I guess it's another thing to weed out applicants. People change ATO's for all sorts of reasons, but it can suggest training inconsistencies, adaptability concerns, and not painting a full picture of the student pilot. If one flight school writes a report saying the student had good situational awareness, but another school says the opposite. If you were an airline recruiter, who do you believe?.