Becoming.....
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Becoming.....
Hi everybody. Im new to these forums, so please tell me if im posting in the wrong forum or doing something wrong. Anyway, im 15 and im doing my GCSE exams in the next year. I have wanted to become a pilot for a long time now. Please could someone tell me the best way to get my training. Is it easyier to become an airline tansport pilot through the RAF?!? Ive heard that you can become a pilot quicker and easyier through the RAF. Is this true?? Also, when ive finished school, where do i go from there?!? Do i go straight to university, or do i get sponsored by an airline.
I might sound a bit of a idiot. I might sound like i know nothing about any of this, but i want to find out now so when i leave school, i know what to do. I really want to be a pilot, so i thought it best to do a bit of research on the subject. Thanks. Gaz45
I might sound a bit of a idiot. I might sound like i know nothing about any of this, but i want to find out now so when i leave school, i know what to do. I really want to be a pilot, so i thought it best to do a bit of research on the subject. Thanks. Gaz45
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Hi,
Welcome to PPRuNe.
I don't think anyone can fully answer your many questions - you will just have to do as much research as possible and your knowledge will grow. Scan the forums everyday and you'll be an expert in a week. Heres my opinion though...
Firstly...I'm afraid you'll have to get used to the fact that you're a long way away from being a professional pilot but that doesn't mean you can't start on the ladder. Get your GCSE's (essential) get the best A-Levels you can (essential), and then get a degree (not essential but you'll be bloody grateful when you've got one).
Now, you're a good 6 years away from doing all that, but in the meantime you can twist your old mans little finger until he gives you a bit of cash to go get a PPL, or at least a few hours buzzing around. Theres also a UAS or university air squadron which'll give you a taste of the military side of things. I hated it, but was glad I tried it so I didn't waste years on RAF selection.
Once you've reached the minimum age (usually 18) for sponsorships you can start applying for those and by then you'll be an expert on the whole thing.
Most important tip I could give you:
Have a fall back. Don't ever bank (pardon the pun) on being a pilot. I did a law degree which is a good to have, even though I have no intention of ever stepping into a court unless a man with a truncheon makes me.
Hope it works out,
BirdSeed22
Welcome to PPRuNe.
I don't think anyone can fully answer your many questions - you will just have to do as much research as possible and your knowledge will grow. Scan the forums everyday and you'll be an expert in a week. Heres my opinion though...
Firstly...I'm afraid you'll have to get used to the fact that you're a long way away from being a professional pilot but that doesn't mean you can't start on the ladder. Get your GCSE's (essential) get the best A-Levels you can (essential), and then get a degree (not essential but you'll be bloody grateful when you've got one).
Now, you're a good 6 years away from doing all that, but in the meantime you can twist your old mans little finger until he gives you a bit of cash to go get a PPL, or at least a few hours buzzing around. Theres also a UAS or university air squadron which'll give you a taste of the military side of things. I hated it, but was glad I tried it so I didn't waste years on RAF selection.
Once you've reached the minimum age (usually 18) for sponsorships you can start applying for those and by then you'll be an expert on the whole thing.
Most important tip I could give you:
Have a fall back. Don't ever bank (pardon the pun) on being a pilot. I did a law degree which is a good to have, even though I have no intention of ever stepping into a court unless a man with a truncheon makes me.
Hope it works out,
BirdSeed22
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Think of the Royal Navy and the Army as well. Army will only be rotary, but fantastic aircraft (Lynx is superb I understand, though I have never flown it) and I personally loved helicopters.
If you definitely want to be a pilot (get at least one lesson before deciding - believe it or not people start courses then find they hate it) then go for sponsorship as soon as you have A levels. Then you get all the chances you can. If you don't want to do a degree then think about other airline jobs while your waiting to fly - you make contacts, and can be elligible for internal sponsorships, while earning money and possibly travelling too. If you don't get sponsorship consider a degree, do something for a "second choice" career. As a pilot the subject is unimportant, though a scientific/technical degree will help keep you numerate for the ATPL exams.
Any more specific questions feel free to email me - I am ex-military and now work for a commercial flying training school. Best of luck!
If you definitely want to be a pilot (get at least one lesson before deciding - believe it or not people start courses then find they hate it) then go for sponsorship as soon as you have A levels. Then you get all the chances you can. If you don't want to do a degree then think about other airline jobs while your waiting to fly - you make contacts, and can be elligible for internal sponsorships, while earning money and possibly travelling too. If you don't get sponsorship consider a degree, do something for a "second choice" career. As a pilot the subject is unimportant, though a scientific/technical degree will help keep you numerate for the ATPL exams.
Any more specific questions feel free to email me - I am ex-military and now work for a commercial flying training school. Best of luck!
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Gaz
Listen to the advice above; it's good. I'd like to add a little bit more about the military route.....
Do not approach the RAF, Army or Royal Navy with the intent of trying to use them as a short cut to the airlines. It won't wash. The Services require 110% commitment and loyalty right from the word go, and will see through anyone who applies with the intention of leaving early to join the airlines. Also, it is not within your power to choose which kind of aircraft you fly; that choice is dictated by the Service you work for.
Having said that, if you decided that you would like to do a 12 or 16 year commission flying within the Services, at the end of that time you would be well placed, and welcome, to join the airlines.
Listen to the advice above; it's good. I'd like to add a little bit more about the military route.....
Do not approach the RAF, Army or Royal Navy with the intent of trying to use them as a short cut to the airlines. It won't wash. The Services require 110% commitment and loyalty right from the word go, and will see through anyone who applies with the intention of leaving early to join the airlines. Also, it is not within your power to choose which kind of aircraft you fly; that choice is dictated by the Service you work for.
Having said that, if you decided that you would like to do a 12 or 16 year commission flying within the Services, at the end of that time you would be well placed, and welcome, to join the airlines.
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Suggest you read this.
It covers the ground pretty well. This subject has been debated to death. Basically, don't join the RAF if you see it as a cheap way to get an ATPL. The bottom line is that, if the circumstances call for it, you have to be prepared to fight and die for your country. A bit like the Royal Navy and the Army, in fact. The fact that they use aeroplanes shouldn't blind you to the RAF's primary purpose.
But if you're the right kind of guy, it's a great life and a hell of a sight more fun that airline flying.
It covers the ground pretty well. This subject has been debated to death. Basically, don't join the RAF if you see it as a cheap way to get an ATPL. The bottom line is that, if the circumstances call for it, you have to be prepared to fight and die for your country. A bit like the Royal Navy and the Army, in fact. The fact that they use aeroplanes shouldn't blind you to the RAF's primary purpose.
But if you're the right kind of guy, it's a great life and a hell of a sight more fun that airline flying.
