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Learning to fly for real... (Read 1436 times)

Jan 27^th, 2005 at 3:20pm

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Hi all,

I was wondering if any of you I could help me with some advice? I am looking into doing my PPL with the future goal of flying for an airline. I have found myself a flight school in England but I was wondering if anyone else has gone down this route and what is the best way of eventually flying for an airline?

Any advice would be great!

Thanks
Section7

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Reply #1 - Jan 27^th, 2005 at 4:18pm

C Offline
Colonel
Earth

Posts: 13144

The most economical way is sponsorship of some kind, although unfortunately most of it is now only part sponsorship, and there would be a good chance you'd go abroad to do you training. I think BA are probably the only UK airline to do the full cadet pilot programme at no financial cost to the student.

A few of the smaller airlines are doing a scheme which involves the use of a bond of about £70,000 which on completion of the training scheme you start to pay back at about £5000pa. This is run in conjunction with the training company CTC MacAlpine.

The (sort of) cheapest way in to the airlines is by spending 12/16 years in the RAF or RN with decent job security, good pay and a very good life, but its probably harder to get a place in the RAF at the mo than it is to get into the airlines...

The final option of course is to do your PPL, get your FI rating, get an IR and Multi rating, a CPL and then build the hours and take the exams for the ATPL, but that's the long route (apart from the RAF/RN)

Just look around airline websites and keep an eye on the back pages of Flight International...

Good luck,

Charlie

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Reply #2 - Jan 28^th, 2005 at 2:14pm

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated! I have emailed British Airways as they currently have a pilot training scheme that looks pretty good so hopefully I’ll hear back from them real soon. Sadly the RAF and RN is not really an option for me due to family / work commitments however if I can not get on with British Airways then getting my PPL privately and working my work up would be the next best thing. I was just wonder, with this kind of job – do you get to see your family much? I know you fly at strange times and things but is there enough time to fit in family life as well?

Thanks Again!
Section 7

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Reply #3 - Jan 29^th, 2005 at 4:23am

C Offline
Colonel
Earth

Posts: 13144

Quote:

I was just wonder, with this kind of job ? do you get to see your family much? I know you fly at strange times and things but is there enough time to fit in family life as well?

I don't think I'm qualified to answer that one...

Try the forums at

www.pprune.org

Charlie

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Reply #4 - Jan 29^th, 2005 at 10:08am

Woodlouse2002 Offline
Colonel
I like jam.
Cornwall, England

Gender:
Posts: 12574

Quote:

. I was just wonder, with this kind of job – do you get to see your family much? I know you fly at strange times and things but is there enough time to fit in family life as well?

Thanks Again!
Section 7

I would have thought that this would depend on whether you do international or domestic flights. Either way you'd see your family more than if you were working on an oil rig or something. Cheesy

Cheesy

Woodlouse2002 PITA and BAR!!!!!!!!&&&&Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, immediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the Act made in the first year of King George the First for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies. God Save the King.&&&&Viva la revolution!

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Reply #5 - Jan 29^th, 2005 at 11:32am

Hagar Offline
Colonel
My Spitfire Girl
Costa Geriatrica

Posts: 33159

Quote:

I would have thought that this would depend on whether you do international or domestic flights. Either way you'd see your family more than if you were working on an oil rig or something. Cheesy

Cheesy

Or a long-distance truck driver for that matter.

I'm sure you could arrange your life around your job. Not everyone works 9 - 5 nor wishes to do so. I know a few airline captains on long range routes & this doesn't seem to interfere with their private lives or their hobbies. My niece is a senior flight attendant on the Virgin Atlantic international routes. She recently got engaged at the top of Table Mountain in South Africa. Her boyfriend had arranged to accompany her on a regular trip. The whole crew knew all about it, except her. A close friend on the crew went with them & got the whole thing on video, with the boyfriend on bended knee & all the bells & whistles. It must have been a wonderful surprise & very romantic. Fortunately she accepted. Cheesy

Cheesy

Founder & Sole Member - Grumpy's Over the Hill Club for Veteran Virtual Aviators
Member of the Fox Four Group

Need help? Try Grumpy's Lair

My photo gallery

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Reply #6 - Jan 29^th, 2005 at 11:34am

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Quote:

I don't think I'm qualified to answer that one...

Try the forums at

www.pprune.org

Charlie

Thanks for the link / Advice Charlie! I'' check it out..

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Reply #7 - Jan 29^th, 2005 at 11:44am

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Quote:

I would have thought that this would depend on whether you do international or domestic flights. Either way you'd see your family more than if you were working on an oil rig or something. Cheesy

Cheesy

I think if I was ever lucky enough to get on with an airline I would really like to do domestic flights as that way there would be more of a chance to spend time with my family. I know what you mean though about 9 to 5 and it is great that some people make it work and can still have time with there families. I have just found the best girl in the world and I really don’t want to spend days apart from her. Have to admit though; flying international flights would be excellent!

So how many of you guys have got your PPL?

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Reply #8 - Jan 29^th, 2005 at 11:59am

Hagar Offline
Colonel
My Spitfire Girl
Costa Geriatrica

Posts: 33159

Quote:

I have just found the best girl in the world and I really don't want to spend days apart from her.

Aha. I suspected as much. Tongue

Tongue

Grin

I think you need to get your priorities sorted out. If she is the best girl in the world she will know all about your ambitions & support you all the way. If not, you'd be better off looking around for a different job. IMHO

Most commercial pilots I know spend all their spare time messing around with aircraft in some way. Many of the display pilots at air shows are airline pilots & others have their own light aircraft. They do this for two reasons. To relieve the boredom of their job but mainly because they have a fascination with aviation. What is known as a Total Aviation Person or TAP for short. Most people involved in the business are TAPs.

PS. This is my opinion. Please don't let me influence you.

Founder & Sole Member - Grumpy's Over the Hill Club for Veteran Virtual Aviators
Member of the Fox Four Group

Need help? Try Grumpy's Lair

My photo gallery

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Reply #9 - Jan 29^th, 2005 at 12:29pm

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Quote:

Aha. I suspected as much. Tongue

Tongue

Grin

I think you need to get your priorities sorted out. If she is the best girl in the world she will know all about your ambitions & support you all the way. If not, you'd be better off looking around for a different job. IMHO

Most commercial pilots I know spend all their spare time messing around with aircraft in some way. Many of the display pilots at air shows are airline pilots & others have their own light aircraft. They do this for two reasons. To relieve the boredom of their job but mainly because they have a fascination with aviation. What is known as a Total Aviation Person or TAP for short. Most people involved in the business are TAPs.

PS. This is my opinion. Please don't let me influence you.

Cheers for the advice Hager, it is appreciated as every little helps! I know I’ve got her 100% support, I was just curious really. I would rather know the complete score before I try and proceed with a carrier in aviation

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Reply #10 - Jan 31^st, 2005 at 5:31pm

Woodsup Offline
Colonel
Student Flyer
UK

Gender:
Posts: 52

Hate to bring bad news but BA recently stopped their pilot training scheme and havent updated the site. A friend of mine had been promised a space but has been told to look elseware. I believe the best way to get into airline flying is to go to one of the commercial training schools which offer flight training loans which must be payed off once your flying.

Woodsup Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

&&&&You pull on the stick and the houses get smaller.....push on it and they get bigger.....simple thing flying

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Reply #11 - Feb 1^st, 2005 at 2:12pm

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Quote:

Hate to bring bad news but BA recently stopped their pilot training scheme and havent updated the site. A friend of mine had been promised a space but has been told to look elseware. I believe the best way to get into airline flying is to go to one of the commercial training schools which offer flight training loans which must be payed off once your flying.

Woodsup Roll Eyes

Roll Eyes

Thanks you for the information Woodsup, I haven’t heard anything back from British Airways yet but i`ll give them a call and see what they say. Have you got any recommendations of any good commercial training schools?

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Reply #12 - Feb 1^st, 2005 at 3:12pm

beefhole Offline
Colonel
common' yigs!
Philadelphia

Gender:
Posts: 4466

All I have to say is be careful.

I've heard a million and one stories of pilots who went to flight academies (Pan Am, etc.), got loads of debt, lost their dream, and now work at KMart. Flight colleges and universities (ok, so they're the same thing, back off ya hiyenas) are safer.

MAKE SURE YOU SHOP AROUND.

Very important.

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Reply #13 - Feb 1^st, 2005 at 4:01pm

Woodsup Offline
Colonel
Student Flyer
UK

Gender:
Posts: 52

Unfortunatly beefhole is painfully right. Most of the places ive heard of cost £50k+. The idea of that debt isnt one i'd take on. It is certainly worth looking at foriegn training though (australia/canada) which is easier and hopefully cheaper.

&&&&You pull on the stick and the houses get smaller.....push on it and they get bigger.....simple thing flying

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Reply #14 - Feb 1^st, 2005 at 7:52pm

Craig. Offline
Colonel
Birmingham

Gender:
Posts: 18590

If you go to a foreign school, remember they may not work to the JAA standards, so you need to check they offer that training, or you will have to re-take the tests, to get your certificate here.
And yes sadly BA have ended their Sponsorship scheme, and wont be bringing it back anytime soon, i applyed over a year ago and they had cancelled it back then. Virgin offer the same sort of scheme, but its not widely advertised and usually only 13 places are avaliable with thousands of applicants. Easyjet have a partnership scheme which sends you to new zealand but be very careful of that one, you start on very poor money with them and they take close to 50% of your wages a month to pay back the training costs, for the first few years.

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Reply #15 - Feb 2^nd, 2005 at 1:33pm

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Cheers for all the advice guys! It is very much appreciated. By the look of it and from what I have seen / read it would appear that it is extremely hard to get into. I’ve seen a couple of good flying schools / academy’s around that do it however as you guys say it does run into thousands and some do take years to pay off. Guess I better start saving big time unless I can get onto a good training program with an airline. If I do find any and they have got any places going I’ll put a post on to let everyone know.

Thanks Again!

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Reply #16 - Feb 2^nd, 2005 at 1:45pm

Woodsup Offline
Colonel
Student Flyer
UK

Gender:
Posts: 52

Quote:

Easyjet have a partnership scheme which sends you to new zealand but be very careful of that one, you start on very poor money with them and they take close to 50% of your wages a month to pay back the training costs, for the first few years.

Ouch, i suppose the other thing to mention is the air force but that isnt for everyone......easier on the wallet though.

&&&&You pull on the stick and the houses get smaller.....push on it and they get bigger.....simple thing flying

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Reply #17 - Feb 2^nd, 2005 at 2:21pm

C Offline
Colonel
Earth

Posts: 13144

Quote:

Ouch, i suppose the other thing to mention is the air force but that isnt for everyone......easier on the wallet though.

Its almost easier to get into the airlines over here than it is the RAF (although you're right - its easier on the wallet - oh no, wait a minute, wheres my mess bill... Wink

Wink

)!

Charlie

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Reply #18 - Feb 2^nd, 2005 at 3:03pm

Woodsup Offline
Colonel
Student Flyer
UK

Gender:
Posts: 52

more like bar tab.........

&&&&You pull on the stick and the houses get smaller.....push on it and they get bigger.....simple thing flying

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Reply #19 - Feb 2^nd, 2005 at 3:12pm

Craig. Offline
Colonel
Birmingham

Gender:
Posts: 18590

lol thats what he was on about.

have you been billed for damages yet Charlie? seen that on many a bill

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Reply #20 - Feb 2^nd, 2005 at 3:25pm

C Offline
Colonel
Earth

Posts: 13144

Quote:

lol thats what he was on about.

have you been billed for damages yet Charlie? seen that on many a bill

No, but I did try to break the MoD's only Harvard... Grin

Grin

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Reply #21 - Feb 3^rd, 2005 at 11:36am

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

I was also thinking of maybe doing regional cargo runs or seeing if I could get a job taking small groups of people around the country in a smaller aircraft if I couldn’t get on with an airline. Do any of you guys know if that would be a more reachable goal than a commercial airline pilot?

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Reply #22 - Feb 3^rd, 2005 at 12:19pm

Craig. Offline
Colonel
Birmingham

Gender:
Posts: 18590

Its where most people start. Most Airlines require a certain number of hours before they will hire you if you dont go through the training schemes. If you pay for it all yourself then you will find yourself as an instructor or tour pilot or banner dragger. Stuff like that for a few years.

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Reply #23 - Feb 3^rd, 2005 at 1:34pm

Woodsup Offline
Colonel
Student Flyer
UK

Gender:
Posts: 52

Quote:

Its where most people start. Most Airlines require a certain number of hours before they will hire you if you dont go through the training schemes. If you pay for it all yourself then you will find yourself as an instructor or tour pilot or banner dragger. Stuff like that for a few years.

Thats something i could live with. Much less pressure than in the airlines

&&&&You pull on the stick and the houses get smaller.....push on it and they get bigger.....simple thing flying

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Reply #24 - Feb 3^rd, 2005 at 1:42pm

Craig. Offline
Colonel
Birmingham

Gender:
Posts: 18590

much less money aswell. It has the standard plusses and minuses in the end.

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Reply #25 - Feb 6^th, 2005 at 8:25am

section7 Offline
Colonel
England

Gender:
Posts: 12

Hi Guys,

Just thought I would let you know I got the following email back from British Airways yesterday. It would appear that it is official and BA is no longer doing Sponsored Pilot Training anymore Sad

Sad

--
Thank you for your recent email.

British Airways is no longer running the Pilot Training Scheme. We realise this will be disappointing news and hope that you will be able to find alternative arrangements to achieve your ambition. Best wishes for your future endeavours.

We would like to thank you for your interest in British Airways.

Yours sincerely

Resourcing Team

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------
Get the best from British Airways at ba.com
http://www.ba.com

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