Is the Bristow Academy a good option?
 

Hi there,
I'm currently in school about to begin my Scottish Highers, I have been looking at becoming a pilot for a long time and have looked at most of the options out there. I hate to be one of these guys but my dad has been working for bristows for more than 20 years now and reckons they are good to work for, there seems to be a lack of information on the requirements for the academy (As in qualifications required and age etc.) I was hoping someone would have any information on the academy and possibly the experience out there.

First thing, have a look at the CAA website for details on minimum age, medical requirements etc for the licence you're after. Bristows, as you know are a company of good reputation and long standing, the sort of place you can still have a career. Saw at least one post in the last few days of a graduate from the academy looking for job, that tends to infer that there's no guarantee of of a job with Bristows on completion. Good luck to you.

The fact your dad has worked for them for 20+ years speaks volumes for itself, much like many other pilots who fly for Bristow. If you get the opportunity to attend Bristow Academy I would highly recommend you do so. Terms and conditions (which might not seem important to you at the moment) are a lot better than fixed wing operators. Good luck :-)

Bristow academy is a commercial flight school like any other. The basic qualification will be, can you pass the initial class 1 medical, and, fund the course, all the way to multi engine IR if you want to work offshore in the uk. This is a considerable sum of money and does not guarantee a job afterwards. But having been to the academy is a requirement for Bristow in the North Sea unless you have a minimum number of multi engine hours.

One of the hardest things to do for any new pilot is to stand out from the crowd in a pile of cvs. Having an 'in' is one way to at least get to the selection process, and having a parent in your position I would say is a help.