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Singaporean self-sponsored CPL holders - where are you?

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Old 11th Nov 2008, 13:54
  #461 (permalink)  
 
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ljjthegreat:

i would just sugggest you to throw your research out of the window. I do not think that your resesearch has validity or reliability. Research on this forum, that will be the same as just lying to yourself and your parents.

Base on your postings, your very conformed towards your mindset and you did not really open out to comments which are not towards your mindset. risky shift behaviour can be determined from your posting..

TI meant that singaporeans should give up the idea is because of the sitaution and how NS and the required age has created a LOSE-LOSE SITUATION for any self-sponsored cpl personnel.

take a good look at your research folio, whats the mean age of the cadet pilots in overseas airlines and flight schools? 30? or 18? career life is down the drain for singaporeans choosing a change like in late 20s or 30s? Why is SQ recruiting from many other regions? thats the fact that they are 18-22......

you should self-reflect and digust all the issues here. Being conformed by only your ideas will kill you. Why not just go and take a class 1 medical and see if your deem fit to fly.. prior to doing anything.

great way to fly
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Old 11th Nov 2008, 13:57
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ljjthegreat,

When I first convinced myself that I wanted to be a pilot, I got down to research in hope to find out more on how this whole 'pilot-industry' works, I started off in front of my computer screen naturally and the first site I came onto is Pprune.

Lost in my state of over-enthusiasm, stuck in a position where SIA will not even take a glance at me, I did whatever I could here to find out if there are any alternative paths that will lead to that light that I've always been looking for. I PMed as many people here that I thought then could give me advices and maybe made myself a nuisance to them (I hope I didn't though, sorry to those if I did) and indeed I have received many invaluable advices from many users here.

It took me time to realise gradually that as much Pprune as a forum can offer good advices, not everything we read here is necessarily true or reflective of the actual situation out there, more so for Singapore, trust TI if you would. Users that post here who are airline pilots make up I believe less than 5% of the total number users probably.

And yes, I have ZERO actual experience in this industry as well. I think the very least we could do is to heed the advice from people who is in the industry who are willing to help and give advices to people like us.

Respectfully,

Dream747

Last edited by dream747; 11th Nov 2008 at 14:03. Reason: Spelling
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Old 11th Nov 2008, 14:02
  #463 (permalink)  
 
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My $0.02

I agree with Thermal Image.

I know I have been beating the Self Sponsored drum for a while now, but let's put this in perspective.

1. The best option for Singaporeans is to get SQ cadetship. Nuff said.

2. Failing that, the next best option is Cadet FI, because someone else still pays for your training and you've got a job waiting for you at the end of training. After your bond is up, chances of airlines hiring you is still very high.

3. If you don't get option 2, a self sponsored CPL w fATPL in SFC is the next best, because you still end up with a licence that has the path of least resistance for Singapore carriers to hire you, is accepted in Malaysia 1 for 1, and any other ICAO contracting state that accepts CASA, FAA, Transport Canada etc. Let's face it, wouldn't we all rather be working closest to home, given a choice?
The down side to option 3 is the cost - more expensive than self sponsoring overseas. BUT, if you've got young kids and a family to move overseas ..... ???..........

4. Only after you've exhausted all previous options, then if you still have that itch you just have to scratch, by all means fight for your dream and chase down that rainbow!

Happy landings!
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Old 11th Nov 2008, 14:22
  #464 (permalink)  
 
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"don't you find it contradictory to tell me to "throw my research out of the window", when the research that i did ws from this forum, the very same platform that i'm communicating with you right now?

no offence, but if the research that i'e done has no "credibility or reliability", than isnt that the same for the very same post that i'm replying to?"


I was once in your shoes like I mentioned, only to realise that not everything here can be taken seriously. Not all information here are accurate as I gradually find out. It doesn't necessarily portray reality accurately. Most of the users are concentrated in Europe, Australia... etc. Singapore works rather differently from those countries. You need to see who are the users posting, who you are reading from, and better, who take take credible advice from!

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Old 11th Nov 2008, 14:33
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correct me if im wrong, but these 2 options also require a singaporean to be at least 26 rite? if yes, then i don't think i would be willing to wait to then to start..
yeap.

another thing is, werent you the one who encouraged singaporeans to go to overseas, right here in this thread? why have you changed you mind also...

@ljjthegreat,

Chill, bro.

I know of 1 Cadet FI that got in before 26. He is just finishing or has just finished his bond and is on the way to SQ.

If one decides to start his aviation career immediately after Uni or NS, then then yes, the only way is to go overseas.

I have not changed my mind, in fact, I stand by all I have said before. Each person has his own set of circumstances and not 1 path is the best way for all. I have a family to support, with a baby, and my wife has a good paying job (which we are thankful for at this difficult time). The opportunity cost will be too high for me to uproot and relocate the family. Which is why I am doing my CASA CPL modularly, which I have also declared before.

Since I am over the age limit for SQ, there's no chance they will accept me as a cadet (I have applied and got rejected). HOWEVER, should the miraculous happen and SFC offers me Cadet FI, would I take it? IN A HEARTBEAT, you bet I would!
What if they offered me as Self Sponsored? Yes again! Because as Thermal Image has stated, the deserving number of SS students get offered part sponsorship by airlines. That's worth something.

If none of the above happen, then I will continue to plod on with my CPL in Oz (2 exams booked for the end of the year already! woohoo!)

Understand that not everyone is in the same shoes.

Happy landings!
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Old 11th Nov 2008, 15:05
  #466 (permalink)  
 
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ljjthegreat:

well, that posting said it all...good luck in your future.....

btw, TI narration about the 2nd officers being sacked was true. I flown with that bugger before and he deserve to get the letter straight up in his face.

Thats the fact that many of us are willing to share our journerys and improve aviation in SG yet, not very much being appreciated.

great way to fly
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Old 11th Nov 2008, 15:22
  #467 (permalink)  
 
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I agree with TI 100% as its the reality where facts can be dis-heartening to wannabes. Having worked in the industry and knowing what's it like, you have provided sound advice which i can relate to. You couldn't have said it any better for those considering a career in this industry.

Self sponsor in the aviation industry can be costly whether in Spore or anywhere else. It's rather difficult to obtain job overseas especially without much experience however not impossible. GA overseas don't usually pay well and its unfortunately a very difficult route to aviation for Sporeans.

This job does not just depend on endless research as experience play a major part especially when one have zero or no experience. Btw, discipline and attitude is equally important.
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Old 11th Nov 2008, 18:07
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I think most self-sponsored pilots or self-sponsored pilot wannabes already understand the main gist to the tale that its not going to be easy to get into a Singapore based airline after completion and I also believe from the ongoing discussions that alot of self-sponsored pilots like myself don't see the Big Irons of Singapore as their goal...If they do,then I guess I have nothing to say,cos I don't...

But a self-sponsored pilot has to definitely be more realistic in their approach to the flying career and even if it means flying a single engine aircraft all their life,they have to be satisfied,so why do I keep reading the few options listed out and if none of the options can be met,then flying is not for them???

As a professional,what advice could you give your juniors?Or you simply diss them and tell them if you don't meet the criteria,out you go??...I have got an uncle,a senior pilot with SQ and he has never once drowned my dreams of becoming a pilot but instead,he told me what to do and I think this thread has gone way off topic and instead of assisting and guiding,its come to a point where this thread has lost its essence of showing some light to individuals who want to pursue the flying career....

So that begs the question if you are thinking of being a self-sponsored wannabe - what makes you think that after 10 years and 7,000 hours overseas you will now be (more) attractive to SIA? That is if you can even get the hours in the first place.

Why do we keep coming back to the same old topic of SQ again..with 7000 hours,why assume that some self sponsored individual would want to come back to SQ?

If you are self sponsored,your life is outside of Singapore.Period.

I guess everyone knows the industry in Singapore,how controlled it can be and with that kind of experience as stated above,I am sure,that pilot could be making it great elsewhere,even if it means being a career flight instructor...Perhaps some of you have not gone down the roads of our path and should not comment much and with the SQ guys in the picture,you guys no nothing about the roads we take to fullfill those desires..

I will only give credits to the pointers about the truths with regards to the industry in Singapore..We all know that its true that if you make it into the Cadet Program,you make it,but that doesn't mean that your journey towards being a pilot ends right there, which has been implied that "you are not meant to be"...

There are multiple routes and I will second my words on that and as much as its not going to be easy,its achievable,perhaps some pple are just thinking too much abt being part of the SQ family which I think as a self sponsored candidate,you got to take the words "S" and "Q" outta the picture totally...

And i think this thread is more to encourage individuals who have fallen short on getting hired by the national flag carrier or individuals trying to take a different path and not to state the obvious...I guess we all got the picture a long time ago..
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Old 11th Nov 2008, 23:01
  #469 (permalink)  
 
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@phrixus29

I totally get what you're saying and I agree with you (oh no, maybe I'm going to be accused of changing my mind again ).

Its hard to put forth a balanced argument. I know the road you have taken, as I'm taking it now. At the same time, the guys in SQ have their perspective too. We're all actually singing the same song, only from a different perspective.

I too am tired of the assumption that SQ is the ultimate goal for every Singaporean wanting to be a pilot. However, if after pursuing aviation abroad for some time, SQ were to offer an FO position, how many of those FIs/charter pilots/bush pilots/aerial bombers would turn it down?

So, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, for those of us that don't even get in SFC as a SS candidate, and we still want to pursue the pilot dream, be prepared to not ever get into SQ. It has been done before, but don't get our hopes up too high.
BUT, there are many other pilot jobs out there in the big wide world that are just as rewarding and you should open your minds to accept them.

Phew! Its hard work making balanced arguments.
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 00:41
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Allow me to share a little of my experience in aviation ha .

When I was a self-sponsored cadet in a flying school in Msia (being late 20s and all, stable career bla bla bla before I jumped into aviation), there were a lot of things I felt could be improved.

One of them was rough handling of students ha. There was this ang mo who would give me sleepless nights if I knew I've got a sortie with him the next day. Better know the SOP inside out and even if you do fly well, he's a fault finder. Occasionally, he does some hitting. I still remember on my 13th hour, he scolded me fxck fxck fxck on apron before take off till apron after landing (apron to apron I'd call it lol). I was on Elm Street and he was my nightmare, Freddy Kruger haha. However, he teaches you patiently and methodically before he Fs u. Always, w/o fail.

Lesson learnt: In aviation, you may not always agree with those above you but do not argue most times. Do not fight for your rights most times. Blind insistence on what you think is right is a big nono esp if you are a nobody. Just bite the bullet and go thru it. Learn how to adapt.

Cheers pple
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 08:40
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Hi ljjthegreat,

I would suggest you read through Thermal Image's advices again. It may not be an easy pill to swallow, but in aviation, working together, listening to advices from seniors are very important.

I am just training for my PPL, so I am in no position to offer any advice on the self sponsored route. But I have gotten great advice from TI before, so ignore him at your own peril.
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 08:57
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cavigaplanet,

All the best for your PPL. Can I ask where you are doing it?
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 09:55
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To: ljjthegreat

I acknowledge that you have made some great contributions to the forum, it must surely suck to be run down by other forumers. But to eat humble pie is of extreme importance in the cockpit. I can tell you are a responsible person but there are some posts which I feel you are not receptive to opinions, even before TI came in.

There are pseudo guys in here, amongst the genuine ones. These people know each other, trust me. Those genuine ones will not talk big out of nowhere cos their peers are watching.

A forum is like a cockpit, if you haven't realised. But of course you haven't realised because you haven't commandeered an aircraft with a co-pilot before. Let me assure you that it is not my intention to run you down but you do need a little slap on the wrist. Cheers bro
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 10:33
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phrixus29

If you are self sponsored,your life is outside of Singapore.Period.
That may well be your intentions.

But statistics in SQ are that:

1. There are perhaps 50 or fewer self-sponsored Singaporean cadets (out of about 1700 trained since SFC was established).

2. About the same (another 50) are no longer in aviation (driving taxi, whatever). Never made it in or got chopped even with their own licence.

3. A handful are working for other carriers. Maybe 10.

These 3 facts show that most self sponsored pilots do it to join SQ. If cannot get into SQ, then don't fly at all. Investment written off. They just don't go away to remain outside forever and ever. For those who got into SQ, they did the right thing, get qualified and join SQ ASAP (some were jobless up to 3 years since they completed Massey or whatever). That is why I said:

So that begs the question if you are thinking of being a self-sponsored wannabe - what makes you think that after 10 years and 7,000 hours overseas you will now be (more) attractive to SIA? That is if you can even get the hours in the first place.

Because any smart self sponsored pilot is simply not going to linger outside SG just to collect hours.

The odds are simply stacked way way way against you - wrong colour, no right to work (unless you are crafty), and finally, others who have already had a headstart, age for age. That is why I said:

"what makes you think that after 10 years and 7,000 hours overseas you will now be (more) attractive to SIA? That is if you can even get the hours in the first place."
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 10:47
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Interesting Stats

@TI,

I believe the SS candidates you're referring to are those that trained outside of Singapore.

What about those SS candidates that trained with SFC. I believe SFC started taking a few since 2 years ago (I heard the number might be in the region of about 10 till now)?
Word is the first 3 that did it were signed up by SQ. Don't know what happened to the rest though. Can you confirm?
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 10:50
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To: TI

I would have to disagree with you that most self-sponsored do it to join SQ. That would be more accurate a statement if you refer to SFC private cadets.

After I got rejected final round by SQ, I nvr did my fATPL for the hope of getting into SQ someday. I knw once they reject, that's it. What's more with HK and Indian prospects, on top of Msians fighting for places.

There are a few friends who think that way like me.
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 11:08
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ljjthegreat,

i'll let you in on a little secret, or maybe everyone knows it already. syfc is hiring instructors though this is not openly advertised. the best part is that they only take pink ic like for their students. they'll sponsor a malaysian or australian cpl no me no ir no atp papers for 5yrs of your time. instructors get 600+hrs/yr so its possible for someone to rack up 3000+hrs before a local SQ cadet of the same age even starts ground school. drop by east camp and just maybe you can impress them enough to land this great deal.

the 26y/o barrier ain't that big a deal, just apply to airforce and hint that you prefer SQ more during the interview, you'll fail the selection. though i consider this quite dishonorable. try not to fail medical/compass though.
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 11:20
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I know of two ex-instructors with SFC, one with SIlkair and one with Cargo now. They were both PPL holders from YFC before they applied to be instructors. To be an instructor in SFC, I don't believe you need to be above 26 yrs of age (though I stand to be corrected).

Last edited by overmars; 12th Nov 2008 at 13:37. Reason: ljjthegreat's photo was removed!!
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Old 12th Nov 2008, 21:07
  #479 (permalink)  
 
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Sonic69:


However, if after pursuing aviation abroad for some time, SQ were to offer an FO position, how many of those FIs/charter pilots/bush pilots/aerial bombers would turn it down?

If SQ does offer an FO position,nobody in the right frame of mind will turn that offer down,unless they are comfortable with the flying they are doing at the moment the offer pops up but then again,we as self sponsored individuals should never wait for such offers..If it turns out good,I'll take the offer for sure unless I am better off at the place I am,for example if I were to be a Chief Pilot of a small charter company and racking in a good salary with great management,I don't see why I should leave but all in all getting an offer with SQ is just a little bonus,no biggie seriously...If I had the guts to self sponsor myself,I should have better known my direction before I even plunged into it,which till to date,no regrets..as long as it gets me flying,thats all that matters at the end of the day..I don't need to be flying with engines having 70,000 lbs of thrust down the ILS glideslope every other day..



Thermal Image:

These 3 facts show that most self sponsored pilots do it to join SQ. If cannot get into SQ, then don't fly at all. Investment written off. They just don't go away to remain outside forever and ever.
Well with your 3 facts,I will think those self sponsored pilots just plunged..I am not here to speak for them but yes,I personally think they have simply shot themselves in the foot in an instant if they never had the big picture in mind but narrowed the whole industry to Singapore and to be in Singapore only..


For those who got into SQ, they did the right thing, get qualified and join SQ ASAP (some were jobless up to 3 years since they completed Massey or whatever).

For those who got into SQ did the right thing??Are we a bunch standing down here who didnt do the right thing just because Mr.XYZ rejects the application...I guess we all tried to do the right thing and we know that, that would get us riding a smooth wave,but unfortunately,I hope you understand that things don't always fall in place the way we wish for it to be..


Because any smart self sponsored pilot is simply not going to linger outside SG just to collect hours.

I have been doing this for a while and am enjoying my journey..Are you questioning my decision or my intelligence with your above statement??I just hope not..


The odds are simply stacked way way way against you - wrong colour, no right to work (unless you are crafty), and finally, others who have already had a headstart, age for age.

True enough...but still worth a try at the end of the day...

Better than hoping to get into SQ after flight training as you mentioned about some self sponsored individuals whom you say have become cab drivers and the blah and thats something I never did and I really hope you understand that smart people have to work outside than in Singapore if you are self sponsored,unless you get lucky and you get the ticket on to one of the Singapore based airlines, which is rather slim..
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Old 13th Nov 2008, 01:11
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Cheers phrixus29, ur our resident guru as well.
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