What would you do?

[Craggenmore]

I am in my late 20's and have several years of business experience behind me but I am not currently working. I am in a position to self fund any chosen JAA training without the need for external loans or repayments. I have always had a keen interest in flying and seven years of office slog later I am now in a position to be able to get the ball rolling.

If I start early next year then I will graduate Spring/Summer 2004 on an ab-initio course. I have attempted to thoroughly research the training market in the past four months and the ab-initio over modular route better suits my requirements.

At times there are so many varied opinions here that it all gets very confusing (and sometimes depressing). Many people have posted here about holding off for the time being. However, I know that there are many varied roles to play in aviation and its not just about the jets! Also the timing in my career seems right to start.

So - what would you do?

I understand that this is similar to other posts in part but usually the replies to this type of question are along the lines of debt and repayments, both of which do not apply here.

I welcome your opinions on this one.

Many thanks.

Craggenmore

p.s - I hold a Class 1 Medical

[buzzc152]

If I didn't have to worry about the money I'd get cracking with a full time integrated course. Consistant, high quality training is better for you and better for potential employers. If there's no job at the end then there's always instructing.

I'd sell my left leg if I could enough money to go on a integrated course (and pass class 1 medical with only 1 leg).

[jonjon]

Go for it

Hello,

I am in my mid twenties and thinking about the same thing but I do not have the whole amount available yet.

My opinion is if you are financially ok and an ab initio training will not put you in a bad situation (financially speaking) then go for it.

You are not currently working so you do not have to think about quitting a job or anything.

If I were you, I would not hesitate.

PS: if you have too much money, maybe you can sponsor me too!!

[FlyingForFun]

A quick word of caution if you decide to go for it: what happens if you don't get a job at the end of it? It sounds like you've probably got enough cash to live off of, which is good.

But, whatever happens, you must keep flying after completing whatever course you decide to do. And if you can't get a job, that means paying to hire a PA28 or similar from time to time. A fATPL which hasn't been used for a year or more certainly won't help you get a job once the market picks up again...

FFF
-------------

[prob30]

If you don't have a class 1 medical already - go and get it now! If you dont pass it then all the research will be for nothing!

go integrated if you can. no doubt there. At the BALPA conference the other week, airlines were saying that integrated is worth more than modular when they get your CV.

[redsnail]

Top tip,
What ever costs you have budgeted, add at least 30 to 40%.
What ever time you have budgeted, add at least 50%.

If you go straight through no dramas, you have money in your pocket, if for some reason you don't, at least you are prepared.

[doublezero]

It has been mentioned a few times that BA CitiExpress et al prefer recruiting low hour pilots who have an integrated course although bear in mind that we are currently in a tight market. By the time you qualify the situation may well (hopefully) be very different and a modular/ integrated course might not make any difference. Even though money seems to be no object now, flight training always takes longer and costs more than you bargined for so it may be wise to hang on to as much spare rhino as possible. You may need it to keep current / pay the bills once you are qualified. Is there really any need to spend more than necessary?

Either way though get started asap. You won't regret it.

[Johnny 7]

Refering to prob30's remark about integrated vs modular , Norman Dance of MYT also talked about the possibility of cadet sponsorship & possible employment opportunities around Easter next year at the Balpa seminar , all of which is largely academic at the moment as far as MYT are concerned .

[Craggenmore]

Thanks

Thank you for your replies to my post. I accept all your points.

FFF - you are right in saying that hiring could still be low in a year and a halfs time, but as I posted, its not only about the jets once you have graduated. Much experience can be gained and fun can be had in other roles before one gets their big jet break and I understand that one must realistically wait their turn.

Redsnail & Doublerzero - I was hoping for a 20% maximum addition to costs and time. Where would you say the problem areas are where people go wrong to warrant a 50% increase in time and almost half again in costs?

JonJon & Buzz - I tend to agree with what you both put.

Prob30 - where can I find a summary of the Balpa conference on the web? Do you know of any sites?

Many thanks,

Craggenmore

p.s - Bezzie - I need your email to get in touch with you. For some reason I can't reply via Private!

[prob30]

Balpa site is www.balpa.org

I think the info is on there...it is worth joining up and is only about £20 for someone training/unemplyed. They can send you all the info.

good luck

[redsnail]

****Weather****
Aircraft unserviceabilities
Instructor not being available
Examiner delays
Exam hiccups
Flight training hiccups
Unexpected life crises
Flight schools going bankrupt

By hiccups, resits etc. It can happen.

[Wireless]

Hey Buzz152,

Regarding your peg legged career idea. I have grave doubts about this! I think you may be limiting your career prospects to flying glider tugs or jump planes or anything else that goes around in circles. I think you should seriously reconsider!

Bill


I have taken great time to edit this pointless post as I have forgotten how to spell.

[scroggs]

Having taken all the above points into consideration, in your circumstances this isn't a bad time to start training. Yes, I know there could be another war around the corner, and the economic pessimists would have us believe that the western world is about to experience a double-dip recession, but, frankly, these risks exist all the time. The only way you recognise that times are good is when they've gone!

The airline industry in Europe has largely recovered from 9/11 - at least as much as it's going to. There are many changes and new realities in the market, and those shaky companies that were on their way out have now gone. Most airlines now see a period of sustained, if moderate, growth for the next few years. The marketplace for pilots is crowded at the entry end, but it always was! You'll find yourself in competition with many other capable Wannabes; it's up to you whether you make sufficient impression to win out and get the jobs.

I'd say get on with it while you can.

[Freak On A Leash]

I`d say you`re in a good position to start training. A good idea would be, as you say, to start up soon - but make sure you can pass the medical! It seems as if you`ve dreamt about flying for awhile, and let`S face it, none of us are getting any younger. I would recommend an ab initio course - it`s the "safest" way.

Also, I like your approach to flying - seeing that there`s more than turning on the autopilot in the jets - some hands-on experience is always a plus.

Good luck!

[Touch'n'oops]

I'm total agreement with SCROGGS and anyone else who is saying get on with it!

I know a lot of wise men in the airline field and they all say "shut up and go!" It will get better, and stop getting depressed!

17th Feb 2003 is when I start at BAE Jerez.

Bring it on!