Stapleford/Astraeus
 

Hey guys,

Posted about this scheme in the other wanabies forum but never seem to get any replies about it.

Basically they are holding an assesment day on the 18 sept which involves a sim check but i've very little flying experience so a little worried what to expect.

I know this isn't a sponsorship scheme they a re running but type rating + 100 line hours for less than an OAT course seems like a good thing to me!

Any info, any ideas give me a holla!

kempus :}

Hello,

Will this programme be available on the A320? When i went to the open day @ stapleford they werent sure, any progress?


Many Thanks

AEU only operate mainly 73's, so I would doubt if it is conjunction with them.

Please read the I will not pay for a type rating thread!!!
http://www.pprune.org/forums/forumdi...s=&forumid=104
Don't pay to sit in a B737! You should be being paid to do that. I won't elaborate further its all in the thread!

Hello,

I was told that they were negotiating with a specific airline ( which operates A320 ) regarding the above type of line training, but this was a couple of months ago, so i was just wondering if there was any progress.

AIRWAY

dont pay for a type rating......!

No offence, but this is a Stapleford/Astraeus topic, theres a topic already for ranting about paying or not paying for a type rating, lets not divert this one as well.

Why not Airway? Its just as relevant as it is on the other thread.

Of course the paid for type rating detractors could do a little better than to simply say don't do it, they could point out that having paid for the type rating and for line training on top of the standard modules, you are no more likely to get a job in an airline than anyone else, perhaps less so due to any operator not owning 737s (or A320s etc) being put off by an applicant having a type specific rating. They could point out that the two largest 737 operators in the UK prefer their own-trained type rated low-time people to the graduates of the AEU scheme. They could mention that AEU themselves freely admit that they will not be able to offer jobs to every graduate from the Bond type rating course. They could also mention that signing up for a paid for line training course is in all probability reducing the chances of someone actually getting a job for the sponsoring airline for a season (although this point is negated by the requirement for Jump Seat FOs during line training). They will also ignore the fact that the Stapleford/AEU/Bond scheme does seem to be fulfilling a niche in the market that is limited in the grand scheme of graduates from integrated/modular courses to those that can afford it and have the desire to gain their first employment on jets.

The danger of this scheme is that people are signing up for a lot of training , possibly without realising the future consequences. It is an innovative scheme and offers the prospective candidate far more than a standard Oxford Integrated course even with the JOC. It is a new idea though and only time will tell whether its graduates have any more success in gaining full-time, paid employment than those that do not opt for the "value-added extra" (see a recent topic regarding Stapleford's marketing managers claim for graduates of their courses finding employment).

Hi,

Nice post studentindebt :ok:

I dont mean not to discuss it's just im a bit tired of a specific topic with a simple and specific question diverting to the likes of pay&dont pay for a type rating ( when there is a lively topic about it going on already) and in the end the purpose of the original post or questions are ignored, thats all.

Maybe it's just me and i am interpreting the original post in the wrong way... If so then apologies.

Regards

Hi guys!

Thanks for the replies but the question that i stated was mainly to ask what to expect for the "sim check" part of the assesment day. At no point what so ever did i actually mention that i was a def starter for the course.

The day invloves the already mentioned sim check, physcometric tests, airline type interview with chief pilot and technical exam.

From this you are given full feedback on each part to identify all strengths and weaknesses. Not just a simple suitable/unsuitable per subject heading.

Now for me it will give me an idea wether to persue ambition of a pilot or it may just say, hell no chance. Least that way i'll know rather than forking out 50k+ and never making it past the training.

As for all this dont pay for type rating stuff etc, should that decsion not be left to the individual?? Yeah if they have money to burn, which i dont, go ahead. I'm interested in this scheme because it will maybe make me stand out for the other 200 odd CV's lying on that desk. In all honesty i'd rather do an OAT full time course or learn outside the UK but it is not poss. For almost the same money i can get a type rating and 100hrs actual flying experience with an airline. Now if i were too go to a bank and ask for money they would ask, OAT gives you what? - min flying hrs to gain licence then off you go. Stapleford? - A type rating plus experience. (please note i know there is no offer of a job at the end of the course and i am considering it on the assumtion that there never will be!!!! From Astraeus maybe anyway).

Now, which would you rather go for if the bank manager? The one that is the same from the OAT processing line or the one that has made an effort to have a distinct difference.

Please dont post anymore about to buy or not to buy a type rating.

Now back to my original question about the, what to expect???

Kempus

anyone out there?

Stapleford/Ryanair/Astraeus
 

Has anyone done the SFC/Astraeus 737 + 100hrs on type scheme and got a job with that experience?
(please no more discussion on self funded type ratings as done on another thred)
Just interested whether the scheme is getting people jobs.

I am able to say that at the current time nobody on the above scheme has finished the ab-anitio training element (most are around PPL / Hour building stage) and therefore no pilots have achieved the B737 TR through the discussed scheme. Therefore it is inpossible that anybody has recieved an interview having 'finished' the scheme for a B737 job.

All I can say is that for c. £50k, personally I would rather have a fATPL with MCC, B737 TR, all required SEP/Safety courses and 100 Hrs jet experience for approximately the same cost that other FTO's are charging for their basic Intergated fATPL courses. At the end of the day you will definately be higher up that pile of CV's on the Chief Pilots desk when it comes down to it.

Can't comment on the Astraeus scheme in conjunction with SFC as I don't know much about it, however, I can say that I completed CPL/IR MCC at SFC and along with at least a dozen others I can think of over the last 2yrs, we are all flying for various airlines on numerous different types.

In my opinion SFC is a first class outfit providing quality and competitively priced training with excellent contacts in the airline industry..

Good luck all who sail in her.. & Merry Xmas SFC!!

I know a few guys who did the Global scheme at Astraeus back in June and are still waiting for their line sectors. I guess having sent back a couple of 737's and put two out to wet lease in Asia there is a desperate shortage of training capacity, so watch out if you are expecting a fast track to the airlines, the 100hrs might take you a year. I understand they now offer Airbus?
I would rather spend my money with CTC or Jet2.

Stapleford/Ryanair/Astraeus
 

Anyone trained here/or training here?? Im interested in the zero hours to CPL/IR modular course which enables me to do my ground study/exams at the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.

Also considering combining this with the Astraeus 737 type rating/line training upon completion of the IR. Does anyone have any suggestions or personnal experience??

Many thanks

I did the latter part of my training at Stapleford , some of the hours building, the CPL, multi rating and the I/R.
Great school and top notch instructors who really know their stuff. I found them very flexible and will work hard to fit in with you and your availability.

I start the MCC and JOT with Astraeus in a few weeks so I cant comment on how good or bad they are other than to say, I am more than happy with the price they quoted me for those two courses.

Kilo if I can help you anymore feel free to send me a PM.

I also did my latter part of the training at SFC couple of years ago. Would agree with comments above and would recommend SFC to anyone.

I didn't do the Astraeus thing as it was only just being thought about when I was there, I did however like all the people who I trained with manage to get an airline job not long after MCC.

Good Luck.

Stapleford/Ryanair/Astraeus
 

Just wondered if anyone has actually completed stapleford's ATPL course as well as the Astraeus course (B737 type rating)???

Have you mangaged to get a job?

What did you think of the training?

Did Stapleford or astraeus help with emmployment?

Any other comments?

Is the type rating and line experience with astraeus necessary?

I am begining training at Stapleford Flight Centre in the second week of October. Took a lot from my visits, fairly relaxed school which holds a good reputation. I am aiming to do my type rating/line training with Astraeus upon completion of my CPL/IR. However there is a lot of work to be done before then...one step at a time and all!!!

I am also looking at stapleford. I have been accepted by oxford for their APP but i am having trouble with raising the funds to do it! So i am looking at other possible ways to achieve my goal.
From what i have read, stapleford is well recommended, its just finding out where people have gone after their training.

Hope to find some more posts soon!

Many thanks
James

Judojamesg,

Whatever you do, unless you've got something on paper, you're on your own. Don't beleave any training providers, they're only after your money. That's my advice.

James

Stapleford claim that 100 out of 105 students that sat a type rating/line training with Astraeus (which has nothing to do with SFC) last year are employed. By who or where, who knows??

However Im ready to give it a throw, it seems like a very professional school that will give you all the credentials needed to do what you aspire to do - Thats why I'm going!!

Good luck whatever you decide

Well good luck kilo.

anyone else have any more info?

James

Staple - Good bunch!
 

I have friends at Stapleford - good bunch - however 100 hours on B737 - noyt so sure! I have heard from other guys and gals, that you hardly get to fly.
Also that guys with just a plain type rating stand just as much chance of work wihout the extra outlay.
I think Stapleford is professional and highly regarded by many, but have heard some not so good things about the B737 line training part of the whole thing.
Just rumours though - this is a PP rumour network isn't it?
Oh and if I had the choice and cash I would go for Oxford -but that is personal choice - Hey, I like the Oxfordshire country side.

thanks for your views james.

To me stapleford is looking a bit more realistic to me at the moment. From 0 to fATPL is around £30,000.

It would be intertesting to find out what people did after completing their training.

Anyone of these people out there??

James

Hi Guys and Girls,

As the product (fATPL at Stapleford and the attached B737 TR and 100 Hrs of Line Training with Astraeus / Bond) was established well under 18 months ago it is doubtful that even the very first students have even finished the fATPL let alone begun the TR, let alone flown the 100Hrs B737 line training.

That is why you will be struggling for feedback from students who have completed the whole package.

Best regards

Lookoutbelow

Stapleford
 

Hey everyone,
Anybody know anything about staplefords flight training??

You could try: http://www.flysfc.com/

Lots of threads here about SFC.. the vast majority very positive.

Stapleford Flight training (merged)
 

Hi all,

Does anybody have any experience/knowledge of the Stapleford Flying Club? I.e. does it have a good reputation for its teaching qaulities etc? After completing my (f)PPL, I was thinking of going there to do the (f)ATPL.

Any opinions/info would be greatly appreciated.

All the best,

Steve.

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

Hi Easy,

I've done exactly the same thing; got my PPL with another school then moved to Stapleford. Why? Well to be totally honest the initial attraction was the price! Far cheaper than what i was currently paying.

So i rang up and had a quick chat with the Commercial Co-ordinator, who was very helpful and invited me to have a tour of the site and Q&A session. No hesitations - I joined.

Reasons why:

-Overall good value for money
-Very, very friendly atmosphere!!
-Good hourly rate for aircraft hire and plenty of aircraft (Have been with them for 6 months and have never had a problem with aircraft availabilty.)
-The training aircraft are well equipped
-No landing fees for members
-The facilities are excellent, especially the sim centre.
-Stapleford send their students to London Metropolitan University to do their ATPL ground exams. I'm already at LMU studying Aviation Management BSc so I know the staff.
-Finally, they have just got a DA42 Diamond twin star - Can't wait to get my hands on that :E

Anyway as you can probably guess, I can't recommend Stapleford highly enough. If you want to do a modular course then Stapleford is THE place!

I suggest getting in contact with Stapleford http://www.flysfc.com/ and ask for Emma Drakeford. She's very helpful and can explain the course better than I can.

Cheers,

CapCon :ok:

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

Hi CapCon,

Cheers for the reply. By the sounds of it, it seems like a fantastic place to complete my (f)ATPL. I've been in touch with Emma Drakeford just yesterday, and I have an information pack enroute! As I hope to complete my (f)PPL by the end of this summer, fingers crossed I'll be heading down to SFC sometime this year.

Thanks again for the info, good luck with the rest of your degree/flying training.

Steve.

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

Has anyone got any experience of the full time 'AB Initio' course? Also could someone explain to me the 'Astraeus Airlines B737 rating with 100 hours line training' obv a B737 type rating but what about the 100 hours line training? Does it mean you pay said airline to fly for 100 hours?
thanks

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

Started there yesterday, the aircraft (Diamond DA-42 Twin) and simulator are by far the most impressive, newest training aircraft I have ever seen in any flight school. Prices are very good (For England)

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

GK123,

The Astreus T/R with 100 hours is exactly that. Training is carried out at Gatwick for the T/R. You then pay Astreus for 100 hours acting as FO. You will fly with a training captain and, for the first few hours a second supervisor, on a revenue flight.

CapCon

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

Thanks Capcon!
So the 100 hours line training is there to make you more employable when you apply for that first job? Would there be any possible link jobwise with Astreus once the type rating/line training is complete or is it purely using them as a training provider?

Graham

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

Can someone enlighten me on what an (f)PPL encompasses?

Thanks

Smith

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

Well it would be nice to think so! From what I can gather from the Astreus website and talking to people, there are an elite few who get asked to stay with Astreus after completing their T/R. Just depends on current demands and if they see potential in you I guess!

Re: Stapleford Flying Club
 

The 100 hours scheme was once very appealing to me, however I have heard:

They say you're based at Gatwick, but you will end up flying from wherever they want yoo to, which more often than not will be somewhere other than Gatwick, all out of your own pocket.

They tell you 3/4 months to complete, but it is taking some people 8, 9 or 10 months to do it.

Basically I think they became a bit greedy and the course was over filled.

But if you do it you'll probably have a good chance getting a job afterwards - if you have patience and a fat wallet.