Singaporean self-sponsored CPL holders - where are you?

[cruisercruiser]

Hi brothers,

Have a good read here: http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=240982. More about the prospects of self-sponsorship and flying in the UK.

Enjoy!

[Yantz]

Well I guess the thread shows just how much people want their dreams, even if it means going bankrupt and crying everyday. I wish that chap in UK all the best.

[cruisercruiser]

Please clear your inbox

Hi guys,

For those who requested info through PM, please could you clear your inboxes?

Cheers

[cruisercruiser]

Originally Posted by Thermal Image

There have been others, eg one who did his own CPL, was underaged so he waited out his time but was an instructor at the Flying College in the meantime, then joined SilkAir, crossed over to SIA, got his command, and now has left for another Asian carrier. Did very well, decent bloke, nice instructor, good operator, a lot of passion for flying. Totally deserved his success. Like the first example, he had a godfather in SIA Flt Ops which helped even more because he was a good guy.

Was revisiting this thread and thought maybe I could get some info here. Where did this decent bloke get his CPL?

Also I've been told thousands of times by UK pilots CONTACTS is what a privately funded CPL holder needs to get the break. Any suggestions how? Have visited places like SYFC to shake some hands, revisited it to reshake some hands whom had completely forgotten me!

Unfortunately can't really get to shake hands in SFC. More less the chance to speak to people in T2 flight ops. Was there speaking to some admintrators and was told its difficult to catch the big shots unless you are damn lucky. I left feeling like a wandering ghost. Desperate it sounds but someone had told me "if you can't get past your own inhibiitons, how do you expect others to get past their inhibitions on you?"

comments?

[Thermal Image]

Originally Posted by cruisercruiser

Was revisiting this thread and thought maybe I could get some info here. Where did this decent bloke get his CPL?

I have lost touch with him. I can't remember where he did his CPL. It is irrelevant. His circumstances are way different from yours - no godfather being the biggest difference. For him, the school was really irrelevant because it was only a matter of time as to WHEN he would get into SIA, not whether he would get in or not. To pick up flying hours and also to stay current he joined SFC to teach. And anyway the school had no part in hooking him up with his godfather. So trying to go to the same school he did, to hope to duplicate his success, is not going to work.

Originally Posted by cruisercruiser

Also I've been told thousands of times by UK pilots CONTACTS is what a privately funded CPL holder needs to get the break. Any suggestions how? Have visited places like SYFC to shake some hands, revisited it to reshake some hands whom had completely forgotten me!

So obviously you know from experience that if they can't even remember you, then such a method will not work.

Originally Posted by cruisercruiser

Unfortunately can't really get to shake hands in SFC. More less the chance to speak to people in T2 flight ops. Was there speaking to some admintrators and was told its difficult to catch the big shots unless you are damn lucky. I left feeling like a wandering ghost. Desperate it sounds but someone had told me "if you can't get past your own inhibiitons, how do you expect others to get past their inhibitions on you?"

Forget about the "hang around and shake hands method" of trying to get in.

So what have you done about becoming a cadet flying instructor referred to in earlier pages? Have you tried e-mailing them your application, or are you stopped dead just because of a phone call that went nowhere? This ought to really be your Plan B.

Parting advice - do NOT fund your own CPL/IR. It is very likely that you will be bitter, jobless and broke if all you want is to work for SIA.

[cruisercruiser]

Originally Posted by Thermal Image

Parting advice - do NOT fund your own CPL/IR. It is very likely that you will be bitter, jobless and broke if all you want is to work for SIA.

Of course getting into SIA is a bonus without which I will settle with instructing.

Thanks for your advice.

[cruisercruiser]

Originally Posted by Thermal Image

So what have you done about becoming a cadet flying instructor referred to in earlier pages? Have you tried e-mailing them your application, or are you stopped dead just because of a phone call that went nowhere? This ought to really be your Plan B.

I've a short bond to serve out before I can leave. The first thing I'll do after the bond is to apply to SFC. Yes this is indeed my plan.

Cheers!

[cruisercruiser]

Interesting read: http://airlineflycrew.com/viewtopic.php?t=47. Yet another success story of a self sponsored guy.

Was directed here for info: http://www.transmile.com/index.asp?id=15&im=job_detail.

cheers!

[Thermal Image]

Originally Posted by cruisercruiser

I've a short bond to serve out before I can leave. The first thing I'll do after the bond is to apply to SFC. Yes this is indeed my plan.

Cheers!

All the best to you then.

This much I have to say: if you are honest, hardworking and passionate about the job, you will surely be noticed by McCully. To start with, his office is within earshot of the SFC ops room, so he will know if you are a good man. Certainly he is a compassionate man and has helped many a (young) pilot who were victims of circumstance and worthy of redemption.

Far too many characters in SIA (cadets included) are just mediocre in their work but experts in sucking up. It is a large organisation and such tactics unfortunately work well. On the other hand if you are a quiet achiever who has no stomach for bull**** like that, then be assured that your time in SFC will not escape the scrutiny of M and you will be justly rewarded. Of course it takes time and persevere you must.

[cruisercruiser]

Thanks for the insight dude. Appreciate all the honest and direct comments and views.

Way to go, cheers!

[dream747]

I must say after reading so many posts here (I didn't realise the presence of this thread before) it really got me thinking on whether I should go ahead and train privately. It's really discouraging to see that things are happening the way they are right now and I'm not from a rich family as well and I'll really need the income coming to support my family. But it's really hard to forgo and give up this dream. Sigh!

[cruisercruiser]

ATPL Study Notes

Hi,

I am looking for ATPL study notes and am wondering if anyone has any idea how to get a set without burning a hole in the pocket. It doesn’t really matter what syllabus the notes follows because I’m reading up for interest only and hopefully it’ll make my future studies for a CPL easier.

I’ve tried Bristol ground school and was told that one module will cost about 85 pounds which I cannot afford. I’ve also got a contact from FTE who is willing to give me all his notes but shipping all the notes from Spain to Singapore will amount to more than 180 pounds. Happened to chance upon a CD put up for bid in Ebay that looks dodgy.

Can I also ask whether SIA pilots are allowed to give their notes away. I’ve got some friends in there but didn’t want to put them in a difficult situation since the materials might be proprietary.

Any suggestions welcome.

[hopeful_pilot]

Hi there, I was wondering if pursuing a Diploma in Aviation Studies would help one's credibility during the cadet pilot interview?

This diploma could then lead to a diploma in air transport in RMIT where a CPL is obtained.

Comments/Input from anyone?

Much appreciated..Thanks!

[hopeful_pilot]

To elaborate on the earlier post, after completing the Diploma in Aviation Studies, there is a tie-up with RMIT to pursue a Diploma in Air Transport (link attached below)

http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Study%...C6009;STATUS=A

The 2nd diploma in air transport will give you a CPL-IR from RMIT in 1yr, albeit it being abit pricey.. is it possible to apply to SIA or other airilnes with that? How viable does this sound if I want to pursue my ambition of becoming an airline pilot?

Thanks in advance for the comments and suggestions

[cruisercruiser]

save hard

Hi Hopeful Pilot,

If you are a degree holder, have been rejected by SIA and still want to fly, do work/save very hard and go the private way. Previous posts say a lot about the private option as you might have already read. Good if SIA is willing to consider you again in future. Below is what I read somewhere. The guy who posted this is with SIA.


Dear all,

Here is a bit of information and I hope it will help you in your interview. Actually this information are for more for applicants whom had done their interview (Esp those medical and 2nd round of interviews) but failed.

The other day I met a colleague (Management Pilot) and we were talking about the interviewees for came forward and applied but failed. He said that especially those who failed the 2nd round interview or medical. Will NOT be considered again. This is no matter who you know or if you reapply again. That includes if you take a PPL or ATPL outside, the company will NOT consider your reapplication.

There are many reasons why the company rejects an applicant. One of th most important they look for in an applicant is do they have the aptitude.

Those rejected, please dont be upset. There are other airlines out there that may accept you (If you have ATPL and CPL/IR). Personally I feel if you have the determination, you will find your dream job in the cockpit.

However if you have spare cash and willing to go the alternative route http://www.mfa.edu.my/MFA-2006-April-10-CPLIR-Direct.pdf. But be prepared to spend at least SGD$80K to get the ATPL. Then again as a pilot with in the airline you will earn those money back in no time.

Can I get a job with Singapore Airlines?
Yes, if you show that you have done the full CPL/IR with a Frozen ATPL in the stipulated time of 66 weeks and have passed all subjects in 2 attempts maximum and have cleared the interview et cetera with Singapore Airlines. Your Malaysian DCA licence CPL/IR with a frozen ATPL is recognised by Singapore CAAS as per their AIC.
Taken from http://www.mfa.edu.my/faq.html#a13

Good Luck!

Hope this doesn't discourage you. Good luck and save hard.

[Thermal Image]

For Cruisercruiser

It is good that you are helping out a hopeful (SIA) cadet. Your intentions are noble.

However you are not doing him a favour by raising his hopes. You are not (yet) in SIA so you should not speak on their behalf, not being able to actually taste the mood first hand.

Also, the bit from MFA about being able to join SIA with qualifications from MFA, although not written by you, is not helpful to Hopeful Pilot either. Spreading untested advice is not being responsible.

MFA has phrased their reply very carefully. Yes, anyone with an ATPL can get a job with SIA, subject to blahblahblah. It is a conditional reply based on subsequent conditions. In other words, Hopeful Pilot can get a job with SIA after getting an ATPL from MFA, just like he can win the Singapore Sweep, just like he can become prime minister or president. But will he, really?

MFA is in the business of selling courses. Of course they would paint as rosy a picture as they can, stopping short of telling lies which can be proven in court.

The facts remain that Singaporean / Malaysian private candidates make up less than 0.5% of the total number of locals (more than 1500 have passed through SFC since 1989). Almost all of the self-funded CPL/ATPLers who were accepted had to do the whole course at SFC all over again. Most were just flatly rejected outright. It is a very VERY bad idea to do a self-funded ATPL course with the sole intention (ie SIA or bust) of joining SIA. A very stupid and expensive idea indeed.

If however the candidate is willling to accept instructorship at SFC, or entry into Silkair, Sincargo or the LCCs, then his chances are many many times better.

[hopeful_pilot]

Originally Posted by Thermal Image

It is good that you are helping out a hopeful (SIA) cadet. Your intentions are noble.

However you are not doing him a favour by raising his hopes. You are not (yet) in SIA so you should not speak on their behalf, not being able to actually taste the mood first hand.

Also, the bit from MFA about being able to join SIA with qualifications from MFA, although not written by you, is not helpful to Hopeful Pilot either. Spreading untested advice is not being responsible.

MFA has phrased their reply very carefully. Yes, anyone with an ATPL can get a job with SIA, subject to blahblahblah. It is a conditional reply based on subsequent conditions. In other words, Hopeful Pilot can get a job with SIA after getting an ATPL from MFA, just like he can win the Singapore Sweep, just like he can become prime minister or president. But will he, really?

MFA is in the business of selling courses. Of course they would paint as rosy a picture as they can, stopping short of telling lies which can be proven in court.

The facts remain that Singaporean / Malaysian private candidates make up less than 0.5% of the total number of locals (more than 1500 have passed through SFC since 1989). Almost all of the self-funded CPL/ATPLers who were accepted had to do the whole course at SFC all over again. Most were just flatly rejected outright. It is a very VERY bad idea to do a self-funded ATPL course with the sole intention (ie SIA or bust) of joining SIA. A very stupid and expensive idea indeed.

If however the candidate is willling to accept instructorship at SFC, or entry into Silkair, Sincargo or the LCCs, then his chances are many many times better.

hi thermal image and cruiser,

thanks alot to both of you for sharing your thoughts..

thermal image: you mentioned that if the candidate is wililng to go to silkair, singapore cargo instead, a privately funded ATPL would suffice..may i know the chances of them taking in a privately funded ATPL candidate?

besides these 2 coys, would we stand a chance to apply to other airlines with a CPL-IR? For e.g. LCCs such as Air Asia, Tiger Air, or perhaps Garuda, Malaysia Airilnes etc?

other than taking a privately funded CPL-IR/ATPL, how useful would it be to take up a course in aviation and then apply to SIA again..would it go some way in showing them that you have a keen interest in aviation?

btw thermal, you are with SIA now?

thanks!

[winglet_fever]

Originally Posted by Thermal Image

It is good that you are helping out a hopeful (SIA) cadet. Your intentions are noble.
However you are not doing him a favour by raising his hopes. You are not (yet) in SIA so you should not speak on their behalf, not being able to actually taste the mood first hand.
Also, the bit from MFA about being able to join SIA with qualifications from MFA, although not written by you, is not helpful to Hopeful Pilot either. Spreading untested advice is not being responsible.
MFA has phrased their reply very carefully. Yes, anyone with an ATPL can get a job with SIA, subject to blahblahblah. It is a conditional reply based on subsequent conditions. In other words, Hopeful Pilot can get a job with SIA after getting an ATPL from MFA, just like he can win the Singapore Sweep, just like he can become prime minister or president. But will he, really?
MFA is in the business of selling courses. Of course they would paint as rosy a picture as they can, stopping short of telling lies which can be proven in court.
The facts remain that Singaporean / Malaysian private candidates make up less than 0.5% of the total number of locals (more than 1500 have passed through SFC since 1989). Almost all of the self-funded CPL/ATPLers who were accepted had to do the whole course at SFC all over again. Most were just flatly rejected outright. It is a very VERY bad idea to do a self-funded ATPL course with the sole intention (ie SIA or bust) of joining SIA. A very stupid and expensive idea indeed.
If however the candidate is willling to accept instructorship at SFC, or entry into Silkair, Sincargo or the LCCs, then his chances are many many times better.

T.I., just to set the record straight..


CAAS recognises CPL/IR ONLY from the following flight training "schools"
- oxford
- MFA
- SFC
- Massey
- perth, scotland (not sure about the name of the training school)

thus, """"IF"""""" and when one has passed SIA's interview, ATPL(only for oxford and MFA) and basic flying phase in perth are not required, straight into learjet phase. i can name at least 10 names from the top of my head that has gone through this route.

Cheers

quote...
rock steady!

[Thermal Image]

Thank you for updating me.

Let's assume that your count does not include the Hongkongers and is just limited to the Singaporeans and Malaysians that have taken the DIY path.

Let's also assume that we are likely from different eras, and my count does not include anyone from your count and thus perhaps there is now a trend developing.

That would therefore make my 0.5% plus your 10 or so becoming maybe 20 in total. Out of 1500 that would then make 1.33%, almost triple my first estimate. Should HP therefore be encouraged by this?

My own gut feel is that the DIYers I know sat around a long time waiting for SIA to revert (well beyond the expiration of their currency), when SIA was still actively recruiting the ab initio candidates, and only then did the DIYers eventually get accepted, and more often than not into Cargo. This suggests they weren't exactly on the top 10 most wanted, more like a distant Plan C or Plan D.

Also, while I don't have the numbers to compare, as a group, how many of the DIYers got chopped, vs the ab initio as a group, my feeling is that in spite of the DIYers being equipped with a CPL/fATPL, more of them as a group percentage were chopped compared to the ab initio boys.

All these (unscientific feelings) tells me that to do DIY your CPL/ATPL just to get into SIA is a silly idea.

[cruisercruiser]

Hi All,

Long time no hear!

Originally Posted by Thermal Image

...raising his hopes.

I thought I was being discouraging to be honest!

cheers