Career Paths for Becoming an ATP in India
 

Hi all,

I am not really keen on pursuing a career in aviation in India but nevertheless, I am keeping all options before me when the time comes. I have been able to work out a couple of routes to becoming an ATP in India but I am unsure of how effective and rewarding they will be. I would like to know your opinions on these paths.

Route One:

A cadet pilot programme. I believe that IndiGo has one running right now and it seems to be working well (from what I hear). My time to start will be 2017-2018. Do you think that airlines will be hiring then and cadet pilot programmes will be on in India at that time?

Route Two:

Would it seem viable to obtain a self-sponsored CPL and then apply to an airline sponsored course for MCC, jet orientation, TR, etc.? IndiGo's programme does have an option for existing CPL holders but my question is whether airlines around 2017-18 will keep such options open? Are there any economical benefits by going for this option, ie., would I end up spending less than Route One?

Route Three:

A full self-sponsored course right from PPL to ATPL/TR and then applying to airlines. I am quite unsure about how this works. I would appreciate if someone could throw some light on this route. It does seem expensive than the other two and are airlines looking for such 'out-of-the-factory' pilots? Please do correct me where I am going wrong.

So these are the routes I have in mind. My primary desire would be to go for a cadet programme with a foreign airline but I want to keep all options open. What do you think?

Cheers.

Hey,
As for route one, if they do have one, then well and good. But keep in mind that this industry, just like any other, is a volatile and dynamic one; everything keeps changing and since you are talking about a 5 yr timeline, it would be utterly foolish to presume that things will stay the same for the next year or so, let alone for the next 5 years. But nevertheless, if they do have one, doesn't matter if it's Indigo or KF or 9W, if you are an Indian national, this is the best route imho, if you sincerely want to work in India. But keep in mind that you will be enslaved -read bonded- to that airline for, God knows how many years, and you may feel helpless during that course of time. In US, as of now, you can only work your a$$ off as an instructor once you are done with CPL as there are virtually no airline jobs for an inexperienced, immigrant driver. This is based on my personal experience.

As for the self-sponsored CPL mentioned in your second and third routes, that would make sense if you are planning, or you are willing, to work anywhere and everywhere on this planet. Basically, it would make you flexible enough as you would not enslave yourself to a particular airline or to a particular region. I have no idea about the MCC/JOC course which you mentioned but as for the ATP, you won't get it in a fortnight, at least not in the US. Here, you need at least 1500 hrs, coupled with some other minor req., before you can appear for the check. Also, route three would work if you have sufficient Vitamin J -read Jugaad- and/or Vitamin W -read Waasta- in India ;););););)

AFAIK, the only foreign airlines which used to hire/hire outsiders, as Cadet Pilots, were/are SQ and CX (albeit their website now states preference would be given to HKID holders). EK, EY and GF have their own too but it's reserved for the locals. But hey, since you are looking at 5-6 yrs down the line, you never know!! Just stay abreast with all the happenings and even if things don't go well, apne dil pe haath rakh ke boliyo, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaal is well:ok::ok::ok::ok::ok:

Thanks for your reply. I'll just have to wait and see. :)

Haha! I read you there buddy!

Cheers.

Dude forgot it man, I did my training almost 4 years back and till today nothing.....I am currently employed in a low paying office job after spending 25 lacs aiming to sit in an aircraft to fly as FO but now it seems that wont happen ever, dont waste your money on this crap and take engineering or finance degree you will at least get a decent job with good salary. There are already 10000+ unemployed CPL holders and many TR holders so think twice before moving on.

VDAff - are you managing to keep current or have your ratings lapsed?
If so are you doing the currency overseas or in India itself

HAHAHA! Direct ATP! Wow! This is new!

Dude my advice! Stay away.
Go to College. Get a Degree. Gain Experience. Go do Masters. Get a nice job and not add to the number in aviation.