I really want to become a Pilot

TheBoss11

Hi, I'm 18 years old. I'm from Dublin a d I'm currently in 6th year preparing for my LC. All my life iv wanted to become an airline Pilot. Aviation fascinates me. Problem for me like most aspiring pilots is the cost of training. 80-100k is far too much. I don't have that sort of money sadly. Academically I'm not the brightest student. I wouldn't be the best in my class at any subject but I'm certainly it the worse. I'd be average maybe slightly better. So because of this I doubt is ever be selected for any sort of cadet programme or the air corps. So the only way I can actually achieve my dream will be to fund it myself. My parents are both dead so all my training will be funded totally by myself.

Skipping to the point though, does anyone know a suitable way I could be a pilot or does anyone have any advice for me? Maybe someone in a similar situation? I was thinking of studying business when I finish school and maybe saving through that but that is wasting valuable time. Is there any other ways? Or any grants sort of things I can get help from or interest free loans?
I would really appreciate some guidance of anyone has any please it would be thoroughly appreciated. I'm really eager to become a pilot. My dream is to work for Aer Lingus.

Thanks for your time.

Stovepipe

First off, lose the negative attitude to study and lack of funds because you are shooting yourself down before you start.If you want to get on a flight deck, you have to have a positive attitude form word one, otherwise you're a dead duck................first, you don't need to be a genius or a degree holder, just determined to work hard and you will pass the exams. Go and get a medical to see if you have an snags that might prevent you from starting.Don't rule out the Air Corps. You have to give them a shot. Apply to every cadetship, here and abroad.Some companies allow you to start as a ground operative first and will later assist you to the cockpit.Do your research thoroughly.Also, there are bursaries and grants available in the UK so make enquiries.
regards
Stovepipe

TheBoss11

Stovepipe wrote: »

First off, lose the negative attitude to study and lack of funds because you are shooting yourself down before you start.If you want to get on a flight deck, you have to have a positive attitude form word one, otherwise you're a dead duck................first, you don't need to be a genius or a degree holder, just determined to work hard and you will pass the exams. Go and get a medical to see if you have an snags that might prevent you from starting.Don't rule out the Air Corps. You have to give them a shot. Apply to every cadetship, here and abroad.Some companies allow you to start as a ground operative first and will later assist you to the cockpit.Do your research thoroughly.Also, there are bursaries and grants available in the UK so make enquiries.
regards
Stovepipe

Hi Stovepipe, I am actually in need of a colour blind test I can't for the life of me pass a standard ishihara colour blind test but I'd be confidant in passing a lantern test. You say other airlines but what other airlines actually do a cadet programme? Thanks for your reply

Regards

Shamrock231

TheBoss11 wrote: »

Hi Stovepipe, I am actually in need of a colour blind test I can't for the life of me pass a standard ishihara colour blind test but I'd be confidant in passing a lantern test. You say other airlines but what other airlines actually do a cadet programme? Thanks for your reply

Regards

No other airline does one like Aer Lingus, but BA do their Future Flyer Program, Flybe I think do one, though that may have stopped. Lufthansa and KLM do one similar to BA, but you need to have fluent German/Dutch for those.

Cessna_Pilot

I worked for 7 years saving money for my flight training after my Leaving Certificate. Maybe you could do similar.

robclay26

TheBoss11 wrote: »

Hi Stovepipe, I am actually in need of a colour blind test I can't for the life of me pass a standard ishihara colour blind test but I'd be confidant in passing a lantern test. You say other airlines but what other airlines actually do a cadet programme? Thanks for your reply

Regards

Go to CAA in gatwick, do a CAD test! Hopefully problem sorted, I did this. IAA accept it too

TheBoss11

Cessna_Pilot wrote: »

I worked for 7 years saving money for my flight training after my Leaving Certificate. Maybe you could do similar.

Did you eventually get the money to get your ATPL?

TheBoss11

robclay26 wrote: »

Go to CAA in gatwick, do a CAD test! Hopefully problem sorted, I did this. IAA accept it too

They do the lantern test in the mater hospital iv been trying to ring but can never get through for some reason, maybe the close early?

SachaJ

This might sound like an odd observation but......... Might be worth not being online at 5am on a school night when preparing for your LC.....

de biz

SachaJ wrote: »

This might sound like an odd observation but......... Might be worth not being online at 5am on a school night when preparing for your LC.....

How negative,but thats trolls for ya!

Perhaps he was up early researching his dream.

TheBoss11

de biz wrote: »

How negative,but thats trolls for ya!

Perhaps he was up early researching his dream.

I woke up for school and came on this to check for any new posts :-)

MoeJay

Some light reading...

So you want to be a pilot?

http://www.flying-start.org/

PPruNe Wannabe Archive Reference thread

Maybe some of the stuff might be worth a sticky?

Stovepipe

Hi there
The people to ring with regard to a Class 1 medical are the Aeromedical Dept of the Mater or the IAA.Call into see them if you have to. Don't take another step unless you meet the medical requirements..........some of the alleged cadetships are effectively self sponsorships in another form, but they are still worth a shot. Aer Atlantique used to do a ground-op-to-flight-deck route but that company has mutated many times and the scheme may not exist any more.......Do try the Air Corps. Talk to your careers guidance teacher for details.......the harsh reality about cadetships in some of the European countries is that they are aimed at their own natives and unless you are especially good at their language or are the offspring of a native or even live there, you haven't a glimmer..........have you ever flown in anything? if not, make it your business to get out to an airfield and make yourself known and try and get a flight in something. You have to find out now if actually being in an aircraft suits you.

regards
Stovepipe

TheBoss11

Stovepipe wrote: »

Hi there
The people to ring with regard to a Class 1 medical are the Aeromedical Dept of the Mater or the IAA.Call into see them if you have to. Don't take another step unless you meet the medical requirements..........some of the alleged cadetships are effectively self sponsorships in another form, but they are still worth a shot. Aer Atlantique used to do a ground-op-to-flight-deck route but that company has mutated many times and the scheme may not exist any more.......Do try the Air Corps. Talk to your careers guidance teacher for details.......the harsh reality about cadetships in some of the European countries is that they are aimed at their own natives and unless you are especially good at their language or are the offspring of a native or even live there, you haven't a glimmer..........have you ever flown in anything? if not, make it your business to get out to an airfield and make yourself known and try and get a flight in something. You have to find out now if actually being in an aircraft suits you.

regards
Stovepipe

Hi, yes I keep trying to ring the matter aeromedical centre but can't get through, do you know the times it closes at? I think my best bet woukd go get a degree in something like business and maybe try to get a good paying job to fund my pilot training.

Iv a flight lesson in Weston airport on the 21st I'm really looking forward to it, I know that I will love it. Iv always loved flying on my holidays and stuff so being the one actually flying the plane will be a dream come true.

Also I was thinking of becoming a air traffic controller do you have any information on this? I can't seem to find much about it.

Do you know of there's any "stand outs" or anything that can really up my chances of being selected for the Aer Lingus cadets? By the time I'm done school they might stop the scheme so I can't see myself getting it through that way.


Thank you for all the information a d time your giving me it really helps me out,

Regards

chuckyarelaw

Are there no career guidance teachers these days?

TheBoss11

chuckyarelaw wrote: »

Are there no career guidance teachers these days?

My career teacher is currently on maternity leave

chuckyarelaw

TheBoss11 wrote: »

My career teacher is currently on maternity leave

And her replacement ??

Mboy

TheBoss11 wrote: »

Skipping to the point though, does anyone know a suitable way I could be a pilot or does anyone have any advice for me? Maybe someone in a similar situation? I was thinking of studying business when I finish school and maybe saving through that but that is wasting valuable time.

Thanks for your time.

Would you consider studying for an IT qualification instead of business? IMHO this may be the quickest way to earn a few bob for a few years during and after college, get your PPL in parallel, apply to Aer Corp, Aer Lingus and other cadetships, if they don't work out perhaps you would earn enough after a few years of IT to get your ATPL.

My tuppence worth and I wish you the best.

TheBoss11

chuckyarelaw wrote: »

And her replacement ??

No replacement yet but hopefully there will be one in the next couple of weeks. My school is a bit if a joke very poorly run school

TheBoss11

Mboy wrote: »

Would you consider studying for an IT qualification instead of business? IMHO this may be the quickest way to earn a few bob for a few years during and after college, get your PPL in parallel, apply to Aer Corp, Aer Lingus and other cadetships, if they don't work out perhaps you would earn enough after a few years of IT to get your ATPL.

My tuppence worth and I wish you the best.

A business qualification? Maybe I would but wouldn't that just leave me with an
Average job without a business degree?

eatmyshorts

chuckyarelaw wrote: »

Are there no career guidance teachers these days?

What career guidance teachers don't know about becoming a pilot could fill a warehouse.

TheBoss11

Shamrock231 wrote: »

Agreed, my guidance counselor knew next to nothing about becoming a pilot. If you want to know how to do it it's going to be up to you to do your research.

My guidance teacher know nothing about anything never mind becoming a pilot

chuckyarelaw

Diss the teachers

Sure what would they know

Only glorified baby sitters

Stovepipe

Hi all,
The careers guidance teacher that I am married to knows a hell of a lot about pilot training because she made the effort and researched it for her students, so don't tar them all with the same brush! All careers guidance teachers are sent piles of paper every year from schools and colleges countrywide and aviation jobs are just one small aspect to their workload. OP, if you want to find out about ATC training, ring the IAA directly, as they train and employ the majority of ATCOs in the country. They conduct training reasonably often for new ATCOs. Do not approach the IAA with any kind of wishy-washy idea that you'd train as an ATCO and then retrain as a CPL later. they won't entertain you....As for flying training, once you have established that you can pass a Class 1 medical, you can train for a Commercial License. In the meantime, beg, borrow or steal a few quid and get out to one of the schools or clubs and do a few hours. There are many small airfields in Ireland so make it your business to get to them and talk to pilots, even if they are just PPLs. Get a decent CV written (your careers guidance teacher will show you how!) and you must circulate those airlines that still offer cadetships. You must do good research and you must get out and meet people in the industry.

regards
Stovepipe

phonypony

I hope today Mrs. Stovepipe is the rule rather than the exception regarding careers guidance. 15 years ago for me personally it was a very different story. With a real interest in aviation I was completely turned off it by a negative careers guidance teacher who was basically lazy. The Internet back then was not as it is today and if I knew half of what I know now, I would have gone for it. There were cadetships, sponsored schemes and the possibility to get very cheap FAA training without visas and TSA approval and convert the results to IAA licences with no further formalities. Even with my 4 years of summer work I could have afforded that. He didn't even mention the fact that the Aer Chorps took on cadets... And there was not a single class on CVs. It varies from school to school but I bet even now there are some clueless and lazy careers guidance teachers out there.

andy_g

phonypony wrote: »

I hope today Mrs. Stovepipe is the rule rather than the exception regarding careers guidance. 15 years ago for me personally it was a very different story. With a real interest in aviation I was completely turned off it by a negative careers guidance teacher who was basically lazy. The Internet back then was not as it is today and if I knew half of what I know now, I would have gone for it. There were cadetships, sponsored schemes and the possibility to get very cheap FAA training without visas and TSA approval and convert the results to IAA licences with no further formalities. Even with my 4 years of summer work I could have afforded that. He didn't even mention the fact that the Aer Chorps took on cadets... And there was not a single class on CVs. It varies from school to school but I bet even now there are some clueless and lazy careers guidance teachers out there.

I couldnt agree with you more on this. I was told the exact same thing in school and this is exactly what i was told by the career guidance teacher in school.

You want to be a pilot and i want to be an astronoght but thats never going to happen.

So just goes to show what they were like back then.

lomb

Ive met people who are pilots who had a different career but put the money together to get their ppl/cpl/multi ir /atpl and then paid the 30 k for type rating. Without doing the latter then I dont think there is statistically a very good chance of being a pilot due to supply/demand unless very young and having your ppl/cpl and multi and being taken on by an airline who sees the bright spark of youth and deep interest in your field.
With a positive attitude and single minded determination it is easily possible but you might need to do something else to get the money together. You would also very much enjoy the modular approach Im sure, getting the money together yourself and getting there rather than the integrated way with a wall of money upfront and perhaps no job after.

Stovepipe

Hi there
A lot of careers guidance teachers are basically not up to the job, but the same applies to all subjects. Some are great, some are good and some are just waiting to die. I'm from the same generation as phonypony when careers guidance was a joke but it is much, much better now.........lomb is right. Hundreds of people have saved their income from other jobs to fund flight training. The chances of getting taken on as a cadet are rare and anyone who depends purely on that, to get a start, is wasting their time. You have to dig deep, do the research and put the work in.

regards
Stovepipe

K.Flyer

Just in case you did not see the ad for it here on boards, there is a free seminar in the Radisson Hotel at Dublin Airport on Oct 2 for anyone interested in Aviation or Becoming a Pilot.

http://afta.ie/component/content/article/1/56gclid=CMnAnZftwrkCFU8q2wodlRMA6g

Tenger

TheBoss11 wrote: »

......
Also I was thinking of becoming a air traffic controller do you have any information on this? I can't seem to find much about it. .....

This thread was on this years IAA ATC cadetships:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056921261
Even to read it will give you a sense of the requirements. To repeat what Stovepipe stated...ATC is not a short cut to CPL.....you have to go in wanting and showing commitment to either/or.

They may well run it again in 18 months time.
Here is the guide to the process from the IAA:
https://www.iaa.ie/index.jsp?p=404&n=406


The links from MoeJay will provide hours of reading and advice. Stovepipe is spot on when he tells you that you need to get out to the airfields and show an interest, try get some hours built up. In a cadetship process this evidence will show that you want the position...rather than just think you want it.

And again the thinking behind getting a different qualification is that you can get a job after 3rd level, then use all your income to work on getting your CPL in your spare time. Cadetships are just 1 route to airline pilot. Many pilots have joined up at age 30 or over after working on getting their CPL for 10 years while holding down an "average job".

TheBoss11

Tenger wrote: »

This thread was on this years IAA ATC cadetships:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056921261
Even to read it will give you a sense of the requirements. To repeat what Stovepipe stated...ATC is not a short cut to CPL.....you have to go in wanting and showing commitment to either/or.

They may well run it again in 18 months time.
Here is the guide to the process from the IAA:
https://www.iaa.ie/index.jsp?p=404&n=406


The links from MoeJay will provide hours of reading and advice. Stovepipe is spot on when he tells you that you need to get out to the airfields and show an interest, try get some hours built up. In a cadetship process this evidence will show that you want the position...rather than just think you want it.

And again the thinking behind getting a different qualification is that you can get a job after 3rd level, then use all your income to work on getting your CPL in your spare time. Cadetships are just 1 route to airline pilot. Many pilots have joined up at age 30 or over after working on getting their CPL for 10 years while holding down an "average job".

Well iv a flying lesson this month so I can learn alot from the pilot, as for going to airfield and hour building this cost a fortune 185€ is alot so I can't do it very often, all the information you have giving me is brilliant and I will be sure to take all your advice mate thanks a lot

Cessna_Pilot

K.Flyer wrote: »

Just in case you did not see the ad for it here on boards, there is a free seminar in the Radisson Hotel at Dublin Airport on Oct 2 for anyone interested in Aviation or Becoming a Pilot.

http://afta.ie/component/content/article/1/56gclid=CMnAnZftwrkCFU8q2wodlRMA6g

If going to one of these "seminars" be sure to bring a few bags of salt. They will tell you what you want to hear, that there are jobs etc, train with us and we'll help you get one etc.:)

TheBoss11

Cessna_Pilot wrote: »

If going to one of these "seminars" be sure to bring a few bags of salt. They will tell you what you want to hear, that there are jobs etc, train with us and we'll help you get one etc.:)

Is athlantic any good? Iv heard that training in Ireland can turn out to be really difficult to get a job rather than jerez or oxford

Cessna_Pilot

TheBoss11 wrote: »

Is athlantic any good? Iv heard that training in Ireland can turn out to be really difficult to get a job rather than jerez or oxford

Never heard that before.

Roblestone

TheBoss11 wrote: »

Is athlantic any good? Iv heard that training in Ireland can turn out to be really difficult to get a job rather than jerez or oxford

Jerez has the best reputation among airlines. Atlantic don't impress me to be honest. I'd be heading jerez if I had the money to go integrated!

Cessna_Pilot

Roblestone wrote: »

Jerez has the best reputation among airlines. Atlantic don't impress me to be honest. I'd be heading jerez if I had the money to go integrated!

Integrated shmintegrated :P

jn45672

Here these links might help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAKiJBn_UCU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyo0zJl5vsE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6622lUTfeM

(Although this information is based for airlines in the states)
If you need an answers, just askcaptainscott:D