Im due to start my ATPLs with TakeOff on the 28th August. My understanding of the AQC is that there are two pools: One for the Cadets and then one for non-cadets. However, apparently in 6 months, CTC will be closing off the ATP programme to Modular students who do not complete their CPL/IR with them, so from that point on, to get in the pool you must be either a cadet or a CPL/IR student. In theory the secondary pool should have less people in it in 6 months time.

The ATP scheme according to their website, is currently closed. Perhaps they are getting too many external modular applicants.

I think you need to have completed the ATPL's prior to starting the Takeoff course, which entails only the flying components of the (f)ATPL (ME CPL and IR)

CTC's greatest asset is their ability to place cadets with partner airlines.

What with the recruitment situation the way it is at the moment, the more I think about it the more it makes sense; why would CTC offer this coveted service to external modular candidates? In some ways the AQC and ATP degrade the Wings course, why would you do the Wings/iCP when you can do modular for half the price and then sneak in right at the end for the bargain price of £8k to essentially get in the same holding pool.

They can make more money by putting someone through the CPL/IR on the takeoff course, and to be honest it understandable why they have closed the ATP scheme for the time being (or permanently). I imagine its looks better on the training report (and for contniuity of training) and to be fair to them, by the time the CPL/IR are complete, the cadet is a known quantity to CTC, warts and all. This probably makes it easier for the assesors to make judgement and to decide the suitability of placement etc.

As much as we might hate it, that does seem to make sense. Why else would people pay twice as much for an integrated course if they could get the same licences and pretty much the same opportunities by going modular and then doing the AQC?

Worrying news for us modular mob I suppose, and the drawback of placements being monopolised by the likes of CTC and Oxford via their subsidiaries. Ho hum!

Yes exactly, I think the Takeoff scheme is a sort of intermediate though.

From what I understand, if you complete the CPL/IR through Takeoff with CTC, the ATP and AQC scheme is still open "internally".

Wait and see then I suppose!

Though when the Takeoff course costs about £4-5k more than a CPL/ME/IR set up with the likes of Stapleford or Bristol GS, and the AQC is about £3k more expensive than a MCC/JOC course with similar providers, it could become expensive just for the 'honour' of going through CTC...though I suppose that is the premium for getting better access to the coveted low hours RHS jobs!

Can anyone tell me do CTC takeoff offer ATPL ground school? And is there a selection procedure to be accepted onto CTC wings ATP after AQC?

Im starting ground school with CTC Takeoff in September, so I assume thats a yes?

Oh apologies that must be my mistake then. I assumed, because the Res ATPL groundschool module isn't explicitly advertised on their website, it wasn't available.

I've already completed the ATPL's but was under the impression if you were modular, they would send you over to Bristolgs, as they have ties with them. Out of interest, how long ago did you book the course. Good luck with the groundschool :)

wrt to the AQC, yes I believe there is a selection process before (and during) the AQC if you wish to go onto the ATP holdpool.

Has anyone else applied for the CPL/IR course and got a start date?

I sent an application form in at the beginning of April and contacted them last week for an update to be told that the waiting list went into February of next year as they are only taking 6 modular students on per month.

Just wondering whether any earlier places crop up from people putting their start dates back or pulling out of the waiting list..

I sent my application in March earlier this year and got an estimate of February next year aswell.

Someone else I know sent their application in Dec 2011 and starting Oct 2012 so there seems to be a 10 month wait at the moment, (although he was offered a place to start in May/June this year due to a cancellation.)

Sent mine in April, they estimate Feb 2013. Long waiting list.

Although they list the expected schedule of the courses in hours do they give any stats on what the average amount of time ( in weeks ) for the average student to complete the course. I'm not talking about student ability but things like daily instructor/aircraft availability along with weather factors?

They estimate 6 weeks for the CPL and 8-9 weeks for the IR in the email i've got, both full time. Although someone earlier in this thread stated it took 9 weeks for the CPL due to tech/wx issues.

Yep very long wait.. Not sure if its a good sign or a bad sign, hopefully it'll be worth it!

Do they make an mention of accommodation, can Takeoff students use the same accommodation as integrated students and what are the rates?

As a TAKEOFF student they don't offer accommodation.

Have been in contact with CTC via email just asking for some information.. No mention of ATPL groundschool. Just ME/CPL IR MCC or AQC?

It was mentioned that accommodation would not be available.

Was also told that Spring 2013 would be the earliest available date for commencement. Looks like they are busy anyway.

I have just noticed that the CTC Takeoff website has been changed since I last looked at it. It says their two crew training centres are in Bournemouth and Southampton. Does this mean that Modualr student do not go to New Zealand anymore?

Still shows NZ and UK for me.

CTC TAKEOFF - crew training centres

When I was at the open day in March they said they were postponing any modular training in NZ.

They didn't say why but I'd heard rumours that they were short on instructors over there and were struggling to get the cadets trained.

There are two websites on the go for some reason, but I think the one which just lists the UK for training is the most up to date one with regards to info and pricing:

Costs and Bookings - CTC Aviation