BBVA no longer funding pilot loans

1123heavy · 06-05-2017 4:52pm #1

https://www.bbvauk.com/tleu/error404/

I don't know how many here were ever planning to use them, but gone are the days of loaning 100k+ from the BBVA over your parent's house to pay for flight training.

I'll be interested now to see how schools and airlines react.

martinsvi · 06-05-2017 6:57pm

was it ever available to residents of ROI anyway?

deaddonkey15 · 07-05-2017 11:07am

martinsvi wrote: »

was it ever available to residents of ROI anyway?

I think it was as long as the loan was secured against a property in the UK which made it very difficult.

This could be a good thing for aspiring pilots though. Airlines may have to start taking a leaf out of the Aer Lingus book in terms of training scheme funding if they want to make sure they're getting the best people as opposed to the best out of those with 100k to spare.

donkey balls · 07-05-2017 2:12pm

It wasn't that long ago that Irish banks would loan 100k for flight training, I could have got a loan back then due me being a home owner, But I can never see a full cadetship like years ago ever coming back into the industry.

deaddonkey15 · 07-05-2017 2:25pm

donkey balls wrote: »

It wasn't that long ago that Irish banks would loan 100k for flight training, I could have got a loan back then due me being a home owner, But I can never see a full cadetship like years ago ever coming back into the industry.

Aer Lingus do it every year.

donkey balls · 07-05-2017 2:38pm

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

Aer Lingus do it every year.

I thought with the EI scheme that the cadet had to pay some of the money up front.

deaddonkey15 · 07-05-2017 2:46pm

donkey balls wrote: »

I thought with the EI scheme that the cadet had to pay some of the money up front.

The last 2 years it's been fully funded. Before that the cadet paid 25k, even that was a very good setup compared to what Easyjet/Flybe/Virgin offer.

Stovepipe · 08-05-2017 8:21pm

the EI cadet scheme, as it stands, is rumoured to be changing by the end of 2017.

deaddonkey15 · 08-05-2017 8:23pm

Stovepipe wrote: »

the EI cadet scheme, as it stands, is rumoured to be changing by the end of 2017.

Do you know what the changes entail? It already seems as though it will be an MPL scheme from now on.

Stovepipe · 08-05-2017 8:29pm

As far as I know, partial payment of the total cost will be the future.

deaddonkey15 · 08-05-2017 8:30pm

Stovepipe wrote: »

As far as I know, partial payment of the total cost will be the future.

Great.

1123heavy · 11-05-2017 2:36pm

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

Great.

Aer Lingus doing this may well be great, if gets rid of those who were doing a degree in the arts in circus college and suddenly decide they want to be a pilot getting it whilst genuine candidates missed out for silly reasons.

Too many people with no background and little demonstrated previous interest in aviation get the aer lingus cadetship whereas genuinely good candidates who have wanted to be pilots for a long while don't ... often times they fall short of the questionable "personality profile" test in existence (which entails questions such as "do you watch pornography?") but others with no previous interest just happen to pass it.

Demand some commitment but not beyond reason (25,000 eu was just right imo) and do away with the chancers

Open Up · 11-05-2017 4:06pm

1123heavy wrote: »

Aer Lingus doing this may well be great, if gets rid of those who were doing a degree in the arts in circus college and suddenly decide they want to be a pilot getting it whilst genuine candidates missed out for silly reasons.

Too many people with no background and little demonstrated previous interest in aviation get the aer lingus cadetship whereas genuinely good candidates who have wanted to be pilots for a long while don't ... often times they fall short of the questionable "personality profile" test in existence (which entails questions such as "do you watch pornography?") but others with no previous interest just happen to pass it.

Demand some commitment but not beyond reason (25,000 eu was just right imo) and do away with the chancers

Do you have demonstrable examples in the EI case of this actually happening?

Stovepipe · 11-05-2017 4:16pm

Yes. Plenty that I have talked to, in there and outside, had no background in flying in the slightest or had had a voucher flight, at most, or had never flown in anything smaller than an airliner. Very few had an abiding interest in flying before they got in and it may surprise you to know that many airline pilots have no continuing interest in flying outside of their jobs,(to the point of actual distaste), don't fly outside their jobs, except to go on holiday and a huge amount of them do not maintain their original PPL. Being an aerosexual is not encouraged in the job; they would prefer if you devoted your energies to being a professional, with a view to further education, such as a degree, to move you upstairs in the foodchain. Airlines couldn't care less what you do on your day off, as long as you don't scare the horses or frighten the children. Equally, they don't really care what you bring in flying terms to the recruitment table, as every airline has different ideas of what a starter pilot should do or be, because they all want to mold you to their way of thinking, which is to be a professional and a good team player at all times and to never embarrass the airline.....it's a bit like professional mariners or drivers or firemen. Very few of them "do" the day job on their days off.

Open Up · 11-05-2017 4:21pm

Stovepipe wrote: »

Yes. Plenty that I have talked to, in there and outside, had no background in flying in the slightest or had had a voucher flight, at most, or had never flown in anything smaller than an airliner. Very few had an abiding interest in flying before they got in and it may surprise you to know that many airline pilots have no continuing interest in flying outside of their jobs,(to the point of actual distaste), don't fly outside their jobs, except to go on holiday and a huge amount of them do not maintain their original PPL. Being an aerosexual is not encouraged in the job; they would prefer if you devoted your energies to being a professional, with a view to further education, such as a degree, to move you upstairs in the foodchain. Airlines couldn't care less what you do on your day off, as long as you don't scare the horses or frighten the children. Equally, they don't really care what you bring in flying terms to the recruitment table, as every airline has different ideas of what a starter pilot should do or be, because they all want to mold you to their way of thinking, which is to be a professional and a good team player at all times and to never embarrass the airline.....it's a bit like professional mariners or drivers or firemen. Very few of them "do" the day job on their days off.

I was just referring to the fact that lots of "chancers" are getting through and I really find this hard to believe given the rigours of the process and the money invested in the recruitment process. I've been through the EI process five times and anyone there with me has always had at least SOME interest in aviation. And really that's all they're looking for. As you said it's more down to the personality of the individual and whether they displayed the right characteristics for the role.

notharrypotter · 11-05-2017 6:40pm

Open Up wrote: »

I was just referring to the fact that lots of "chancers" are getting through.

Thread hijack but what is a "chancer"?

Open Up · 11-05-2017 6:43pm

notharrypotter wrote: »

Thread hijack but what is a "chancer"?

Well in this context it is someone that is trying their luck in the interview process without any real background, interest or motivation in becoming a pilot.

Negative_G · 11-05-2017 8:52pm

1123heavy wrote: »

Aer Lingus doing this may well be great, if gets rid of those who were doing a degree in the arts in circus college and suddenly decide they want to be a pilot getting it whilst genuine candidates missed out for silly reasons.

Too many people with no background and little demonstrated previous interest in aviation get the aer lingus cadetship whereas genuinely good candidates who have wanted to be pilots for a long while don't ... often times they fall short of the questionable "personality profile" test in existence (which entails questions such as "do you watch pornography?") but others with no previous interest just happen to pass it.

Demanjd some commitment but not beyond reason (25,000 eu was just right imo) and do away with the chancers

Your post comes across as rather bitter.

I've never applied for an EI cadetship but I've been through numerous assessment phases and personality questionnaires. Whether you want to believe it or not, these tests are designed to select the best candidate. Years upon years of academic research support this method.

To say that questionnaire's etc are a barrier to those who "deserve" it due to the fact that they have displayed an apparent interest longer than another candidate doesn't hold much water.

As for the comment referring to a what a professional pilot does with their time off. If I was up at 3/4 am for five days in a row and flying up to 20 hours and numerous sectors, the last thing I would want to do is to spend my time off hanging around a dreary GA airfield flying a rackety old single engine piston or out "spotting".

There are people in every walk of life who carry out their work to pay the bills. If a pilot is competent and safe then what difference does it make? They are a professional carrying out their duties.

I don't think the pilot profession deserves any special treatment in this regard.

Every time the topic of an EI cadetship comes up on this forum there are always a lot of sour grapes and accusations of nepotism. Most of these are contain zero substance whatsoever.

1123heavy · 11-05-2017 10:37pm

Negative_G wrote: »

Every time the topic of an EI cadetship comes up on this forum there are always a lot of sour grapes and accusations of nepotism. Most of these are contain zero substance whatsoever.

I seriously beg to differ, it is awful naive to think nepotism has never played a role in the Aer Lingus cadetship. You have just reminded me of a time I was having a casual chat with a crew member back in Feb. I explained about my love of flying and the aer lingus cadethship etc, i specifically mentioned they take 12 and she cut across me. She then said, and I quote, "well they say 12, but in reality there's only probably about 6 when you count in those getting in through family and the likes".

I didn't need her to tell me, but it surprised me that there is obviously no secret made of it among the staff! It is foolish to think it isn't true.

As for your comment about personality profiles being highly accurate etc etc, well how come just 3 weeks ago I went to an interview and about 15 mins into it I was told my real life personality didn't match what my personality profile said about me ... ?

They are methods of reducing the numbers, it's that simple. I work for an airline and have spoken to the recruitment guys, they explained they have to have a way to reduce the numbers and cut people out with something to go on, the personality profile tests provide them with just the tool they need to do that. It is somewhat a lottery. If you don't believe me then ask one of the numerous pilots out there who 'fail' the personality test, then 'pass' the exact same test 6 months later with the same airline. Unless you have serious mental health issues you do not change your personality in 6 months ... highly accurate tool I think not.

I'm honestly not bitter, I've gotten where I want to be in life so far and consider myself to be extremely lucky in more ways than one ... this is just an observation I and many others have made

Open Up · 11-05-2017 10:47pm

1123heavy wrote: »

I seriously beg to differ, it is awful naive to think nepotism has never played a role in the Aer Lingus cadetship. You have just reminded me of a time I was having a casual chat with a crew member back in Feb. I explained about my love of flying and the aer lingus cadethship etc, i specifically mentioned they take 12 and she cut across me. She then said, and I quote, "well they say 12, but in reality there's only probably about 6 when you count in those getting in through family and the likes".

I didn't need her to tell me, but it surprised me that there is obviously no secret made of it among the staff! It is foolish to think it isn't true.

As for your comment about personality profiles being highly accurate etc etc, well how come just 3 weeks ago I went to an interview and about 15 mins into it I was told my real life personality didn't match what my personality profile said about me ... ?

They are methods of reducing the numbers, it's that simple. I work for an airline and have spoken to the recruitment guys, they explained they have to have a way to reduce the numbers and cut people out with something to go on, the personality profile tests provide them with just the tool they need to do that. It is somewhat a lottery. If you don't believe me then ask one of the numerous pilots out there who 'fail' the personality test, then 'pass' the exact same test 6 months later with the same airline. Unless you have serious mental health issues you do not change your personality in 6 months ... highly accurate tool I think not.

I'm honestly not bitter, I've gotten where I want to be in life so far and consider myself to be extremely lucky in more ways than one ... this is just an observation I and many others have made

He never said they were highly accurate. Unless I missed that part. The point is that that is only part of the recruitment process. Also I work in the company and have heard many staff from all areas say stuff like that. We call it conjecture.

Given that EI has over 600 pilots now and many hundreds more over the last ten or twenty years the chances of a cadet being related to one isn't inconceivable. A good friend of mine has applied for the cadetship most years and not succeeded. His sister did succeed however, and their father is a retired EI pilot. Does that prove nepotism? I don't think so.

Negative_G · 11-05-2017 11:23pm

1123heavy wrote: »

I seriously beg to differ, it is awful naive to think nepotism has never played a role in the Aer Lingus cadetship. You have just reminded me of a time I was having a casual chat with a crew member back in Feb. I explained about my love of flying and the aer lingus cadethship etc, i specifically mentioned they take 12 and she cut across me. She then said, and I quote, "well they say 12, but in reality there's only probably about 6 when you count in those getting in through family and the likes".

I didn't need her to tell me, but it surprised me that there is obviously no secret made of it among the staff! It is foolish to think it isn't true.

As for your comment about personality profiles being highly accurate etc etc, well how come just 3 weeks ago I went to an interview and about 15 mins into it I was told my real life personality didn't match what my personality profile said about me ... ?

They are methods of reducing the numbers, it's that simple. I work for an airline and have spoken to the recruitment guys, they explained they have to have a way to reduce the numbers and cut people out with something to go on, the personality profile tests provide them with just the tool they need to do that. It is somewhat a lottery. If you don't believe me then ask one of the numerous pilots out there who 'fail' the personality test, then 'pass' the exact same test 6 months later with the same airline. Unless you have serious mental health issues you do not change your personality in 6 months ... highly accurate tool I think not.

I'm honestly not bitter, I've gotten where I want to be in life so far and consider myself to be extremely lucky in more ways than one ... this is just an observation I and many others have made

I am glad you've gotten to where you want to be, so congratulations.

Your post above contains a lot of 'whataboutery' and opinion and contains little in the way of facts.

Personality assessments etc are a way of cutting down numbers - agreed. Again to suggest it is a lottery is disingenuous. Are they the same for every industry or is it just airlines? You're swaying dangerously close to tinfoil hat territory with that assertion. Companies don't invest money in this type of testing just to justify a way of cutting numbers down and certainly not at random or a lottery.

It's the same with any competition of this nature, the Gardai, Fire Brigade, Army, Air Corps etc etc. People are often very quick to point the finger at the mechanisms which is often followed quickly by the nepotism card.

Call me naive if you wish but I would hate to carry a chip on my shoulder, convincing myself that I didnt achieve something because it was a lottery or some other applicant must have had a relation in situ already.

Its a never ending circle. As I said already, every time the topic surfaces, people start saying how the system is flawed or that system is unfair or nepotism is rife. Applicants read this, they end up not successful and as is often the case in human nature, its easier to point the finger (and blame) toward something or someone else. Rinse and repeat.

Negative_G · 11-05-2017 11:48pm

@1123heavy,

After a little bit of searching, I am confused.

Regarding testing you said the following about EI testing:

Age hasnt got much to do with it, once youre in the stated age range it makes no difference at all. It's all down to how you perform at your assessments.

And the following about Air Corps testing:

...How you perform in their assessments is what it all boils down to (which I can tell you are bloody tough! )

You then changed your tune slightly..

...There are some modular guys who trained at the likes of the NFC but one can't really tell if that was on merit or if a few phone calls were made behind the scene for those to get in...

And finally to this thread..

I seriously beg to differ, it is awful naive to think nepotism has never played a role in the Aer Lingus cadetship.

And...

...the personality profile tests provide them with just the tool they need to do that. It is somewhat a lottery...

That's quite a turnaround.

deaddonkey15 · 12-05-2017 7:53am

I don't really have much to say on the personality tests, but assuming two candidates meet the standard for only 1 place available my money is on Candidate A from Raheny getting the gig ahead of Candidate B from Dingle.

Open Up · 12-05-2017 10:16am

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

I don't really have much to say on the personality tests, but assuming two candidates meet the standard for only 1 place available my money is on Candidate A from Raheny getting the gig ahead of Candidate B from Dingle.

They don't ask for your address so don't see how that comes into it.

Negative_G · 12-05-2017 10:24am

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

I don't really have much to say on the personality tests, but assuming two candidates meet the standard for only 1 place available my money is on Candidate A from Raheny getting the gig ahead of Candidate B from Dingle.

More nonsense.

deaddonkey15 · 12-05-2017 10:56am

Call it what you want. But when 3000 applications are received from all over Ireland, the UK, and beyond and the majority of cadets selected are from within 10 miles of EI head office and the airport at which they will eventually be based then that definitely raises a few eyebrows and certainly doesn't sit right with me personally.

Open Up · 12-05-2017 10:58am

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

Call it what you want. But when 3000 applications are received from all over Ireland, the UK, and beyond and the majority of cadets selected are from within 10 miles of EI head office and the airport at which they will eventually be based then that definitely raises a few eyebrows and certainly doesn't sit right with me personally.

They have pilots based in Cork? That's closer to Dingle... Anyway, as I said, they don't know your address. If you look at the cadets from the last few years they are from a variety of places, including overseas.

deaddonkey15 · 12-05-2017 11:19am

Open Up wrote: »

They have pilots based in Cork? That's closer to Dingle... Anyway, as I said, they don't know your address. If you look at the cadets from the last few years they are from a variety of places, including overseas.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know the cadets are initially based in Dublin? Also, if I recall correctly an address is requested in the application process (along with the who do you know in the airline question). Nevertheless, most people would have their address on their CVs, passports and licenses which they are required to submit. Where a candidate is actually from would likely come up in an interview as well.

Open Up · 12-05-2017 11:23am

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know the cadets are initially based in Dublin? Also, if I recall correctly an address is requested in the application process (along with the who do you know in the airline question). Nevertheless, most people would have their address on their CVs, passports and licenses which they are required to submit. Where a candidate is actually from would likely come up in an interview as well.

I'm not going to argue on this one anymore. I think the fact that cadets have been from all over Ireland, UK, and Europe disproves your point.

deaddonkey15 · 12-05-2017 11:28am

Open Up wrote: »

I'm not going to argue on this one anymore. I think the fact that cadets have been from all over Ireland, UK, and Europe disproves your point.

But mainly Dublin. Look at the 2015 intake: Raheny, Sutton, Rush, Balbriggan, Ashbourne, Lucan, Rathfarnham. Literally a circle around the head office and from 3000 applications from all over Europe? What a coincidence.

Open Up · 12-05-2017 11:33am

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

But mainly Dublin. Look at the 2015 intake: Raheny, Sutton, Rush, Balbriggan, Ashbourne, Lucan, Rathfarnham. Literally a circle around the head office and from 3000 applications from all over Europe? What a coincidence.

Well what, a quarter of the population lives in the Dublin area? Without seeing figures showing the numbers of applicants from other parts of the country how can we prove anything. Out of the 3000 if even 50% of those are from Dublin then there is a good chance you will have more cadets from Dublin.

deaddonkey15 · 12-05-2017 12:39pm

Open Up wrote: »

Well what, a quarter of the population lives in the Dublin area? Without seeing figures showing the numbers of applicants from other parts of the country how can we prove anything. Out of the 3000 if even 50% of those are from Dublin then there is a good chance you will have more cadets from Dublin.

Most of the Irish population doesn't live in Dublin and there are a lot more people in the UK and Europe than in Dublin. It's a very well represented place for an apparently and hopefully unbiased and fair process that's open to everyone in the EU. That it just happens to be the same place as the airline's head office and the bulk of their operations may be just a coincidence.
You may think I'm being bitter and I really don't mean to be. I'm just calling it how I see it based on the 2015 intake and the few other cadets from different years that I am aware of. As I said, all things being equal I'd rather be applying with Raheny as my address as opposed to Dingle.

Open Up · 12-05-2017 12:48pm

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

Most of the Irish population doesn't live in Dublin and there are a lot more people in the UK and Europe than in Dublin. It's a very well represented place for an apparently and hopefully unbiased and fair process that's open to everyone in the EU. That it just happens to be the same place as the airline's head office and the bulk of their operations may be just a coincidence.
You may think I'm being bitter and I really don't mean to be. I'm just calling it how I see it based on the 2015 intake and the few other cadets from different years that I am aware of. As I said, all things being equal I'd rather be applying with Raheny as my address as opposed to Dingle.

You're missing the point. And I didn't say most people in Ireland live in Dublin. I do, however, believe that a large proportion of those that APPLIED are from Dublin.

This thread has gone from saying the application process only accepts people that can fool a personality assessment, have less 'interest' in aviation than unsuccessful candidates, and now they also have to be from Dublin?

pepe the prawn · 12-05-2017 12:48pm

....

Open Up · 12-05-2017 12:49pm

pepe the prawn wrote: »

....

Welcome to aviation at boards.ie

deaddonkey15 · 12-05-2017 1:27pm

Open Up wrote: »

You're missing the point. And I didn't say most people in Ireland live in Dublin. I do, however, believe that a large proportion of those that APPLIED are from Dublin.

This thread has gone from saying the application process only accepts people that can fool a personality assessment, have less 'interest' in aviation than unsuccessful candidates, and now they also have to be from Dublin?

I never said they have to be from Dublin, I said I've noticed that an awful lot of them are.

I get your point but I don't think it's a good one. You said a quarter of the population live in the Dublin area which may be why Dublin is so well represented. My point is the overwhelming majority of people that this scheme is actually open to do not live in Dublin so it is particularly odd then, in my opinion anyway, when the majority of cadets in the 2015 intake were from within 10-15 miles of Dublin.

If it's true that a large proportion of those applying are from Dublin than maybe 1123Heavy is right and bringing in a partly self-sponsored scheme might discourage the 'chancers'.

ohlordy · 12-05-2017 3:40pm

As an applicant who can be described as one of the aforementioned chancers here's my two cents

I have always had a general interest in aviation, have an uncle who is a retired non-airline pilot. There is also a historic family connection to Aer Lingus.

I always assumed that the self funding route was the only option in order for piloting to be a career. I also avoided taking a few lessons or trying to get a PPL as the costs would generally be beyond my means and I can think of many alternative and cheaper hobbies.

I was not on the lookout for flying opportunities.

But, when I realised last year that the cadetship was available I jumped at the chance, and ended up getting to the last 1 in 3. I had no clue going into it what the process would be like, and I make no judgement on the personality test that was my final involvement in the process. I was happy I had gotten that far, and in the preparation for the interview/assessment stage I learned a lot more about the industry than my previous more casual interest had told me.

I think I was as entitled as anyone to take my chances to see if I was what Aer Lingus wanted. I have no complaints that they chose others. I know nothing about the other people who were involved and will not make any judgements of them. I also know nothing but rumour about supposed nepotism and other biases in the process that others speak of.

Would I apply if there was a 25k cost to the training? I think I would, although I think I would not make up my mind for sure as to whether or not I would take any place offered until said place was offered. It's possible that I might decide at that stage that I wasn't in a position to take the offer, but that is largely because I am a conservative person when it comes to making decisions about my future, I take comfort in stability and the career change would be the opposite of stability.

martinsvi · 12-05-2017 3:46pm

deaddonkey15 wrote: »

But mainly Dublin. Look at the 2015 intake: Raheny, Sutton, Rush, Balbriggan, Ashbourne, Lucan, Rathfarnham. Literally a circle around the head office and from 3000 applications from all over Europe? What a coincidence.

how do you get access to such information?

deaddonkey15 · 12-05-2017 4:07pm

ohlordy wrote: »

As an applicant who can be described as one of the aforementioned chancers here's my two cents

I have always had a general interest in aviation, have an uncle who is a retired non-airline pilot. There is also a historic family connection to Aer Lingus.

I always assumed that the self funding route was the only option in order for piloting to be a career. I also avoided taking a few lessons or trying to get a PPL as the costs would generally be beyond my means and I can think of many alternative and cheaper hobbies.

I was not on the lookout for flying opportunities.

But, when I realised last year that the cadetship was available I jumped at the chance, and ended up getting to the last 1 in 3. I had no clue going into it what the process would be like, and I make no judgement on the personality test that was my final involvement in the process. I was happy I had gotten that far, and in the preparation for the interview/assessment stage I learned a lot more about the industry than my previous more casual interest had told me.

I think I was as entitled as anyone to take my chances to see if I was what Aer Lingus wanted. I have no complaints that they chose others. I know nothing about the other people who were involved and will not make any judgements of them. I also know nothing but rumour about supposed nepotism and other biases in the process that others speak of.

Would I apply if there was a 25k cost to the training? I think I would, although I think I would not make up my mind for sure as to whether or not I would take any place offered until said place was offered. It's possible that I might decide at that stage that I wasn't in a position to take the offer, but that is largely because I am a conservative person when it comes to making decisions about my future, I take comfort in stability and the career change would be the opposite of stability.

Thanks for your comment, it's quite interesting. Out of interest, do you intend to apply again? Have you applied for any other airline pilot training schemes? Do you intend to self fund integrated or modular training in the future?

martinsvi wrote: »

how do you get access to such information?

http://www.independent.ie/life/travel/come-fly-with-me-next-generation-cadets-land-for-aer-lingus-pilot-training-34310461.html

ohlordy · 12-05-2017 4:20pm

I will apply again, but I don't expect to get it. I failed at the personality test stage and my personality won't change. I enjoyed being in the process, enjoyed the assessment day and the aptitude tests.

I haven't applied elsewhere. I did look for alternative options but none were affordable. Not a hope of me self funding either.

I guess this is where some annoyance may develop in the minds of other unsuccessful applicants. Being a pilot is not my dream. I am not willing to turn my life upside down in an attempt to achieve a pilot career. What it is is a job that pays better than my current job and that I believe I would enjoy. I also believe that like most jobs I would be bored of it after a certain amount of time, not bored in a sense of wanting to leave, but bored in the sense that the magic would fade and it would include the tedium that most jobs have once you have been doing them for a period of time.

Del2005 · 12-05-2017 11:56pm

Stovepipe wrote: »

Yes. Plenty that I have talked to, in there and outside, had no background in flying in the slightest or had had a voucher flight, at most, or had never flown in anything smaller than an airliner. Very few had an abiding interest in flying before they got in and it may surprise you to know that many airline pilots have no continuing interest in flying outside of their jobs,(to the point of actual distaste), don't fly outside their jobs, except to go on holiday and a huge amount of them do not maintain their original PPL. Being an aerosexual is not encouraged in the job; they would prefer if you devoted your energies to being a professional, with a view to further education, such as a degree, to move you upstairs in the foodchain. Airlines couldn't care less what you do on your day off, as long as you don't scare the horses or frighten the children. Equally, they don't really care what you bring in flying terms to the recruitment table, as every airline has different ideas of what a starter pilot should do or be, because they all want to mold you to their way of thinking, which is to be a professional and a good team player at all times and to never embarrass the airline.....it's a bit like professional mariners or drivers or firemen. Very few of them "do" the day job on their days off.

Have you ever noticed how plumbers houses have leaking taps, mechanics usually drive bangers, chippies doors squeak etc. If you do something 8+ hours a day the last thing you want to do on your own time is the same.

1123heavy · 13-05-2017 11:07am

ohlordy wrote: »

Being a pilot is not my dream. I am not willing to turn my life upside down in an attempt to achieve a pilot career. What it is is a job that pays better than my current job and that I believe I would enjoy. I also believe that like most jobs I would be bored of it after a certain amount of time

I am gonna sound awful but I think it is good you didn't get it. I don't necessarily recommend turning one's life upside down, but when I see the extents to which some have gone, the sheer determination is often admirable. Then we have people who think it'd be great craic sure why not give it a go.

Finding that first job in this business is notoriously difficult, it takes extreme determination and passion. If only more people like you were weeded out, unfortunately they're not all. Thinking it'd be something you'd enjoy so why not give it a lash. This is the wrong business. Plenty of much more deserving people out there for whom this will literally make their world complete.

Edit to add: Before cries of bitterness come out, I can already hear them. As I said, I've gotten where I wanted to be and have a cadet place in a different airline leading to the exact same aircraft type. I have no reason to be bitter. This just really annoys me, I do not blame the applicants though, they have as much a legal right to apply as everyone else. It is on the airlines for their methods of hiring, specifically these personality assessments. They weeded out lordy, but not all of them.

Open Up · 13-05-2017 11:12am

1123heavy wrote: »

I am gonna sound awful but I think it is good you didn't get it. I don't necessarily recommend turning one's life upside down, but when I see the extents to which some have gone, the sheer determination is often admirable. Then we have people who think it'd be great craic sure why not give it a go.

Finding that first job in this business is notoriously difficult, it takes extreme determination and passion. If only more people like you were weeded out, unfortunately they're not all. Thinking it'd be something you'd enjoy so why not give it a lash. This is the wrong business. Plenty of much more deserving people out there for whom this will literally make their world complete.

Do you mind me asking what age you are? This is basically how all areas in life work. It you feel disenfranchised for a reason like this you might be in trouble.

Knowing there are people like this in the competition, why don't you come up with a strategy to adapt and compete against them? If you think EI don't want people that are pursuing their dream, don't overemphasize it anymore. Give them what you think they want?

1123heavy · 13-05-2017 11:16am

Open Up wrote: »

Knowing there are people like this in the competition, why don't you come up with a strategy to adapt and compete against them? If you think EI don't want people that are pursuing their dream, don't overemphasize it anymore. Give them what you think they want?

That is a good idea and I did just this in a recent attempt, thankfully it worked. Not with EI, this issue is not EI specific though it should be noted, just as many chancers applying for other airlines! I didnt feel disenfranchised, I just had to put on my thinking cap and get around it, it was a nuisance was all. The whole selection thing is a farce nowadays really though.

Open Up · 13-05-2017 11:18am

1123heavy wrote: »

That is a good idea and I did just this in a recent attempt, thankfully it worked. Not with EI, this issue is not EI specific though it should be noted, just as many chancers applying for other airlines! I didnt feel disenfranchised, I just had to put on my thinking cap and get around it, it was a nuisance was all. The whole selection thing is a farce nowadays really though.

Congratulations so.

lufties · 13-05-2017 11:29am

Negative_G wrote: »

I am glad you've gotten to where you want to be, so congratulations.

Your post above contains a lot of 'whataboutery' and opinion and contains little in the way of facts.

Personality assessments etc are a way of cutting down numbers - agreed. Again to suggest it is a lottery is disingenuous. Are they the same for every industry or is it just airlines? You're swaying dangerously close to tinfoil hat territory with that assertion. Companies don't invest money in this type of testing just to justify a way of cutting numbers down and certainly not at random or a lottery.

It's the same with any competition of this nature, the Gardai, Fire Brigade, Army, Air Corps etc etc. People are often very quick to point the finger at the mechanisms which is often followed quickly by the nepotism card.

Call me naive if you wish but I would hate to carry a chip on my shoulder, convincing myself that I didnt achieve something because it was a lottery or some other applicant must have had a relation in situ already.

Its a never ending circle. As I said already, every time the topic surfaces, people start saying how the system is flawed or that system is unfair or nepotism is rife. Applicants read this, they end up not successful and as is often the case in human nature, its easier to point the finger (and blame) toward something or someone else. Rinse and repeat.

I do believe nepotism exists, cityjet used to take on 4 mx apprentices a year, and i remember 2 of them had family in the right places.
Also if you consider RTE and how most tend to get their sons or daughters in. In fairness though if you flunk prelimerary exams then id imagine nobody can help you, its when you get to interview phase the pull can help. This is Ireland after all.

Open Up · 13-05-2017 11:51am

lufties wrote: »

I do believe nepotism exists, cityjet used to take on 4 mx apprentices a year, and i remember 2 of them had family in the right places.
Also if you consider RTE and how most tend to get their sons or daughters in. In fairness though if you flunk prelimerary exams then id imagine nobody can help you, its when you get to interview phase the pull can help. This is Ireland after all.

I certainly don't disagree that it exists. I don't think (in the majority of cases) that it happens BECAUSE of this though. Influence more likely in my opinion.

lufties · 13-05-2017 12:11pm

Open Up wrote: »

I certainly don't disagree that it exists. I don't think (in the majority of cases) that it happens BECAUSE of this though. Influence more likely in my opinion.

Well put it this way, in Ireland (and a lot of other backward kips), knowing someone will definitely help to some degree.

KwackerJack · 17-06-2017 1:12pm

I am Currently at PPL stage. I will apply to Aer Lingus when the next cadet recruitment comes up.

I do have 2 friends in Aer Lingus. One is an FO and the other a Senior Cabin Crew. Aer Lingus do take your background and aviation interests into account.

The FO explained how he worked 2 jobs to fund his training, studied hours per week, found studies buddy's etc to get the best out of his training. He was informed that this was a big bonus as it showed commitment and dedication to the job.

I myself had the pleasure to attend the Aviation expo in the Aviva. I spoke to an Aer Lingus captain who sits in the interview board and he explained that he loves to hear wanna be pilots who take 2 jobs, who give up their luxuries and spare time to make a career in aviation. This passion and dedication follows through to your day to day job and this he explained was the type of pilots Aer Lingus wanted.

He went on to say that should he comes across a young person that had had their training funded by parents, grand parents etc and he will ask a lot more questions on why they want to become a pilot and what interests do they have in aviation.

He explained that if training is paid for by parents doe this person really want to be a pilot of does he just want the good wages? He continued on to say that he does not want to employ someone who will jump ship at the next offer of better paid employment as the airline have spent x amount training them only for them to leave became they got better money in a completely different profession.

So I do believe that a lot of dedicated people are not getting a chance while wage chasers are!!

lufties · 23-06-2017 6:21am

KwackerJack wrote: »

I am Currently at PPL stage. I will apply to Aer Lingus when the next cadet recruitment comes up.

I do have 2 friends in Aer Lingus. One is an FO and the other a Senior Cabin Crew. Aer Lingus do take your background and aviation interests into account.

The FO explained how he worked 2 jobs to fund his training, studied hours per week, found studies buddy's etc to get the best out of his training. He was informed that this was a big bonus as it showed commitment and dedication to the job.

I myself had the pleasure to attend the Aviation expo in the Aviva. I spoke to an Aer Lingus captain who sits in the interview board and he explained that he loves to hear wanna be pilots who take 2 jobs, who give up their luxuries and spare time to make a career in aviation. This passion and dedication follows through to your day to day job and this he explained was the type of pilots Aer Lingus wanted.

He went on to say that should he comes across a young person that had had their training funded by parents, grand parents etc and he will ask a lot more questions on why they want to become a pilot and what interests do they have in aviation.

He explained that if training is paid for by parents doe this person really want to be a pilot of does he just want the good wages? He continued on to say that he does not want to employ someone who will jump ship at the next offer of better paid employment as the airline have spent x amount training them only for them to leave became they got better money in a completely different profession.

So I do believe that a lot of dedicated people are not getting a chance while wage chasers are!!

So he wants the Aviation equivalent of Oliver Twist? I worked for EI as an engineer and felt it was too limiting career wise and financially. I left after less than 2 years, it wasn't the worst job in the world ,but there was too many brainwashed arrogant ar$eholes who thought they were gods just because they worked for the Irish flag carrier. I've never met such miserable lads in my whole career so far.
This chief pilot sounds like he wants an obedient gob****e who can be molded in any way.

lawred2 · 23-06-2017 6:28am

1123heavy wrote: »

Aer Lingus doing this may well be great, if gets rid of those who were doing a degree in the arts in circus college and suddenly decide they want to be a pilot getting it whilst genuine candidates missed out for silly reasons.

Too many people with no background and little demonstrated previous interest in aviation get the aer lingus cadetship whereas genuinely good candidates who have wanted to be pilots for a long while don't ... often times they fall short of the questionable "personality profile" test in existence (which entails questions such as "do you watch pornography?") but others with no previous interest just happen to pass it.

Demand some commitment but not beyond reason (25,000 eu was just right imo) and do away with the chancers

Hmmm

If someone is willing to go through the application process is that not proof enough of their interest?

BBVA no longer funding pilot loans

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