I also left OATS 2 years ago as a self improver. I personally don't think having it on your cv makes the slightest difference. If the airline will take a 250hr CPL holder (as it was then) then you must have done an approved course, and lets face it any of the approved schools train airline cadets so therefore none is valued more highly.

You will see in a number of my posts on the subject of jobs I think getting a job with 250hrs is just good luck (there are so many 250hr candidates applying), ask any ppruner who DIDN'T get a job or even an interview with 250hrs, me included. What the airlines want is hours, multi/jet/turbine/piston in that order, IFR then VFR then single piston at the bottom of the heap. 1000hrs TT with 100 multi the rest single will get an interview with a regional airline if they are looking. More multi but less total could well secure the same interview but 'higher' up the list.

Don't be fooled into thinking, like I did that OATS makes a difference, stand back and try to think about it like a Chief Pilot; I need someone to fly a 737 as F/O. What do I want? A 737 rated pilot of the right demographic age with as many 737 hours on the correct series of 73 as I can find, who fits the company culture with the desire to command, who will work for the package I have to offer. Right, I can't find that, now who? And so he goes down 'the ladder' until the cv's he's got match his requirements as closely as possible. Who matches the requirements least? The guy with the least experience of any sort. 250hrs from wherever. That's the reality, but don't dismay because some do want the 250hr candidates as they can be taught and moulded without the bad habits and the problems of fleet transferance etc etc. And there we come back full circle to too many applicants with 250hrs and not enough vacancies.............

I'll say it again: Don't consider your training as over until you land the first commercial job. If after your approved course you can't find employment, get the instructor rating, go para dropping, go tugging, do anything to keep the hours rolling..................

Good luck

PP

Dear all,

1) OATS: excellent school. Good instruction in the air and on the ground. You will have to work hard mind you to make a success of it, both during and after your course.

2) 12 on my course

3) I never once got bumped in favour of an airline cadet.Ever. Not in singles or twins.

4) IRT in 4 weeks.

5) Don't expect any help after you leave. There is none.

6) Do try the ATP scheme. Be prepared, but they do have a lot on at the minute. It could be a good time to apply. The training is good and the people are nice. And - shock horror- they treat you like a professional pilot and do it very well.

To choose a training school you have a lot of choices. They all have ups and downs. Oh, and whilst Oxford is a good night out, Kidlington sucks.

Good luck.

I left Oxford back in mid '98 when you treated like a person and a pilot unlike today being a number and an object. I only went to OATS because of the reputation of the school and the help given to you once you graduated to help you find a job. However once I left, OATS had all your money, given you a licence and no help was forthcoming in job help. Having spent soooooooooooooo much money there I couldn't help but feel that I had been short changed. Of course you can't sit back and let them do all the work in finding you a job or at the very least an interview but you do feel entitled to something. I don't partiularly care for OATS now and if they did go down the pan, would not shed a tear.

The OATS 75% within 3 months of graduating is actually fact . This information is , however , based on graduates from 1999 to 2000 . Whether this was a particularly bouyant period in terms of recruitment is not recorded .

This industry is cyclical by nature ; Be wary of statistics .

Hello People,
Thank God I'm well,well past all the nausea you poor devils are going through with OATS etc..
Just to satisfy my curiosity , though , I was talking to a chap from my bank the other day , and he told me the bank, (HSBC), has in place a scheme for self financers going through Oxford. Anyone have any experience of this before I pass this info. on to the son of a friend ,who's involved in the BA cadet scheme application process at the moment , and may need a fallback if this goes the wrong way?
Thanks
Antigua
(ex - Hamble) Fortunately!!
Capt BA 747-400
(If I can do it anyone can)

Antigua, when I attended the OATS seminar, a lady called Susan Price mentioned this arrangement they have with HSBC. Unfortunately I no longer have the details but it may be worth giving her a call.

Antigua,

If he's hell bent on going to Oxford then I'm no help but whilst weighing up my options I spoke to a good but smaller school on the south coast. They have a deal set up with HSBC and their course is a lot cheaper than Oxford.