Nowadays being a pilot is not much of a math and physics, atleast not at level you probably think of. The highest level of math and physics is probably while doing theory exams and that’s pretty much it (you get your calc and formulas, don’t expect to solve albert einstein questions). I flew with many guys that claimed they always hated math and they were poor with that. Today you put most of your maths in OPT to calculate aircraft performance or other tools and most of the stuff is done for you. Most math you will use in your normal pilot day, is basic math, some times simple formulas that most of people will learn without any problems, it’s not rocket science. If you know how to multiply/divide even on a paper, how to use calc. You should be fine.

Backup possibility is worth to have in any profession you do. I know many colleagues that would have to go uber or driving trucks just to survive if something happened (see covid, many experienced people were doing anything). It’s not even about having a degree but being prepared. If someone graduated when they were 23/24 but were pilots since then, after say 10-15 years without having any experience in the field they studied in the previous decade, won’t find any sophisticated job anyway.

Likelihood of getting a job as a pilot in the UK as an international student
 

Hey guys, I am currently studying in the UK as an international student doing an aviation university course whilst doing my flight training. When I started my PPL one of my instructors told me he appreciates what I am doing, but the reality is that the majority of airlines in the UK hire locals only. I'm just curious if there is a chance of getting hired as an international and whether that might improve over the next few years

Is pursuing flight training in the US better than in the UK?
 

I have been thinking about this for a while now since I have started my flight training in the UK and have completed my PPL. From my understanding, the UK is one of the most expensive countries to do your flight training. In comparison, the US seems a lot cheaper (not to mention the weather in some places there is better). But I have also seen that the US has the 1,500 hour rule before you can start applying for First Officer positions at airlines. Does the cheaper flight training costs in the US outweigh the longer training time (which might result in you spending just as much as in the UK due to the 1,500 hour rule)?

Are you a US citizen or green card holder? If not then an FO position in the US is out of the question. Depending on what the current rules are, you may still be able to train in the US all the way up to CFI and stay to build flight time as a flight instructor, but only in piston aircraft which won't do you any good in the UK)

Time in the Market vs Timing the Market
 

I've completed my PPL, aUPRT and am about 80% of the way through my ATPL theory exams. I'm completing the entire lot dual licence due to my ability to access an EU passport. I'm also working full-time in a job I enjoy, which has good T&Cs and is fairly recession proof with staff shortages and retirements. I'm also mid-30's, so aware age isn't necessarily on my side.

My original plan was to complete the remaining ATPL exams by the start of the summer and do the CPL/ME/IR on some of my days off since I get a nice handy 5-day weekend every 3 weeks with me being finished early next year. I could then do the APS-MCC during a period of annual leave. However, the whole Iran war situation is making me wonder whether I should drag things out over a much longer time period. I've got until early next year to finish the ATPL exams (started September 2025) and then a 3 year window to do the CPL/ME/IR followed by the APS-MCC.

I see the pros of sticking with the original plan as follows:
Less inflation risk, whilst I have quite a lot of my savings inflation-hedged the number of hedges are limited and come with their own risks.
Less likely to be affected by modular flying schools ditching dual-licence training due to things like EASA audit costs.
The ability to be airline-ready at very short notice if the market picks up quickly.
Some airlines don't seem to want people who started training before a certain date, so dragging the training out and qualifying at the "right time" might not yield the advantage it used to.

I see the pros of delaying things as follows:
Airlines generally seem to like people who have qualified shortly before the hiring window opens.
Fewer revalidations. Whilst I have the financial means to stay current, I'm aware the MEIR revalidations are not cheap.
If the flying schools are quiet then I might get better pricing/flexibility etc.

Either way, I could afford to stay current for an extended period of time whilst looking for the first commercial flying job due to my current career and the fact I'm not borrowing to fund flying training. Whilst I would consider instructing around my current job, I wouldn't give my current role up unless I were to go into airline/corporate/specialist work with decent T&Cs. I'm leaning towards sticking with the original training plan though I don't want to become one of the infamous "wannabe zombie army" that appeared circa. 2008 and possibly 2020.

Would like to hear any opinions and advice please.

Don't try to predict the wave. If you want to slow things down a bit then consider doing everything single engine. It'll reduce your initial outlay, stop the ATPL exams expiring and give you much more control over when in the hiring cycle you qualify.

This really depends, do you have the right to live and work in the UK? If you do, no problem, with a CAA frozen ATPL UK airlines are open to you. If you don't have the right to live and work in the UK that's a bit different. If you are European, you could do your PPL in the UK, then find somewhere that can do you an EASA frozen ATPL, then apply for jobs in the EU.
If you are not a British or EU national, then you'll have trouble getting an entry level airline job in either place... there are too many potential candidates who don't require visas. However, you could at least get your PPL, and maybe even do ATPL theory with a CPL and IR if you are confident the authority in your own country would recognize and convert them with ease to a local license. Otherwise, look into if your home authority would recognize the PPL as it is ICAO compliant and you can go straight onto the CPL and ATPL training when you get back to your home country, then apply for local airline positions.

Thank you for the advice, it's something I'll look into.

Is it even worth it for me?
 

I have spent the last 10 years or so in B2B sales making pretty good money. My dream when I was younger was to become a pilot but somehow that got put to one side.

My questions are as follows:

1. I am in my mid 30’s is it too late to start now?
2. Educational qualifications are not the best.
3. It will probably take me a while to save up to self fund so I will be in my 40’s by then.

Have I missed the boat?

30's is the time most people start, definitely not too late. Qualifications aren't as important as your ability to get them. You can grow out of laziness but you're stupid for life.

If you're focused and hard working it takes 2-3 years to go from zero to having the funds for a fATPL.
+ 2-3 years if you smoke/drink.
+ 5-infinity years if you have a wife/kids.
(Divorce is cheaper before becoming a pilot than afterwards.)

Thank you for getting back to me. I’ll give it all I have via the modular route.

I can’t remember what GCSE’s I have. They are not the best. Is it worth me resitting some if they are not up to scratch?

It's definitely worth getting a few GCSEs, maybe even A levels purely to make your CV a little more attractive. There isn't a huge amount of maths needed, but you'll need to be familiar with basic trigonometry for Nav subjects, plus a lot of airlines will include a maths test a part of their recruitment process.

You’ve mentioned qualifications aren’t the best, and GCSEs are a bit ‘meh’, but do you have 5?GCSEs?

That changes the dynamic somewhat as you can then carpet bomb cadetship applications whilst you start the saving for the modular route.

Quick follow up 3,5 years later in case anyone is interested: Completed my training successfully and managed to secure what one might call a "unicorn job" at the operator I've dreamed of flying for since I was a kid.
Message to all thinking about starting training: Everything is possible, but you have to be fully committed and work very hard. Of course one can argue that a certain portion of luck needs to be involved in a path to the cockpit, but you need to work hard get yourself into a position to get that lucky break. Be humble, listen to your instructors and work on the feedback you get.
At the same time, don't do anything stupid or overly risky - do not make financial decisions that could ruin you, use common sense, cover all your bases as best as you can and never act on emotion alone whilst chasing the dream!

I wish everyone the best of luck!

Well Done You, EmbraerAhoy! Congratulations on your achievements. Genius is nothing. Persistence is all!

- Ed :D

advice for teenagers
 

Hi everyone,

I'm Felix, 16 and from Belgium. I've been into aviation since I was a kid, and I want to become a commercial pilot. I'm in secondary school, good at math and physics, and I've been in an English immersion program for 4 years, so I think the English side will be ok.

My plan is to get my Class 2 medical first, then Class 1, and apply for cadet programs at 18. I'm looking at LAT (Swiss/Lufthansa) and KLM, with Ryanair or easyJet as backup. I haven't flown yet but am booking a discovery flight soon.

A few questions:

• What should I actually focus on at my age to prepare for cadet selections ?
• Any good resources for LAT or KLM aptitude tests ?
• Is having a PPL before applying worth it or not really ?
• What do you wish someone had told you at 15 ?
• Do you have some advice to be a pilot?

Thank you,

Félix

Don't get the class 2 medical. You need class 1 so go straight for that. Be resilient. Do whatever it takes. Have a plan B because statistically you aren't going to get on a sponsored scheme and you will probably have to pay for everything yourself. Without rich parents that means working two jobs for the next 3-5 years. Are you prepared to do that? If the answer is no then you don't really want to be a pilot.

Thanks for the honest answer.

You're right about Class 1, I'll go straight for that.

I know the cadet route is a long shot. That's why I'm already thinking about backup options. But I'd rather to aim high and fall short than not try at all.

I'm 15, so I still have time to build a solid foundation before applying. A discovery flight is next, then Class 1, then we'll see.

And yes, I'm prepared to do whatever it takes. I've wanted this since I was a kid, it's not just a phase.

If you see this post, don't hesitate to respond to it

Looking for advice!