Self Sponsored A320 Type Rating & Line Training - J Curd
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Shagrat
A quote often attributed to PT Barnum (however not verified) is:
"all publicity is good publicity".
I'm concious of the number of posts you have made before starting this thread, initially I thought it may be someone with a vested interest in the scheme attempting to highlight it in the hope there would be at least a few fATPL'ers out there who were unaware of the course and get some traffic to their website despite the predominately negative posts that would follow questioning your morals and cancerous nature of these initiatives.
Upon reflection I am more inclined to think that at fATPL level yourself you must have been exposed to and informed of PPRuNe either before you started on your training or at the very least during it. Your comments in the larger bolder font show that you have certainly reviewed many threads debating the P2F issue on here. Also, I find it hard to believe you waited till this fork in the road of your career before having the urge to post for the first time.
This would lead me to believe you have created a secondary username to ensure you disassociate yourself from the one you've used up to now on here. To be honest I understand this as nobody wants extra drama in their lives and this subject is very emotive.
I may be incorrect with this theory, if I am I apologise and offer my take below.
I think what magicmick wrote is a reasoned response to your quandry, he has the benefit of a well paid job with an airside pass in aviation so can still keep his ear to the ground. He has the itch despite being financially secure so I can only imagine that you may not feel that you can hold off until the market picks up to the extent that all the experienced redundant pilots are rehired, then those with TR's and minimum hours on type and so on down the chain.
I do not know you age or what you did before aviation, if you could walk back into your old job to keep the wolf from the door. You may be one of many looking for something in an economic downturn with over 2m unemployed and taking a decision to shell out approximately 1 years salary as a FO to attain a TR and however many hours may be something you'd pay credence to. After your hours there are no guarantees and even if you got one in writing it would have a disclaimer no doubt.
I personally think paying a commercial company on a revenue generating endeavour to take you along is a cancer in our industry that hasn't been stamped out due to a multitude of reasons discussed at length on other threads, however listing them here not adding to the specific questions you raised.
You may feel that in 10 years time, how you got your first foot on the ladder in 2010 may be forgotten by your peers. I would say there is a good chance you and I will be working in an industry that will have changed considerably and by pursing this course you may have added an extra straw to the camels of that decline 10 years before. If you have created a new username to facilitate this debate then surely your own embarrassment should tell you something going forward.
Another quote often used is "sh!t sticks"
"all publicity is good publicity".
I'm concious of the number of posts you have made before starting this thread, initially I thought it may be someone with a vested interest in the scheme attempting to highlight it in the hope there would be at least a few fATPL'ers out there who were unaware of the course and get some traffic to their website despite the predominately negative posts that would follow questioning your morals and cancerous nature of these initiatives.
Upon reflection I am more inclined to think that at fATPL level yourself you must have been exposed to and informed of PPRuNe either before you started on your training or at the very least during it. Your comments in the larger bolder font show that you have certainly reviewed many threads debating the P2F issue on here. Also, I find it hard to believe you waited till this fork in the road of your career before having the urge to post for the first time.
This would lead me to believe you have created a secondary username to ensure you disassociate yourself from the one you've used up to now on here. To be honest I understand this as nobody wants extra drama in their lives and this subject is very emotive.
I may be incorrect with this theory, if I am I apologise and offer my take below.
I think what magicmick wrote is a reasoned response to your quandry, he has the benefit of a well paid job with an airside pass in aviation so can still keep his ear to the ground. He has the itch despite being financially secure so I can only imagine that you may not feel that you can hold off until the market picks up to the extent that all the experienced redundant pilots are rehired, then those with TR's and minimum hours on type and so on down the chain.
I do not know you age or what you did before aviation, if you could walk back into your old job to keep the wolf from the door. You may be one of many looking for something in an economic downturn with over 2m unemployed and taking a decision to shell out approximately 1 years salary as a FO to attain a TR and however many hours may be something you'd pay credence to. After your hours there are no guarantees and even if you got one in writing it would have a disclaimer no doubt.
I personally think paying a commercial company on a revenue generating endeavour to take you along is a cancer in our industry that hasn't been stamped out due to a multitude of reasons discussed at length on other threads, however listing them here not adding to the specific questions you raised.
You may feel that in 10 years time, how you got your first foot on the ladder in 2010 may be forgotten by your peers. I would say there is a good chance you and I will be working in an industry that will have changed considerably and by pursing this course you may have added an extra straw to the camels of that decline 10 years before. If you have created a new username to facilitate this debate then surely your own embarrassment should tell you something going forward.
Another quote often used is "sh!t sticks"
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I was initially considering a type rating/line training package myself a very short while ago!
But having done some research of my own as well as the obvious blatant lies from the TRTO's of promise of jobs etc its obvious to see that its just a scam to get your money...
I do hope that the rest of you guys thinking of doing what i was going to do realise it too...and stop before its too late, and just wait for the market to pick up!
But having done some research of my own as well as the obvious blatant lies from the TRTO's of promise of jobs etc its obvious to see that its just a scam to get your money...
I do hope that the rest of you guys thinking of doing what i was going to do realise it too...and stop before its too late, and just wait for the market to pick up!
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Take a look at Airliner World (April 2010, page 37).
There is an interview with Mr. Martin Halstead and at some point they write "...he was made redundant last summer. He quickly landed a First Officer job for Greek start-up carrier Elite Airlines on the Airbus A320 and completed the type rating course on the aircraft with bmi. However shortly after qualifying the airline failed and once again Martin was forced to seek alternative employment".
What a weird way to say "I gave the money to Capt. Jonathan Curd and now I have no job".
There is an interview with Mr. Martin Halstead and at some point they write "...he was made redundant last summer. He quickly landed a First Officer job for Greek start-up carrier Elite Airlines on the Airbus A320 and completed the type rating course on the aircraft with bmi. However shortly after qualifying the airline failed and once again Martin was forced to seek alternative employment".
What a weird way to say "I gave the money to Capt. Jonathan Curd and now I have no job".
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I think theres a little confusion there. Reference to Martin Halstead here: Martin Halstead - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From his behaviour, you could be forgiven thinking he's related to jon curd, but I dont think the article is correct in suggesting he worked for Elite on the airbus, unless of course its a different person with the same name.
I may be wrong, but I believe that Elite never managed to get an airbus?
In January 2010 Halstead set up a new aviation venture called Varsity Express, initially disguising his own involvement in the company.[12] As his lead role in the business became public, Martin Halstead stated that Varsity Express had sufficient funds to operate for 6 months without carrying a single passenger.[13] Ten days prior to Varsity's first flight, Halstead also claimed to the media that his nascent airline already employed about 20 people.[11]
The new company started services between Oxford and Edinburgh on 1 March 2010 and suspended operations one week later, after Halstead failed to pay fees due in respect of the small aircraft he had leased to operate the service.[14] Thirteen passengers were left stranded because the second leg of their return tickets was not honoured. [15]
A number of allegations of dishonesty surrounding Varsity Express were reported in The Times newspaper on 14 March 2010[16]. The article reported allegations that Martin Halstead used a fictitious name to pose variously as both the commercial director and the financial backer of the airline: launched the business with a partner who was disqualified from acting as a company director; boasted of fictitious investors; and obtained finance for the business by asking four newly-qualified pilot recruits to pay up to £15,000 each for specialised 'type training', which was never provided. The pilots' money was allegedly paid into Halstead's personal bank account.
The new company started services between Oxford and Edinburgh on 1 March 2010 and suspended operations one week later, after Halstead failed to pay fees due in respect of the small aircraft he had leased to operate the service.[14] Thirteen passengers were left stranded because the second leg of their return tickets was not honoured. [15]
A number of allegations of dishonesty surrounding Varsity Express were reported in The Times newspaper on 14 March 2010[16]. The article reported allegations that Martin Halstead used a fictitious name to pose variously as both the commercial director and the financial backer of the airline: launched the business with a partner who was disqualified from acting as a company director; boasted of fictitious investors; and obtained finance for the business by asking four newly-qualified pilot recruits to pay up to £15,000 each for specialised 'type training', which was never provided. The pilots' money was allegedly paid into Halstead's personal bank account.
I may be wrong, but I believe that Elite never managed to get an airbus?
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"If you are offered a turbo-prop job as a first
officer then this is great experience but you need to use it as a steppingstone
to the jets, don't get suckered into taking a turbo-prop command, it
will be a costly mistake."
officer then this is great experience but you need to use it as a steppingstone
to the jets, don't get suckered into taking a turbo-prop command, it
will be a costly mistake."
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Yes Socrates,
He is the same guy, but after reading his Wikipedia profile I´m beginning to think he managed to cheat Capt. J. Curd, and that is a completely unusual situation.
Anyway, probably I will stop buying Airline World.
He is the same guy, but after reading his Wikipedia profile I´m beginning to think he managed to cheat Capt. J. Curd, and that is a completely unusual situation.
Anyway, probably I will stop buying Airline World.
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I'm not getting into the whole PTF debate as this has been done to death on this forum, however, the problem with this thread as I percieve is facts:
Is the "named individual" a good Captain and a good instructor.. answer..without doubt and you probably won't find anyone to challenge this.
Did /does his students had/ have a good quality TR course.. yes.. amongst the better ones we've seen.
Now, here's the problem. When does the hat change from competent instructor/Captain to hard sell businessman and how much of the former persona is influencing the decisions of the prospective clients.
It would appear from reading through the lines that all the students ended up with a good Type Rating but the whole follow on to the line training and employment in recent times has gone wrong.
How much of that mess was due directly to Mr C and how much was in fact due to the situation within the client airlines? One can argue that Joe Bloggs bought a " Solution" and expected a job after xxx hrs line flying, but if the airline stops flying, surely all ATP have to do is either: Refund the Line Training element less the OCC or find an alternative source of line training. The later, I would suggest, is very very difficult in today's market. Of course, the PTF student is now in limbo and time is the one thing they can't catch up on as is an expired LPC.
IF all the line training had taken place, and IF the guys had subsequently got contracts, would there be so much anger on the site against the individual as opposed to the concept of PTF.
I now understand the ex co-owner is now working in Greece and that the original ATP is now relaunched , could this be the reason for the " new company" as opposed to a more sinister take.. just a thought?
I can't help thinking that the high profile of Mr C does mark him as a target on these forums, whereas, an organisation such as Eaglejet, which without doubt has more " students" is ignored. Perhaps this could be that EJ don't sell on the basis of a job at the end of the program.. who knows.
I am not defending the morals of Mr C or his claims as I have no axe to grind either way, however I do feel that individuals must take responsibilty for their choices, good or bad and would like to see a response on here from someone who bought a " solution" which did not materialise and how they tried to resolve it in precise terms.
On a practical note, those guys that bought TRs from any organisation and have not yet got jobs or line training, should form a syndicate to get pairs for the sims ( LPCs) . I am sure a few TREs would do you guys a good deal to keep you current
Is the "named individual" a good Captain and a good instructor.. answer..without doubt and you probably won't find anyone to challenge this.
Did /does his students had/ have a good quality TR course.. yes.. amongst the better ones we've seen.
Now, here's the problem. When does the hat change from competent instructor/Captain to hard sell businessman and how much of the former persona is influencing the decisions of the prospective clients.
It would appear from reading through the lines that all the students ended up with a good Type Rating but the whole follow on to the line training and employment in recent times has gone wrong.
How much of that mess was due directly to Mr C and how much was in fact due to the situation within the client airlines? One can argue that Joe Bloggs bought a " Solution" and expected a job after xxx hrs line flying, but if the airline stops flying, surely all ATP have to do is either: Refund the Line Training element less the OCC or find an alternative source of line training. The later, I would suggest, is very very difficult in today's market. Of course, the PTF student is now in limbo and time is the one thing they can't catch up on as is an expired LPC.
IF all the line training had taken place, and IF the guys had subsequently got contracts, would there be so much anger on the site against the individual as opposed to the concept of PTF.
I now understand the ex co-owner is now working in Greece and that the original ATP is now relaunched , could this be the reason for the " new company" as opposed to a more sinister take.. just a thought?
I can't help thinking that the high profile of Mr C does mark him as a target on these forums, whereas, an organisation such as Eaglejet, which without doubt has more " students" is ignored. Perhaps this could be that EJ don't sell on the basis of a job at the end of the program.. who knows.
I am not defending the morals of Mr C or his claims as I have no axe to grind either way, however I do feel that individuals must take responsibilty for their choices, good or bad and would like to see a response on here from someone who bought a " solution" which did not materialise and how they tried to resolve it in precise terms.
On a practical note, those guys that bought TRs from any organisation and have not yet got jobs or line training, should form a syndicate to get pairs for the sims ( LPCs) . I am sure a few TREs would do you guys a good deal to keep you current
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Do want you think you need to do but think very carefully indeed.
SSTR on the whole only serve to make you feel better temporarily as you are glad that you made a decision. This will wear off very quickly as the feeling that you are spending far too much money on something that you don't really need sets in. It's a bit like Shopping Therapy. You'll go home with your new shoes,trendy jacket or whatever and put it in the wardrobe hoping to find an opportunity to wear it and look snappy. As time goes by you realize that you haven't used it for weeks, then months, then you stop thinking about it. But the money is still spent.
The Elite 747 gig never happened because the company never had and never will have an AOC. TR were sold on the categorical assurance that the AOC would be issued "just now" or "imminently" or "they're waiting for approval next week". A320 TR were sold for the same company on the assurance that Elite would obtain a fleet of A320 "in a few months' time".
The point is that the person selling TR has no influence or interest WHATSOEVER in finding you work after obtaining your TR. As long as you hand over your money in full and up front he is happy. It disappears into an account and you will never see it again. Remember that to have your TR on your licence you need a Base Check in a real a/c. If the purported employer does not hold an AOC and you do not find more money to use a third party's a/c you will not complete your TR and have nothing to show for your investment. Think about it very carefully and listen to those who have posted here and elsewhere. If 85% are negative comments there must be a good reason for it.
As said by others: there is no substitute for taking your time and gaining experience as you move through the ranks. Experience is what will make you better and get you out of trouble when the need arises. I know that times are bad right now but it will change, it always does.
Keep your chin up and stay smart. Hold on to your money as long as you can.
SSTR on the whole only serve to make you feel better temporarily as you are glad that you made a decision. This will wear off very quickly as the feeling that you are spending far too much money on something that you don't really need sets in. It's a bit like Shopping Therapy. You'll go home with your new shoes,trendy jacket or whatever and put it in the wardrobe hoping to find an opportunity to wear it and look snappy. As time goes by you realize that you haven't used it for weeks, then months, then you stop thinking about it. But the money is still spent.
The Elite 747 gig never happened because the company never had and never will have an AOC. TR were sold on the categorical assurance that the AOC would be issued "just now" or "imminently" or "they're waiting for approval next week". A320 TR were sold for the same company on the assurance that Elite would obtain a fleet of A320 "in a few months' time".
The point is that the person selling TR has no influence or interest WHATSOEVER in finding you work after obtaining your TR. As long as you hand over your money in full and up front he is happy. It disappears into an account and you will never see it again. Remember that to have your TR on your licence you need a Base Check in a real a/c. If the purported employer does not hold an AOC and you do not find more money to use a third party's a/c you will not complete your TR and have nothing to show for your investment. Think about it very carefully and listen to those who have posted here and elsewhere. If 85% are negative comments there must be a good reason for it.
As said by others: there is no substitute for taking your time and gaining experience as you move through the ranks. Experience is what will make you better and get you out of trouble when the need arises. I know that times are bad right now but it will change, it always does.
Keep your chin up and stay smart. Hold on to your money as long as you can.
Last edited by blueplume; 26th Mar 2010 at 18:13.
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ask the guy to take 20% of your pay check every month until type rating is paid...
(of course, he will tell you he is not interested!!they are just interested to take your money)
guys, you should stop to dream. When they ask you to pay for type rating and everything, it' s because there is no job.
If there were job, airline will pay for you and will bond you for 3-5 years.
(of course, he will tell you he is not interested!!they are just interested to take your money)
guys, you should stop to dream. When they ask you to pay for type rating and everything, it' s because there is no job.
If there were job, airline will pay for you and will bond you for 3-5 years.
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Jonathan Curd
This guy's name has came up regularly in these forums....It has never been in a positive context. He is feathering his own nest and if you are happy to be the feathers then write him a nice big cheque. After that the gloves are off. Don't think that you will be the lucky one who avoids any consequences. It generally isn't the case.
Brings one of the best lines of one of my favourite films to mind...
"Man sells his soul to the devil, it all ends in tears. These arrangements usually do" - Michael Gambon as Eddie Temple, relating the drug business to the opera, Damnation of Faust (Layercake, 2004)
Brings one of the best lines of one of my favourite films to mind...
"Man sells his soul to the devil, it all ends in tears. These arrangements usually do" - Michael Gambon as Eddie Temple, relating the drug business to the opera, Damnation of Faust (Layercake, 2004)
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Why have the following allowed their names to be associated with this then?
dee kang
Ed Morris
H Lebsir
Jochen Radke
Kin Li
Mark Van Ketel
Glyn Dewhurst
Philip Bradley
Paul Gibson
Rod Johnson
Varun Jamnadass
Jamie Butler
Perhaps they should come on here and explain themselves.
dee kang
Ed Morris
H Lebsir
Jochen Radke
Kin Li
Mark Van Ketel
Glyn Dewhurst
Philip Bradley
Paul Gibson
Rod Johnson
Varun Jamnadass
Jamie Butler
Perhaps they should come on here and explain themselves.
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Favete, do you work for the TRTO?
Why are you advertising the testimonials on PPRuNe?
Very sneaky
I have flown with a few of these guys and they are as good as any other FO in easyJet. They were trained by easyJet TRIs / Es, not Mr. C.
Unfortunately we have just taken on 12 more P2Fs who did their line training with BMI over the winter. The interviews have just been completed and they are in the system as we speak.
I understand that there are more to follow.
Favete, if you are for real stop giving the scheme a boost by posting the testimonials. More than 30 P2Fs are now here for the summer.
I think you are legitimizing the scheme intentionally.........
I will not be surprised if (you) er he has more testimonials on his web-site soon. Stop advertising.
I have looked at Favete's posts and he does not work for the TRTO as he has vehemently opposed the P2F scheme. I apologise if I doubted you...
Why are you advertising the testimonials on PPRuNe?
Very sneaky
I have flown with a few of these guys and they are as good as any other FO in easyJet. They were trained by easyJet TRIs / Es, not Mr. C.
Unfortunately we have just taken on 12 more P2Fs who did their line training with BMI over the winter. The interviews have just been completed and they are in the system as we speak.
I understand that there are more to follow.
Favete, if you are for real stop giving the scheme a boost by posting the testimonials. More than 30 P2Fs are now here for the summer.
I think you are legitimizing the scheme intentionally.........
I will not be surprised if (you) er he has more testimonials on his web-site soon. Stop advertising.
I have looked at Favete's posts and he does not work for the TRTO as he has vehemently opposed the P2F scheme. I apologise if I doubted you...
Last edited by 320seriesTRE; 26th Mar 2010 at 23:20.
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Hello Capt. 320seriesTRE,
As I understand, Easyjet has just taken on 12 F/O from bmi P2F scheme for 6 months summer contract. Very good news but there is something that I don´t understand and probably you are the right person to explain it to me. To be eligible for a flexicrew summer contract with Easyjet you need to come from the bmi P2F scheme? I ask these question because I´m registered for the flexicrew CTC and Park programs with Easy for several months, and I did not received any kind of invitation for assessment never. I´m A320 rated with hours on type.
If you care to read the information about Equal Opportunities on Easy web page, at some point it is written:
"easyJet is committed to being an equal opportunities employer as we wish to encourage all our employees to make the best use of their skills and experience. Our policy aims to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment. We will treat staff, potential staff and the public that we serve fairly and with dignity.
Any actions by any of our employees which contravene either the Race Relations Act, the Sex Discrimination Act, the Disability Discrimination Act, the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations or the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations will be taken very seriously and will be dealt with under easyJet's disciplinary procedure. Such actions may amount to gross misconduct and result in dismissal."
Came across my mind that probably there is something going on not in line with this policy.
Best regads
As I understand, Easyjet has just taken on 12 F/O from bmi P2F scheme for 6 months summer contract. Very good news
but there is something that I don´t understand and probably you are the right person to explain it to me. To be eligible for a flexicrew summer contract with Easyjet you need to come from the bmi P2F scheme? I ask these question because I´m registered for the flexicrew CTC and Park programs with Easy for several months, and I did not received any kind of invitation for assessment never. I´m A320 rated with hours on type. If you care to read the information about Equal Opportunities on Easy web page, at some point it is written:
"easyJet is committed to being an equal opportunities employer as we wish to encourage all our employees to make the best use of their skills and experience. Our policy aims to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment. We will treat staff, potential staff and the public that we serve fairly and with dignity.
Any actions by any of our employees which contravene either the Race Relations Act, the Sex Discrimination Act, the Disability Discrimination Act, the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations or the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations will be taken very seriously and will be dealt with under easyJet's disciplinary procedure. Such actions may amount to gross misconduct and result in dismissal."
Came across my mind that probably there is something going on not in line with this policy.
Best regads
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I imagine if Jonathan Curd advertises on this site then he also reads the comments, and as surely any comment where someone is referenced they will read these comments, even if out of idle curiosity.
No doubt Jonathan is following this thread, with anger, with amusement or with [I doubt] complete indifference.
This is an opportunity for him to post in defense or support of his scheme but so far nothing.
Come on Jonathan, set the record straight and explain your rationale.
No doubt Jonathan is following this thread, with anger, with amusement or with [I doubt] complete indifference.
This is an opportunity for him to post in defense or support of his scheme but so far nothing.
Come on Jonathan, set the record straight and explain your rationale.
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Dont Do It!!!
Shagrat: Suggest you read the following posts:
http://www.pprune.org/interviews-job...-applying.html
http://www.pprune.org/airlines-airpo...ek-merged.html
You will not be doing yourself or other pilots any favours. Why not just earn the right to a type rating by being patient and getting other experience (e.g. single pilot MEP ops etc...) It will be a lot of fun. After all you learnt to fly to fly didnt you? regardless of the type?
The only people who are benefitting from PTF are the schools (e.g. OAA), the airlines (e.g EZY) and the intermediaries (e.g. J Curd). NOT THE PILOTS. If you're clever you would have already guessed by now that its a fool's route.
http://www.pprune.org/interviews-job...-applying.html
http://www.pprune.org/airlines-airpo...ek-merged.html
You will not be doing yourself or other pilots any favours. Why not just earn the right to a type rating by being patient and getting other experience (e.g. single pilot MEP ops etc...) It will be a lot of fun. After all you learnt to fly to fly didnt you? regardless of the type?
The only people who are benefitting from PTF are the schools (e.g. OAA), the airlines (e.g EZY) and the intermediaries (e.g. J Curd). NOT THE PILOTS. If you're clever you would have already guessed by now that its a fool's route.
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PTF, is not the right way, it is not the only way, but it is a way to get in the industry.
Mr. Curd does make money. He does "sell" his course and of course he cares first about himself, his business and his bottom line.
So do I, I wanted what was best for me. I did the type rating and line training, I paid for it by getting a loan, and yes I did wait around for 7 months after the line training to get a job.
The extra £ 36,000 was not that much more to invest on top of the £ 70,000 already paid.
Mr. Curd did not help me find a job. He never promised me that you would either. I did it on my own. His course facilitated my search. I sent over 200 CVs, and every time it landed on a chief pilot's desk it had an airbus 320 Rating and 150 hours on it.
Finally I got my break, I sent my CV so many times to the same companies, that I got a call for an interview. I did the assessment, and I passed it. No one seemed to care that I had paid for line training.
They saw me as some one who had time on type, was well trained, and was very determined and ready to go.
I fast tracked my career. I do not regret it. Twenty of us went through the BMI line training last year, 16 have jobs now. That speaks volumes in itself.
As with everything in life, it is about timing and right place right time. easyJet needed pilots for the summer, they wanted pilots who were trained by a good reputable airline. They found them. The guys who did the course took a risk, it paid off. Did Mr. Curd help them? Who cares? They got what they wanted, and the course helped them as well.
Mr. Curd used me, and I used his course to get what I wanted. I am now flying an a320 in the far east for a good salary and I am enjoying not just my career, but also my life style.
My good friend who did the assessment and decided not to do the scheme, does not have a £ 36K loan, but then again he does not fly a plane either.
He regrets not doing the course with me, but guess what, he does not think the time is right to do it now..... It never is the right time. You either make the most of it, or you find excuses not to take charge of your life.
I am a pilot, and I want to fly. No one owes me, or any of us anything. I knew what I was getting when I did the course, and I knew that it would take a lot of hard work to get the 1st job.
I never believed that Mr. Curd would help me, I believed in me. I knew that with a 320 type rating and time on type I would be very marketable.
I also knew that if I did not do it, I would not be flying now. Every one makes choices. I made mine based on what was good for me.
I used the system, and I am not bothered about Mr. Curd, easyJet, BMI, Mr. Jones, or BALPA. I am too insignificant to stop the airlines doing apprenticeships.
I just get on with life and enjoy every day as it comes. Stop worrying about Mr. Curd and easyJet, BMI, Thomas Cook, Monarch British Airways...... Focus on what you want in life. If you want to fly, try to get in as soon as possible. If you like money, and a stable 9 to 5 job, then you are not in the right profession.
Mr. Curd does make money. He does "sell" his course and of course he cares first about himself, his business and his bottom line.
So do I, I wanted what was best for me. I did the type rating and line training, I paid for it by getting a loan, and yes I did wait around for 7 months after the line training to get a job.
The extra £ 36,000 was not that much more to invest on top of the £ 70,000 already paid.
Mr. Curd did not help me find a job. He never promised me that you would either. I did it on my own. His course facilitated my search. I sent over 200 CVs, and every time it landed on a chief pilot's desk it had an airbus 320 Rating and 150 hours on it.
Finally I got my break, I sent my CV so many times to the same companies, that I got a call for an interview. I did the assessment, and I passed it. No one seemed to care that I had paid for line training.
They saw me as some one who had time on type, was well trained, and was very determined and ready to go.
I fast tracked my career. I do not regret it. Twenty of us went through the BMI line training last year, 16 have jobs now. That speaks volumes in itself.
As with everything in life, it is about timing and right place right time. easyJet needed pilots for the summer, they wanted pilots who were trained by a good reputable airline. They found them. The guys who did the course took a risk, it paid off. Did Mr. Curd help them? Who cares? They got what they wanted, and the course helped them as well.
Mr. Curd used me, and I used his course to get what I wanted. I am now flying an a320 in the far east for a good salary and I am enjoying not just my career, but also my life style.
My good friend who did the assessment and decided not to do the scheme, does not have a £ 36K loan, but then again he does not fly a plane either.
He regrets not doing the course with me, but guess what, he does not think the time is right to do it now..... It never is the right time. You either make the most of it, or you find excuses not to take charge of your life.
I am a pilot, and I want to fly. No one owes me, or any of us anything. I knew what I was getting when I did the course, and I knew that it would take a lot of hard work to get the 1st job.
I never believed that Mr. Curd would help me, I believed in me. I knew that with a 320 type rating and time on type I would be very marketable.
I also knew that if I did not do it, I would not be flying now. Every one makes choices. I made mine based on what was good for me.
I used the system, and I am not bothered about Mr. Curd, easyJet, BMI, Mr. Jones, or BALPA. I am too insignificant to stop the airlines doing apprenticeships.
I just get on with life and enjoy every day as it comes. Stop worrying about Mr. Curd and easyJet, BMI, Thomas Cook, Monarch British Airways...... Focus on what you want in life. If you want to fly, try to get in as soon as possible. If you like money, and a stable 9 to 5 job, then you are not in the right profession.
Last edited by Bus_Driver1990; 28th Mar 2010 at 19:20.
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Dear Bus_Driver 1990.
You are a very naive young man or lady. Your attitude is despicable. Your generation does not have the patience to do things the proper way.
All I hear now days is fast track.... me, me, me..... What a sad state the industry will be in a couple of years with people like you.
I am sure you well get what you deserve in due course.
You are a very naive young man or lady. Your attitude is despicable. Your generation does not have the patience to do things the proper way.
All I hear now days is fast track.... me, me, me..... What a sad state the industry will be in a couple of years with people like you.
I am sure you well get what you deserve in due course.
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Is it any wonder the ar$e fell out of the global economy with such impatience. What a 24 carat plonker.20 yrs old and the whole lot sussed
One can only hope in time to come some else comes along to pay for a type rating and line training with your current employer that results in you getting your marching orders.
One can only hope in time to come some else comes along to pay for a type rating and line training with your current employer that results in you getting your marching orders.
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Pick a name, any name...
Cor blimey, streuth guv'nor!! Where on earth did Bus-Driver appear from? First post on PPRune and he's done it all and knows it all. 
Call me a cynic but I smell a rat...
Call me a cynic but I smell a rat...
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A good FO is worth his weight in gold, a P2F muppet is worth his weight in s.hit. I've had the opportunity to fly with some of these doorknobs that "Accelerated" their way into a jet and in more cases than not its not a pretty sight. While some are quite capable and sharp, there are people out there that should not be 2nd in command of a paddleboat in Hydepark let alone in a commercial jet.
Flying the line, I seem to be spending more and more time involving myself in teaching basic airmanship and matters that when I came from school where basic knowledge. While I appreciate the need for a Captain to pass knowledge to the FO, I am not a line trainer with my present employer. As it is, it's not in my job description to act as a mentor/tutor, teacher, father, prophylactic for some mediocre talent, egomaniac 20 some year old 200h P2F muppet who thinks that 1200 eur a month is a great salary.
Flying the line, I seem to be spending more and more time involving myself in teaching basic airmanship and matters that when I came from school where basic knowledge. While I appreciate the need for a Captain to pass knowledge to the FO, I am not a line trainer with my present employer. As it is, it's not in my job description to act as a mentor/tutor, teacher, father, prophylactic for some mediocre talent, egomaniac 20 some year old 200h P2F muppet who thinks that 1200 eur a month is a great salary.