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19/11/2009, 9:23 PM A380kid Joined on 18/11/2009 Posts 5 Inspiring 14 year old. Hello I am an inspiring young 14 year old dreaming to become a commercial pilot for an airline of Singapore Airlines standard. I am currently doing my GCSE's and i have some questions ?. 1. A levels (Maths and Physics ? ) 2. Sponsorship ? (best sponsorships  any advice ? )  ( seriously can't afford to put myself through school) 3. Oxford or CTC (sum up them up, i have researched them thoroughly which one to choose ?) (which course to choose) 4. Which one of the schools am i mostly likely to get employment out of ? (looking at Singapore Airlines training scheme) 5. Once signed up with an airline what's next ? 6. How long would it take me to flying the big boys ? and long haul UK to Australia/NZ route via Singapore etc Cheers, Harry    Report

20/11/2009, 3:54 AM Morbz Joined on 06/02/2007 UK Posts 263 Re: Inspiring 14 year old. 1. A levels A levels are not too important, Maths and Physics knowledge is definatly favoured and flying schools and companies will definatly favour a maths and physics related background.  Besides maths and physics will help you get through your ATPL studies.  A-levels will help you get onto courses with flying schools and if any sponsorships do become available they will probably request minimum 2 A levels above C to apply. 2. Sponsorship ? Only one ATPL sponsorship around at the minute called the J N Sommers scholarship- run yearly and if you pass the selection you will be awarded it, although its highly competitive and chances are you won't get it but it could be worth a try!   Companies dont sponsor pilots unless they are desperate for them which isnt the case in this economic climate.  Bank loans secured on a property are the only option unless you are rich and can afford to just pay it up front.  You could alternativley work for 10 years or so then take the dive or go modular and pay bit by bit for each license. 3. Oxford or CTC Definatly CTC!  6 months line training, a year in New Zealand and promising future of an airline career with evidence of their employment history.  Selection process is tough.  Oxford get you the same licenses but are very quick to leave you to it when it comes to finding the job at the end of it, and their selection process isn't as strict and I believe their requirments in terms of education are less.  CTC don't make the real profits until they get their cadets placed in a major airline, what more of an incentive do you need?! 4. Which one of the schools am i mostly likely to get employment out of ? CTC!  Although pilots from Oxford and FTE get placed well too.  Also doesnt mean you wont be employed if you dont go to them it just means employment may be more difficult having so few hours. 5. Once signed up with an airline what's next ? You work initially as a second officer or first officer and fly until your ATPL becomes unfrozen (at 1500 hours) at which point you can progress to SFO and eventually Captain, with prospects of changing fleet and moving to long haul.  Pilots with experience may then even continue to become training captains.  Many retired pilots find themselves working as lecturers at flying schools, so this career really does have clear progression and opportunites to look forward to  6. How long would it take me to flying the big boys ? and long haul UK to Australia/NZ route via Singapore etc An integrated training school takes about 18-20 months, then providing you are employed the day you graduate it will take at least 10 years (as a ball park figure) to start moving up there with the big boys but you never know it could take 20 years it could take 5.   Realistically you will start on something small perhaps even become a flying instructor or fly charter, then when the time comes perhaps progress to a turboprop or 737 type sized airline for a major airline, slowely moving up to bigger planes with experience.  To go long haul or get in with a major airline like those flying B777s / A340s / 747's etc will take you a long time.  Most pilots that fly these routes are middle aged - near retirement.  Saying this however, 2 CTC graduates aged 24 and 25 are presently flying for British Airways on the 747 fleet- a dream come true or what!? Morbz      Report

09/04/2010, 2:44 PM david Perry Joined on 09/04/2010 Posts 12 Re: Inspiring 14 year old. Hmmm, inspring or aspiring? Or both? David    Report

20/04/2010, 12:52 PM Anthony Tester Joined on 24/09/2007 Vienna Posts 106 Re: Inspiring 14 year old. Harry, morbz has written out his opinion in a nice format to answer your question. I've just posted this http://www.pilotweb.aero/cs/forums/2078648/ShowPost.aspx#2078648 which gives you some information on what to do. I wouldn't be so narrow minded about schools though. I'd visit all 4!! big schools and then make a decision. You've missed out Cabair and FTE.    Report

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