GCSE Requirements
 

Just about to start the ATPL route. 26 Years old, PPL, IMC & Multi 150 hrs. Been Running a business for 6 years. Selling up to do something I love, not just make a living (try to).
But only have a few GCSE's mainly c or d grade.
How important is this to airlines. Considering my education of life and business skills.
Am looking at a year of college to bolster grades to 5 a-c's. But don't want to waste time if not required.
Any comments appreciated. Thanks

I am in roughly the same boat!!
I am 21 with 6 A-C's. I decided not to do A-levels and to go into an apprenticeship so i could get some money for flying at an early age and also get some vocational quali's aswell (NVQ level3,A-level equi). Paid off well.£13,700PA @21 yrs old equivalent to over 12 hours a month!!!
My instructor told me 'as long as you can pass the ATPL exams, then you wont need any A-levels or degrees. Demonstrating a theoretical knowledge to the standard of the ATPL is just as good if not better than any degree.
Although it must be said that a degree would look good on the application form!
Sorry if this upsets people with degrees!!

Good question and one which I always ask pilots.

I have been reading my GCSE Maths and Physics books now for a few months to cover the areas relevent to the ATPLs.
Even so, with C - D grades myself, I still maybe lack the confidence of someone who has it on paper. Then again, maybe because I have refreshed these areas I may be in a better position than someone who got, say a B grade, three or four years ago.

VFE.

Well, I can tell you that, according to their brochure, British Airways require 5 GCSEs at Grade C or better including Maths, English Language and a science. They also require 2 A-levels at Grade C or better that have to be in core subjects, not general studies for example.

Also, the maximum application age is 26, but you may start training at 27.

That's for the BA sponsorship. We are talking about self-sponsored.

BA have taken a few integrated self-sponsorers who have been recommended by schools. I don't know what their quals, besides the licence were, but I would think it a safe bet to say they were pretty well qualified though.

As for other airlines? I am told, as long as you fit the bill, and have the nescessary licences/ hours then you're in. What do they care if you have nine GCSEs or none if you can fly the plane?

VFE.