Advice - Your typical plea!
 

Hi All,
I'm 18 years old, just finished my A-Levels and want to break into the world of Aviation and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an Airline pilot.
I know there are a million other posts like this but I still have so many questions and would be so grateful if anyone can help at all!
I live in the UK and I'm aware of the whole Integrated VS Modular scenario.
I've seen L3 (they've changed name again to L3 Harris now?!) I've seen Oxford/CAE. Yes, they're great, but £100,000+ after everything? Seriously?
I've always been set on the whole integrated route, but the more I research and the more I talk to pilots, the more I'm swaying over to the modular route.
Financially, it is possible for me to get through the integrated route but it really would be a stretch (literally re-mortgaging the parent's home to get the funds together). This just seems ludicrous when I actually think about it, especially when the outcome of integrated and modular is the same.
Either way, I want to get cracking with this but I'm feeling like I'm stuck in a rut. I keep hearing stories of poor quality cadets being pushed through L3 and barely scraping through line training.
1) In terms of the modular route, upon completion of the ATPL qualification, can you begin the job hunting or is it necessary to have a type rating before making applications?
2) I know that no-one has a crystal ball but is it possible Brexit is going to through a spanner in the works in terms of recruitment in the next 3 years?
3) Is it true you really are "left all alone" after modular training, desperately trying to get an interview with all the jobs going to those integrated students? Is L3's "placement scheme" a load of baloney?
4) Is now the time to pursue any other interests e.g taking a year out to enjoy other hobbies etc. or is it still true airlines "love" the young pilots?
5) Do you know where I can find a clear 'road-map' of the Modular route layout, recommended schools, realistic pricing and timescale etc.?
6) Are there certain Airlines that particularly favour the integrated candidates, EZY pops straight in mind...
And generally just opinions and maybe even success stories of how modular/integrated has worked for you?
Any comments would be greatly appreciated,
Cheers!

Dear All,

I need advice on the following, please.

I have the chance to train here in Peru to CPL/IR and obtain a Peruvian licence that I believe is FAA accredited. My quandary is this... yes, it is something I've always wanted to do but life has gotten in the way over the years. I did start a PPL back in the day but couldn't continue. I'm an international school teacher and I've lived in several countries but I want to fulfill my dream. However, I am 47 and would finish the course aged 48. I am educated to post-grad level, keen as mustard and would go anywhere to fly. Do you think, in your experience, it is something I should pursue. I need to make it a career...I need a job. I really welcome your thoughts.
Best regards,
The Foxes

Advice
 

Shortlisting Schools for CPL ME/IR Training
 

I'm in the process of shortlisting flying schools with a view to visiting them in the next few months in order to come to a final decision. At present, I'm thinking of looking at the following:

Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training
Stapleford Flight Centre
Diamond Flight Academy
Bartolini Air

From looking at previous posts here, they all appear to have good feedback. I was wondering if there are any others I should seriously consider adding to the list or if anyone has comments about my existing choices. I'm interested in any schools in the UK or Europe. Thanks you in advance for any feedback!

All of them are one of the best and more serious schools in Europe. I believe if you decide to any of them, you will be well served.

Bartolini count with 1 year waiting list. If you are ready at any moment you might be lucky and pick a spot from someone that gave up but the current waiting time is around 1 year. I believe is more of less the same situation for Diamond but maybe other people can conform this.

Good luck :ok:

Can't comment on the others but Stapleford are highly recommended.

I completed MEP, CPL MEIR there recently, in minimum hours, on budget, with first time passes thanks to the excellent instruction and support. Took 3 months from start to finish (almost to the day). On the budget front, my net spend at the end of everything was within £200 of the quotation I received. Can't really argue with that - nothing was hidden or misleading. Also the commercial team are fully dedicated to getting everything sorted for you and are top notch.

On site accommodation is perfectly reasonable, nothing special, but lets face it you're there to fly!

That's great; thank you for the feedback. The waiting times aren't an issue; I'm planning ahead :)

100 percent without a doubt must obtain a college degree to be competitive when applying for a job with one of the major commercial airlines (in the United States at least.) I would recommend your idea of ERAU or another University offering programs that partner with Airlines. Here are a few others: Arizona State University, Purdue University, University of North Dakota, Oklahoma State University. You can find additional University options by going to AeroSearcher and typing in “aviation universities” to the general aviation tab. Good luck!

Starting ATPL course, becoming a pilot
 

Hi, this is my first post here on PPRuNe.
I'm 19, I'm from Poland and this year I want to start the ATPL course. Right now I am considering the options I have and which path should I take to become an airline pilot: should I do the integrated ATPL in a private school, apply to the academies like BAA training or go directly to the airline and join something like WizzAir cadet program.
Is it worth paying much more and is that increasing my chances of finding a good job in the future as a pilot?
I would love some advice, feedbacks
Thanks

ask again in 12 months once the impact of C-19 is known. Go to University and get a good degree

Starting a 3/4 year uni course in autumn 2020 is probably about as sensible option as you can go for right now - certainly not a 16 month flight training course!

The world is on pause and you need to figure out how you can ride out that pause. Either work in whatever you can find, although that limits earning potential, or perhaps study in an inexpensive manner. University in my country is fairy expensive, but relatively affordable considering the three to four years it takes to get a degree and loans on offer.

Pick a valuable course, the only sure thing about coronavirus is that nations are going to have to increase their budgets for biological sciences and virology so a degree in that field is probably your safest bet if you’ve got the qualifications. Medicine is always a good shot, but you need to be best in your school for science and realistically, if that was the case, your teachers would be pushing you in that direction anyway without having to defer to PPrune.

2020 is categorically not the year to embark on a flight training course. Aviation will never be the same. The earliest I’d imagine it would return to 2019 levels is perhaps 2024-5? Ride this gap out doing something useful and constructive as a flight training course is, totally redundant right now!

CPL Or ATPL
 

It has always been my dream to be an airline pilot however I did not take A level Maths and Physics because my GCSE grades didn't allow me to. I then found out that if I wanted to do an ATPL course I need A level Maths and Physics or I have to do a CPL but I won't be able to fly for an airline with that. Is there any way that I can do my ATPL without the A level Maths and Physics as a requirement.
Thanks

The only requirements for self-funded ATPL are class 1 medical and PPL (private pilot) license. You will only need elementary level knowledge of maths & physics to complete ATPL. Airlines may then have their own entry requirements which may require A level maths/physics or university degree etc.

covid- new students, hiring
 

Hi everyone

I see some people asking about going to flight school now, Wizz cadet (doubt they will have one now), my opinion, and this is my opinion, if you are young, get a degree, have a back up plan if you can, or maybe consider going the modular path.
Currently and in Europe only, there are a few thousand pilots unemployed, and im pretty sure once this picks up, they will be the first ones getting employed by the "surviving companies" this, if they need them.
I think at least until 2023 the hiring will be veryyy slow.

I didn't have that and did both exams in my school, which were pretty easy and straight forward.

Advice for flying career
 

Hi all,
I seek your advice as I plan to pursue a career in aviation in Australia.
Corona will make things very difficult for an inexperienced pilot over the coming several years so I feel it's important to go about my studies gradually and with a plan in mind.
Initially I had intended to fly rotorwing, though decided against this reasoning the career path more difficult than fixed wing and the mid/late career earning potential heavily favouring an airline job. To scratch a helicopter itch I can always fly as a hobby in the future.
I'm 26 and have sufficient funds to cover my study and living expenses without relying upon full-time work. I'm not interested in pursuing an office job in future or continuing in self-employment at present so thought investing in myself and a flying career to be worthwhile.
I had intended to commence an integrated course early next year however will instead opt for a modular route and gradual self study with textbooks and online resources. When I return to Australia I was thinking of relocating to Townsville. Can you recommend schools/aero clubs/contacts in this region for me to consider? I thought it might also be beneficial to take excursions to other places across the state and elsewhere to build hours, diverse experience and networks.
I've been keenly reading the advice posted here about suggestions for new students and the nearterm uncertainty caused by coronavirus. As a result I'm thinking to acquire my PPL and gradually chip away at hours and theory exams. I'll delay finishing my CPL until international travel returns and only then should i start adding IR, multi engine and other endorsements.
Its not fantastic timing though perhaps not off by much if I can acquire my CPL in mid 2022. I believe that within the next 4-5 years the industry will rebound and that this crisis and the coming economic crisis (note: you should not be buying stocks here, you should be playing defensive) will present a new opportunities.
Thanks for any advice you have.

Are you saying you'll get your CPL before the IR? That's generally a very expensive mistake.

At your age you've got time on your side - and nationality. Why not consider a few years in the US? You can get both fixed wing and helicopter CPLs for less than you'd spend in Australia for just fixed wing - and have the opportunity to instruct to build flight time and work for regionals on an E1.

Thanks for this.

Aha, so things like SEIR (and others I'm assuming) are good to get during the course of CPL as they contribute hours towards CPL and will be necessary for first a first job anyway. This is what I'll have to try and figure out.

Learning in the US is an interesting idea, though i do have a spouse. I'll have to do some more research on E1 visa and school/location options.

Thanks so much.