Low houred pilots and ab-initio cadets

(for pilots wishing to join us with little or no flying experience)

easyJet is well-known as an innovative organisation committed to developing the individuals working for the Company.

The more traditional methods of training to become a pilot can be very costly and do not necessarily provide the opportunity to work for a progressive airline once training is complete.

easyJet has taken the innovative step to team up with "CTC Wings" to provide training from the foundation skills and ‘basic training’ phases - during which you work to achieve your CPL/R (Commercial Pilot’s Licence and Instrument Rating) - through to the ‘advanced training’ phase which ultimately enables you to operate as a First Officer on one of our growing fleet of Boeing 737 or Airbus A319 aircraft.

There are two routes into easyJet with "CTC Wings" for low hour pilots –

CTC Wings Cadet for those with little or no previous flying experience, just the motivation, determination and commitment to becoming one of tomorrow’s airline pilots!

or

CTC Wings ATP for pilots who have already gained their CPL/IR and ATP and are now looking for their first airline job as a pilot.

Ben Cleland LGW Based: CTC Wings Cadet – Q and A

1. Why did you apply through the programme?
I have had the ambition to become a pilot from a young age and made education decisions with this goal in mind. Having completed the usual science and maths A-levels I went on to university to study aerospace engineering, not by any means necessary to become a pilot but interesting none the less. At university I had my first real taste of flying, joining the University Air Squadron and completing some of the RAF elementary flight training. Early in 2001 I made the decision to pursue a civil flying career and hence left the UAS to graduate in June, but the terrorist events towards the end of the summer temporarily stopped all flying sponsorships.

Having faith that the industry would pick up I started a post-graduate Masters, found some temporary work and won a GAPAN scholarship to complete my PPL. This all took just over a year and towards the end of 2002 I heard rumours about the Wings programme. After researching the Wings Cadet Scheme I decided to apply as it gave me the opportunity to complete my training with an industry recognised provider linked to airlines. With easyJet a founder airline it offered an excellent opportunity to join a professional operation with varied routes, new aircraft and a rapidly expanding fleet.

2. What was the interview process like?
The selection at CTC Aviation was extremely thorough, with various stages analysing areas of aptitude and personality reported by airlines to be highly desirable in pilot candidates. I remember the interview stage as a 'smart-casual' affair, keeping the formality of the selection process whilst allowing applicants to relax, giving them an opportunity to highlight their strengths and show their natural attitude.

3. What was included in the training?
The training involved took us out to New Zealand where we completed our basic training over about 10 months. The setup caters for people working from first principles through to those with some experience, flying and studying towards exams and flight tests. Part of the process involved significant book work using paper and computer based notes, with a view to completing the required ATPL ground exams. Splitting the fourteen subjects almost in two, we completed around four to five months study before returning home for some exams and a week leave, returning to NZ to complete the rest of the study and the remainder of the basic flying training and experience building.

On our second return, following the exams, we moved to Bournemouth airport to complete the instrument rating and commercial flying tning, leading to the award of CPL/IR. The intermediate training completed at CTC Aviation near Southampton involved the Airline Qualification Course, a bridging course that introduces operational considerations for flying in a multiple-crew environment with a jet airline, and includes significant simulator practice and testing to develop these new skills. After about a year and four months training the completion of this course marked the point where I finally became eligible to fly for an airline.

Having been selected by easyJet there was no let up in the training. Whilst leaving the umbrella of the Wings Programme I quickly started a type-rating on the A319, coincidently with CTC as they were the training provider for easyJet. With many more systems and interfaces than my previous aircraft the ground school was hard work, with late nights reading operations manuals and practicing memory routines in hotel rooms.

4. What you enjoyed most and least?
Living in NZ was an amazing experience as the country, although small in population, has a lot to offer. The visual flying was fantastic and living with a large group of like-minded people made for a fantastic time.

Unfortunately there has to be a low point, and mine comes from the constant training taking its toll, not seeing friends and family as much as you would like to, and the dreaded flight tests where you could become so nervous as so much rides on the result.

5. Any difficulties and how you overcame them?
My advice would be to know when to work hard and when to play hard. Remember the end goal when the going gets tough, break down the work into manageable chunks and focus on keeping to a schedule of work.

6. What are you doing now?
Right now I'm a first officer flying A319s from London Gatwick with over 600 hours jet experience in my 8 months at easyJet. The flying has been excellent, with lots of motivated crews of infinite personalities, often flying four sector days to major European destinations. Following the easyJet business plan we return home every day, except for the odd secondment to other bases, and I have a roster pattern where I know in advance which days I'll be free to make plans. Right now it's exactly what I want the job to be.