How do you become a pilot?

Sn@kebite

I know you can train for a ppl for 45hrs and the do the exam. It seems to come to about €10k roughly to get that (ppl) if I'm correct.

But if you wanted a career to say fly cargo prop and move up from there, how is this possible?

Do you have to go to college and get a degree or is it just training and testing?

Any links to source and info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

thesweeney

You need to first get your PPL, ATPL theory exams, CPL, MEIR and MCC.
Then you can apply to cargo airlines to fly with them, be it turboprops or jets.

Most cargo airlines have a recruitment for higher hours (the odd few don't like DHL Europe) as it is a different kind of flying. Mostly night mostly long long hours.

You don't need a degree or college education, but it is always a plus if you want to move up in the airline/company to a higher position. You just need to pass all your flight and groundschool exams.... and pray for a job!

There are quite a few detailed threads on here about getting your licenses, also have a look on www.pprune.org or www.flyinginireland.com

diverdriver

Yes got to pprune.org. Go to the wannabees section. Don't post a question. Read the sticky dealing with what's required. Flyinginireland as well for an Irish slant but really it's all the same.

People unaware of the reality of being a pilot often think Cargo airlines are good for starting off as if flying passengers was somehow more tricky. The reality is that cargo flying is often very hard to get into and sought after. If for one have my eye on Air Contractors. The same standards apply.

As sweeney said, you don't need a college degree. Indeed you don't need a Leaving Cert, quite frankly. There are no educational requirements to be a pilot except for some flying schools on specially expensive courses. However quite frankly it helps to be properly educated. But the exams despite what some people seem to think are relatively straightforward.

All you really need to be a pilot is the desire to be one, the money to pay for it (€65k to €100k) and the perseverence in attaining the goal. Oh and blind faith that it's worth the effort.:(

As for the first job, it'll probably be a contract pilot with Ryanair. They charge you about €25k to get through the training.

Still interested? Go to PPRuNe

Sn@kebite

Thanks guys!

So I guess I just need to start spending more to clock up hrs and get the ppl? First and foremost anyway.

Have you guys seen this course in Waterford?

http://www.qualifax.ie/qf/QFPublic/?Mainsec=courses&Subsec=course_details&ID=35853&CSH_ID=7&AdvancedKeyword=&ResetCount=1

The worst thing for me is the money that course alone I'd say is €30k+ at least. It doesn't say the price and it's a 12mth course but if you see it (price) please do tell.

thank again.

diverdriver

€30k:eek: If only, maybe back in the 1990s.:D That's PTC, I think their course costs at least €80k if not more. But it's very poor value for money and they had a spotty reputation for a while although apparently they have improved. What I don't like about them is the deliberate misrepresentation of their course. The 'Airline pilot's course is nothing of the sort and their 'integrated' course is not an official integrated course. It's a modular done full time.

A lot of flying schools like to give the impression that you are being trained to be an airline pilot. That's only partially true in the sense that airliners are just another form of aeroplane. A lot of it is sales pitch, PTC are good at that. The other two schools in Ireland produce just as many 'airline pilots' but don't BS you half as much.

An absolute minimum to get trained would be €60k, you would need to add another €25k if you wish to work for Ryanair or Aer Arann and a few others assuming they're hiring at the time. So budget for at least €80k or more to do it cheaply. PTC are not cheap.

Have a look at this website, he's a recent graduate of PTC. Gives you an idea of what's involved plus read the guestbook comments. He hasn't found a job flying yet.

http://www.pilotcourseireland.com/401.html

donkey balls

why pay PTC 98K for an fATPL when you can do the training yourself for around 60k and have some $$$$$ left for a TR with ryanair/aer arran.

as for cargo flying guys that worked for our company were one of the highest paid pilots in the world (mostly ex USAF).

I remember reading about the min reqs to work for our company as a pilot and the experience&qualifications to get in was unreal.(even a lad i knew who was an FO in ryanair commented on how hard it was to get in).

anyway flying cargo acft is better the freight doesent talk back(or get drunk/sick)

View Profile

.....it'll probably be a contract pilot with Ryanair. They charge you about €25k to get through the training.

Try over €30K for Ryanairs TR if you include living costs over the 7 weeks!:(