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Applying for flight school after leaving secondary education
Hi, just wondering if anyone has any advice for/against applying to an FTO after leaving school. Given university a lot of consideration, and really see no point. I’m absolutely certain flying is the career path I want to pursue, currently working towards a PPL funded myself. Member of ATC, sports team etc. Would plan on attempting selection after attaining 5 A-Level equivalents (Scottish NQ Higher). Just wondering if it’s even worth attempting at this stage given my limited “life experience”. Any thoughts are much appreciated. Jack |
Do the PPL, by all means if you can pull the money together do it in parallel with your Highers. I think that finishing your Highers is a very good idea, as you'll ultimately want those study skills.
"Applying" to an FTO is no big deal - they want your money, you just need to prove not a complete liability. But for your own protection and knowledge, you want a PPL to tell you if you have the aptitude and enthusiasm for flying to take it any further. Do tell your instructors that you are considering going "pro" and want treating as such. I agree about degrees not being for everybody, but have something as a backup skill - for example sports coaching, lifeguarding, basic food hygiene that will allow you to make a living whilst you aren't yet being paid to fly - odds are you'll need it at some point. G |
Nothing wrong with what you are proposing. A lot of candidates are a little older. However, I was a TKI (& DCTKI) and a UK ATO and one young lad came through the doors aged 16, he had the financial backing and he stuck at it, giving 110% effort, staying behind after lessons and asking plenty of questions. All 14 ATPL subjects passed, first time with a good average. He passed all his flight checks first time and went on to become a FI whilst waiting for his first Airline position to come along. He worked hard at it and is now gainfully employed as a first officer with a good airline and only just 20. All being well, he will be one of the youngest qualified ATPL's around aged 21.
So it's certainly achievable. |
Just to add to the comments above: 1. Obtain a class one medical as soon as you can. 2. The PPL route is fine and more suitable for the modular route. There is only a small reduction in hours on the integrated route. Make sure that your PPL instructor is experienced and is aware of your aspirations. An option is to stop at about 20 hours flying. Your instructor will know at this point whether you have what it takes..... 3. Whilst the ATO is keen to take your money, you do need a good standard in Maths, Physics, and English to avoid struggling with the EASA exams. Which HIGHERS are you taking? 4. A significant number of young people are not mature enough until 21 years old to attend an integrated course. There are of course exceptions as mentioned above. |
Hello, Not so long ago, I was in a very similar position as you are. I had been in the ATC for two years, WSW 62 (if you know, you know) and had done quite a bit of volunteering and felt the same as you. Personally, I did apply to university in case I hadn’t passed selection however, I applied to an FTO as soon as I had reached the minimum age to apply. In terms of life expierences, I realised how my experiences in the ATC greatly helped shaped my answers for the application questions and of course, the competency based interview. Mind, I was just a MOI cadet with a couple of camps. I’m now about to embark on a course soon. Feel free to PM me. |
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