Where do I start when wanting to become a pilot (in UK)?
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Manchester
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Where do I start when wanting to become a pilot (in UK)?
The title says it all really. I graduated in septemeber (BSc Computer Science and Maths if you're interested
). Now I'm interested in becoming a commerical pilot, however I have no experience and don't really have the money to afford to get a licence so I need a graduate/sposored scheme of some kind.
I checked out the BA website and they don't appear to have any vancancies and I can't find any application form to fill out. So does anyone have any advice? Where should I look?
Thanks.
). Now I'm interested in becoming a commerical pilot, however I have no experience and don't really have the money to afford to get a licence so I need a graduate/sposored scheme of some kind.I checked out the BA website and they don't appear to have any vancancies and I can't find any application form to fill out. So does anyone have any advice? Where should I look?
Thanks.
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: West Mids
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FuBu,
You say you have no experience, so I am going to assume nil flying. Forgive me if that is not the case.
The most sensible thing to do is to go down to your local airfield/flying school and enquire about a "Trial Lesson". You need to know if you actually enjoy flying, and although flying a big shiny jet isnt anything like flying the puddle jumpers at your local school you will be committing yourself into sitting in a cramped noisy aircraft for around 250 hours (At least, quite possibly longer)
If you find its not for you after a trial lesson or a few real flying lessons much better you find out now than investing lots of money upfront for an ab-initio course!
As for getting sponsorship, post 9/11 there are very very few to be had and the competition is fierce! The place that they are advertised is usually in Flight International.
Do a few searches on the PPRuNe archives to get a feel for the various schools/routes available to you.
Visit a few schools and see what they have to say (Beware - they are after your money and will tell you what you want to hear!)) but at least you can get a feel for the training involved.
For now, get yourself airborne in a Cessna 152 and see what you think.
All the best
TBL
You say you have no experience, so I am going to assume nil flying. Forgive me if that is not the case.
The most sensible thing to do is to go down to your local airfield/flying school and enquire about a "Trial Lesson". You need to know if you actually enjoy flying, and although flying a big shiny jet isnt anything like flying the puddle jumpers at your local school you will be committing yourself into sitting in a cramped noisy aircraft for around 250 hours (At least, quite possibly longer)
If you find its not for you after a trial lesson or a few real flying lessons much better you find out now than investing lots of money upfront for an ab-initio course!
As for getting sponsorship, post 9/11 there are very very few to be had and the competition is fierce! The place that they are advertised is usually in Flight International.
Do a few searches on the PPRuNe archives to get a feel for the various schools/routes available to you.
Visit a few schools and see what they have to say (Beware - they are after your money and will tell you what you want to hear!)) but at least you can get a feel for the training involved.
For now, get yourself airborne in a Cessna 152 and see what you think.
All the best
TBL
Why do it if it's not fun?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bournemouth
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All good advice so far.
There's an excellent book called "How to become a commercial pilot" - the name of the author has completely escaped me, but I'm sure someone will remind me. In fact, the author himself has been known to hang out here from time to time, so he may reply himself. The book describes all the options for getting the license (there are more ways of doing it than you'd ever believe). It's available from any good pilots shop.
The other good place for information is right here! You'll also find loads of helpful people and advice in the Private Flying forum on this site, at least until you've got your Private Pilots License (which will be one of the first steps, whichever way you go).
Good luck!
FFF
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There's an excellent book called "How to become a commercial pilot" - the name of the author has completely escaped me, but I'm sure someone will remind me. In fact, the author himself has been known to hang out here from time to time, so he may reply himself. The book describes all the options for getting the license (there are more ways of doing it than you'd ever believe). It's available from any good pilots shop.
The other good place for information is right here! You'll also find loads of helpful people and advice in the Private Flying forum on this site, at least until you've got your Private Pilots License (which will be one of the first steps, whichever way you go).
Good luck!
FFF
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FFF - Clive Highes is the name you are trying to place. A nice chap and excellent book - mine is looking tattered and battered on my bookshelf as I type.
Another good book is Zero To First Officer often referred to as 02FO.
Buy this months Flyer or Pilot and get the transair catalogue and they are both in the books section. Or try www.transair.co.uk
I recommend getting a Class One medical (saves the cost of a Class Two and lets you know if you can become a CPL holder). Then do a PPL course. If you have an aptitude and still want to become a professional you can act on the plans laid out in the books.
The PPL hours will count towards an integrated course and will probably save money in the long run.
Good luck,
WWW
Another good book is Zero To First Officer often referred to as 02FO.
Buy this months Flyer or Pilot and get the transair catalogue and they are both in the books section. Or try www.transair.co.uk
I recommend getting a Class One medical (saves the cost of a Class Two and lets you know if you can become a CPL holder). Then do a PPL course. If you have an aptitude and still want to become a professional you can act on the plans laid out in the books.
The PPL hours will count towards an integrated course and will probably save money in the long run.
Good luck,
WWW
Why do it if it's not fun?
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Thanks WWW - Clive Hughes is indeed the name I was looking for. I knew someone would be able to remind me. It was far too early on a Monday morning for my brain to be awake when I posted! 
FFF
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FFF
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