HR - There are at least two posts that the authors have wisely (IMO) removed.

Like Redeye, I never had a chance to read any of the deleted posts.

One things for sure though, to all those who applied for it and got through, bloody good on ya! If I were 15 years younger, I'd have put my own hat in the ring. I'm a bit long in the tooth to be anyones Cadet though:uhoh:

Also, if the numbers getting tested are as low as some have made out, then hats off to Bond as well for keeping it tight. They deserve some serious praise for bringing this scheme to the industry:ok:

Good luck, the lot of you.:O

Whats the age spread after stage 1 ?
 

Hi all,
Just wondering the age group, as you can guess i'm not the youngest but i got through stage 1 and i've recently passed OAT selection. This was after doing the GAPAN test's at RAF Cranwell and passing those very well.

As long as you've got a decent level of math's and physic's just give it YOUR best, the two day's are about finding out if you have the basic's to go for it.

It's not just about what you know or how you do, OAT will be looking at who you are.

All the best to all of you and enjoy,

Nick.

It's easy to be cynical but welcome to the real world. Surely it's better for more people to get to stage 2 and have a shot at proving themselves. In reality there will be a set number of slots for that week and the best x number of candidates get those slots.

I spent over £1000 on attending aptitude test and interviews (including travel costs) before I secured sponsorship, but now I fly a shiny jet and earn that in less than a week so I think it was a good return on my investment!

You could think of it as another 'filter' - I wouldn't spend £195 unless I was committed. Even if you don't get through the tests are a proven indicator of likelihood of success on a flying course so it's still a worthwhile excercise and could lead to being accepted on a self sponsored course or being considered for other sponsorships in the future.

You can either put your thoughts into how 'unfair' things are or you can devote those energies into revising for the assessment and giving yourself the best possible chance of progressing. I think I know which person is more likely to succeed!

Good luck to all. I didn't walk into my first sponsorship opportunity. I still have a collection of rejection letters to remind me of how hard I worked to get where I am, and the setbacks I had to pick myself of the floor from and move forward to the next opportunity wiser and better prepared.

We all need a bit of 'luck' but to a greater extent the harder you work, and the more determined you are, the 'luckier' you get!!

selection
 

could anyone that has alreday done the 2 day testing at oat, give me any idea of what to expect?

cheers

Expect it to be quite a fun atmosphere it was last time! and nothing to be nervous about really!!
Get onto the BBC Bitesize Maths and Physics websites and brush up on Trig, DST, bearings, SUVAT formulas etc etc...
There is a link in a post above to some other OAT selection revies.
Also try googling Pilapt and Compass as they are the Tests OAT use...(I think!)..
..Hope that helps...has anyone got there dates through yet?

Congrats
 

This is really good to know Im 31 and thinking very seriously about a complete career change. Ive taken a couple of test flights which I really enjoyed but have been really nervous about my career prospects given my age. Should I be nervous? Given that I've missed the OATS/Bond deadline do you know if Oats run this course as a standalone CPL(H) ATPL course. Given my home commitments I'm not really in a position to spend 12 months at Bristow( but could manage 4 if I could do the ground school this end) which seems to be the best school especially for those ultimately seeking North sea careers This is what Im guessing from reading various info. It could well be s**t. I would guess that those on this site are sick of these questions but would really appreciate some sound advise

great site by the way

31 is a fine age.Nothing wrong with it.

Yes you can do the CPL on your own so to say but it will cost you up to £80.000 and beyond but don't quote me on that number. Lets put it this way it's a lot of money.

I wish you and all the rest of you the very best of luck with it all.:ok:

I am 43 and did not get throught stage 2.

I have worked with helicopters for years, I worked on the ramp, in ops and work part time at Oxford Airport; so with that in mined what sort of people are they loking for?

I imagine they are looking for younger people they can 'mould' into their type of employee.

I'm sure you would be an ideal candidate, but it's the "get them while they are young" mentality.

I don't think age has much to do with it; I know someone who's 42 who did get through.

There were three questions which had to be answered in around 200 words - I would suggest that there was more emphasis on the answers given to these rather than age.

However, it does seem that a PPL helps!

Well I had my date for stage 2 assesment through the emails today...


Have I missed some vital piece of information here, is there any more solid information about the scheme, training, career expectations etc?...I was actually expecting a more detailed outline of the scheme with the dates for stage 2 assesment.

I am a bit apprehensive about paying for the assesment when im not totaly sure what I might be letting myself in for:ooh:

I know it sounds trivial, but lets face it, im a tight arse git!

Not sure which paper i read this in, the details seem to be 3 years offshore, 3 years onshore then a further three years offshore. Called the work experience plan. The paper may be full of it! but people seem to forget it is Bond who are sponsoring so it may not be offshore, it may just be onshore work, as a result the pay may be onshore pay with a different paying off period. I suppose it depends on logistically who needs the pilots more, offshore or onshore.

Yes, I have read the same as Tortuous, 3,3 and 3. Think it was on another flying website news section but can't remember....

3 years, multicrew, offshore. Then 3 years, singlecrew, onshore. Then 3 years, multicrew, offshore.


From a wannabe's POV, it sounds great. But not sure how much sense it makes, operationally... :confused:


I smell a rat. :E

Good on ye Bravo73 the more suspicious people are the more will pull out leaving more opportunity for the rest of us who got through.

:rolleyes:


But, have no fear, GtheG. The bond will be for 9 years. :}

I concur the more people put off the better!!...MY thinking is nine years is nine years, the "bond" for the military is currently 12-18!!

My biggest worry is how the lucky people are going to find £30k in this environment of rate rises, and insecurity:ugh:

Anyone else heard their dates yet?

Really!Since when?

Guys you can't have your cake and eat it!!!!! Just say thanks, and think yourself lucky if you get accepted.

Or do it the old way and pay for it all..............:ugh:

I got my dates through this morning.

I agree with Brass, at least the opportunity exists!

L A