Help needed: Route to commercial pilot
 

Hey all,
So ever since i was a child i have dreamt of becoming a commercial pilot, i have landed a good deal with British airways as an advanced engineering apprentice, after a couple of years i should come out my time as an aircraft mechanic and then go on to do my B license and become a qualified aircraft engineer, however i really want to get into the flying aspect of aviation and was wondering what would be the most suitable way of going from engineer to pilot.

I'm only 17 and went from GCSE's to the apprenticeship, and in need of some wise words in regards to becoming a commercial pilot....

Many thanks.:)

There is no particular "route". Working for BA, have you looked into the Future Pilot Programme programme they offer? I think you require a B in Maths - check it out though, you may need A-Levels and/or a degree!

I too have a dream to become a commercial pilot! I'm current at Uni studying Aircraft Engineering whilst training for my PPL. I hope to add my night rating and IMC rating to it once I pass it. From there, I don't know. I had a "route" when I was 13, if that panned out I should have my ATPL by now! But plans change. I'm just going to keep plugging away, keep checking this forum, speak to the airline pilots I know already and keep working hard to achieve becoming an airline pilot.

PS. take a look at CTC Wings cadet. They offer to take you from no or little flying experience to Frozen ATPL, they also have good working links with Flybe and BA.

Hope this helps dude.

Good luck!:)

That's a great gig you have with BA - don't develop expensive habits, use the money to do a PPL, start adding licences and ratings as time and money permit, and at some point you'll either be in a position to apply for a professional flying job, or decide you'd rather just do it as a hobby (or, say, weekend flying instructing).

Either is a good answer - but at your age, with a great career opportunity ahead of you, you can afford to take your time.

Thanks for the replys,

Well so far, i have A's in most of my GCSE's, accept for a B in English, I looked into the Future pilot program and spoke to some captains in BA they informed me that you need A-Levels or equivalent to be taken aboard the future pilot program meaning it is something i can aspire to as the apprenticeship comes with a-level equivalents, however they said there is High demand for the course and its highly competitive, which slightly brings me down. So does anyone know any good flight schools to start early training near London? and how to go about getting licences from part time training, and costs...

And does anyone know the price of a PPL nowadays and how long it takes, and where i can go after i have got my PPL

Many thanks :)