Virgin recruiting soon...
Champagne anyone...?
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,422
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From: EGDL
Not recruiting direct onto the 787 but they are recruiting onto the 744 - 744 or other Boeing rated. Applications are closed now though.
VJW - if people can't be bothered to do a cover letter I suppose it's a good way of doing the initial sift. There's no sim check/group exercise/etc so applicants have to stand out from the crowd in some way!
VJW - if people can't be bothered to do a cover letter I suppose it's a good way of doing the initial sift. There's no sim check/group exercise/etc so applicants have to stand out from the crowd in some way!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22
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From: South
Just a bystander, thinking of applying to the Future Flyers programme at VS, with a question about something that seems to pop up a lot on these particular threads. What is the great rush to be in the LHS, other than increased pay and, I guess, seniority?
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 238
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From: London
Kind of answered your own question there. Most people other than aspiring pilots generally go to work in order to earn money so that is a big factor. Also as a pilot it's potentially they only promotion you will ever get so it's kind of a big deal.
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 784
Likes: 102
From: Europe
This is exactly how I felt prior to flying and perhaps for the first 4 years as a first officer, I couldn't see what the rush was. Now after 5 years+ I'm getting the itch.
You have to remember that whilst it's a fantastic job it is procedural for 99% of the time and after a few years you'll feel very competent and comfortable in your role (though not complacent of course!). You spend a lot of time sat next to some great captains, see the decisions being made, how the day is run, the responsibility and all that comes with it, and you might wonder if you can do it too. That's where the bug bites and once you start to think about it seriously it becomes a major consideration for some.
For me, looking to command within 18 months, jumping to VS to start at the bottom is a question of whether the lifestyle/LH vs SH is worth giving up a command at my current airline.
Another factor: you have to remember as well that almost all airlines are based on seniority not experience, so lets imagine it's 10 years to command, and on your 9th year the airline goes bust. Where will you end up? Bottom of another airline's seniority list and pay scale (probably).
Once you have your command with a year or two under your belt, you're in a much better position. You have more choice when browsing your pilot jobs websites and your CV has that all important PIC time.
That being said, I'm speaking from the perspective of having been an FO for 5 years and looking at another 10 in the RHS, but if you're coming in fresh from an FTO I don't think it would be a problem for most.
Edit: Yep, what "Jonnyknoxville" said!
You have to remember that whilst it's a fantastic job it is procedural for 99% of the time and after a few years you'll feel very competent and comfortable in your role (though not complacent of course!). You spend a lot of time sat next to some great captains, see the decisions being made, how the day is run, the responsibility and all that comes with it, and you might wonder if you can do it too. That's where the bug bites and once you start to think about it seriously it becomes a major consideration for some.
For me, looking to command within 18 months, jumping to VS to start at the bottom is a question of whether the lifestyle/LH vs SH is worth giving up a command at my current airline.
Another factor: you have to remember as well that almost all airlines are based on seniority not experience, so lets imagine it's 10 years to command, and on your 9th year the airline goes bust. Where will you end up? Bottom of another airline's seniority list and pay scale (probably).
Once you have your command with a year or two under your belt, you're in a much better position. You have more choice when browsing your pilot jobs websites and your CV has that all important PIC time.
That being said, I'm speaking from the perspective of having been an FO for 5 years and looking at another 10 in the RHS, but if you're coming in fresh from an FTO I don't think it would be a problem for most.
Edit: Yep, what "Jonnyknoxville" said!
Last edited by Kerosine; 3rd November 2016 at 18:19.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1
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From: Cumbria
I am reading this post with great interest I have applied for a cadetship with VAA and my wife has been with the airline for over 15 years I am well aware of the down turn in the global market place and you are right the tie in between BA/AA has had a significant impact on the company. I agree that ultimately you want a command but for me the fact that 20 years of trying may hopefully come to pass soon and I will get the opportunity to just get into the right seat and then if it takes 10-15 years so be it. in the mean time if anyone out there can offer me advice and guidance on any aspect of the training to give me a step up that would be fantastic. thanks in advance everyone.
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 784
Likes: 102
From: Europe
Yep it's definitely a question of perspective. Get in first; get your fATPL, type rating and 500 hours jet time (sounds easy putting it like that doesn't it!? 
). Where you start up isn't so important at this initial stage, unless of course you're given a choice of fully sponsored training options up front!
Look to the wannabees forum. Lots has changed since I was in training (i.e. the prices have gone up!).
). Where you start up isn't so important at this initial stage, unless of course you're given a choice of fully sponsored training options up front!Look to the wannabees forum. Lots has changed since I was in training (i.e. the prices have gone up!).