Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

AL Cadet programme

1356744

Comments

  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,783 ✭✭✭handsomecake


    the applications for this will be massive but isnt the elephant in the room that you will have to pony up plenty of wedge possibly 6 figures to pay for it if you are successful.
    surely AL are not going to pay everyones course in full.
    most of the country dont have a pot to piss in so essentially you have to be rich in the first place to apply for this because the banks are lending shag all.

    or am i being crass?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,326 ✭✭✭Bearcat


    Told ya.......best of luck to one and all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭Jocry


    the applications for this will be massive but isnt the elephant in the room that you will have to pony up plenty of wedge possibly 6 figures to pay for it if you are successful.
    surely AL are not going to pay everyones course in full.
    most of the country dont have a pot to piss in so essentially you have to be rich in the first place to apply for this because the banks are lending shag all.

    or am i being crass?

    I highly doubt it will be a 6 figure amount given they've said it will be part funded but I dont see it coming cheap either.

    I wonder if they've considered returning to WMU in the states given the reasons behind launching the scheme (i.e. in part they're not overly happy with the level of training that some schools around Europe are providing) and they also have previous history with them :confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 499 ✭✭MoeJay


    Aer Lingus is delighted to announce a new Cadet Pilot Training Programme. The programme will be officially launched via national press advertisements and the Aer Lingus website on Sunday 31st July.



    The Cadet Pilot Training Programme, which will be part funded by Aer Lingus, is an exceptional opportunity for individuals to train and qualify as a commercial pilot on the Airbus A320 fleet of aircraft.



    The training programme, due to commence between late 2011 and early 2012, takes 14 months to complete and consists of a number of phases combining classroom and simulator based training. Upon successful completion, Cadets receive an Airline Transport Pilots Licence and Multi Engine Instrument Rating before undergoing Airbus A320 type training.



    Christoph Mueller said “We are delighted to be launching the Cadet Pilot Programme within Aer Lingus. Many of our current pilots began their careers from such a programme and it is something that we successfully ran in previous years. This is a fantastic opportunity for a prospective pilot to undergo their training with the support and commitment of an airline that has an international reputation for quality and excellence.”



    If you are interested in applying, all applications must be received via the online application process on aerlingus.com, where you can also view a video containing a brief insight into the training programme. Please note: an Aer Lingus email address cannot be used when applying online.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭GKJK


    Jocry wrote: »
    I highly doubt it will be a 6 figure amount given they've said it will be part funded but I dont see it coming cheap either.

    I wonder if they've considered returning to WMU in the states given the reasons behind launching the scheme (i.e. in part they're not overly happy with the level of training that some schools around Europe are providing) and they also have previous history with them :confused:

    Dont many of the large integrated schools round europe use US based training schools?...like PTC use FIT?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,326 ✭✭✭Bearcat


    I think the one big thing AL will be looking for apart from the individuals ticking all the required boxes is continuity of service. Over the years they have trained many direct entry pilots to see them bugger off to either their homelands or a juicier perceived airline. from this perspective and the realization that you can't even get a car loan from a bank these days without stapling ones self to a cross.......AL I reckon accept folks don't have 100k up front as against the boom years but will require a minimum length of service with a punitive bond structure attached. From their perspective Cadets have been very loyal re remaining in situ and I think that's what they will be looking for this time around


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 72 ✭✭Hi 5


    So people, wise or otherwise.....HONESTLY what is "too old" to try your luck with this process!?! :eek:

    aptitude tests will be AWESOME i guess to seperate the Men from Boys!!!!

    ps ....and Ladies :rolleyes:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 333 ✭✭alan85


    Hi 5 wrote: »
    So people, wise or otherwise.....HONESTLY what is "too old" to try your luck with this process!?! :eek:

    aptitude tests will be AWESOME i guess to seperate the Men from Boys!!!!

    ps ....and Ladies :rolleyes:
    If it's part-funded I would say late twenties/30...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,619 ✭✭✭IngazZagni


    I have to say I'm surprised AL is setting up something like this again. It's not like there is a shortage of pilots coming through from outside training schools or the prospect of any major expansion within AL (that we know of).
    I know of a couple guys who are quite brainy and knew their stuff but didn't get past the AL assessments. Another guy I knew did get in but after he was accepted into Aer Arann which was odd I thought.

    Anyway I'll be interested in seeing what the figure for the cost is. I'd say it will still be quite high but good luck to all those who will consider applying!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 72 ✭✭Hi 5


    got any idea whats "part-funded" in this current climate!?!

    yeah i know...Patience is a Virtue!!!!!


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 72 ✭✭Hi 5


    IngazZagni wrote: »
    I have to say I'm surprised AL is setting up something like this again. It's not like there is a shortage of pilots coming through from outside training schools or the prospect of any major expansion within AL (that we know of).
    I know of a couple guys who are quite brainy and knew their stuff but didn't get past the AL assessments. Another guy I knew did get in but after he was accepted into Aer Arann which was odd I thought.

    Anyway I'll be interested in seeing what the figure for the cost is. I'd say it will still be quite high but good luck to all those who will consider applying!

    Interesting how they 'sell' us the package considering there ARE guys desperate out there with 250+Hrs ONLY!?!?! :confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,991 ✭✭✭el tel


    That video is recent. The SFO who featured in the video was in the class of Aer Lingus cadets behind mine in 1998. He was really young when he joined, he even had braces at the time! But he was not the youngest, another cadet was 17.

    I still have all the material from the selection and interview process - after each round I got home and wrote everything down that I could remember. I would like to think that my notes helped a few people get selected later, but I'm sure they would have made it anyway, even though they were in the group that were chopped in Jerez.

    As far as I recall, I think that following my group, where all the selection rounds were carried out by Aer Lingus in-house, the initial screening selection of subsequent cadet intakes was done by an agency.

    It is quite surprising how many cadets weren't to overly obsessed about becoming a pilot, many in fact just saw the ad in the paper and decided to give it a go. On the other hand, for others, including myself it was the culmination of years of dreaming! One colleague, quite famously amongst fellow cadets, was advised at his first interview that he should go home and "read a copy of the Penguin book of airplanes". That advice seemed to work anyhow.

    Regarding the psychological assessment it is important that you answer the questions honestly, and not how you think a pilot would answer them. In Aer Lingus the pilots are generally not a homogenous bunch of personalities (unlike some of the 'Nigels' of another flag-carrier ;):p) but are very different, interesting* people. Everyone is interviewed by a shrink anyway, so all's cool.

    Of the cadets in my group, the age range was 17-25 or 26. I was 21. Most had degrees, some had quit university to join the company, and one had left school before completing final year to join. Degree subject wise it was a mix - Engineering (Mech, Elec, Aero), Science, and Arts. Everyone was Irish (North and South), except one, from Ecosse.

    Quite a few of us had failed to be selected at previous recruitment rounds, but perservered and got in at the second or third attempt. Willie Walsh was involved in the interviews which were great fun, with some very interesting 'what would you do if..?' questions being fielded. Any time he asked me one of these in relation to a aircraft scenario I answered "whatever the operations manual says I should do" :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 72 ✭✭Hi 5


    hi EL TEL....

    any chance of a guy in his 30's getting in???

    with a tiny bit of flying behind him....

    ps go easy on my feelings!!!!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,326 ✭✭✭Bearcat


    Hi5, think u might miss the bus re your age profile. If your not in though you can't win. Besta luck.

    ElTel, not a good idea putting actually names on forum.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 383 ✭✭IrishB.ie


    Bearcat wrote: »
    ElTel, not a good idea putting actually names on forum.

    I guess you didn't watch the video then. :rolleyes:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 42 aviteire


    PPJN ;

    New Direct Entry F/O Base Salary rate is €54,700.

    Cadet Salary E41,500 for 2 years !!!!

    My estimation is cadet will have to pay around 75% of the initial training costs and shamrock will pay for the other 25% just going by the salary figures from above but I rekon its a good guess!!

    Goodluck to all that apply

    p.s a quick search on the old google!! I had to dig as deep as page 3 to read an irish new paper atricle from 31/5/11..It was long but the main point in it mentioned "a new cadet scheme with oxford aviation academy"!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,354 ✭✭✭smellslikeshoes


    aviteire wrote: »
    PPJN ;

    New Direct Entry F/O Base Salary rate is €54,700.

    Cadet Salary E41,500 for 2 years !!!!

    My estimation is cadet will have to pay around 75% of the initial training costs and shamrock will pay for the other 25% just going by the salary figures from above but I rekon its a good guess!!

    Goodluck to all that apply

    p.s a quick search on the old google!! I had to dig as deep as page 3 to read an irish new paper atricle from 31/5/11..It was long but the main point in it mentioned "a new cadet scheme with oxford aviation academy"!

    I wouldn't take much from that PPJN entry to be honest. It's dated 14th of may and even though for PPJN that's quite recent(:pac:) I couldn't see it being relevant to the current scheme.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 114 ✭✭one4one


    I know this might be a dumb question,

    but when it comes to medicals to be come a commercial pilot do you need perfect eyesight or can you wear glasses or contacts?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,619 ✭✭✭IngazZagni


    one4one wrote: »
    I know this might be a dumb question,

    but when it comes to medicals to be come a commercial pilot do you need perfect eyesight or can you wear glasses or contacts?

    It's not quite as simple as that. Yes you can wear glasses and many do. There are other factors though.

    Here's the CAA standards for eyesight on a class 1 medical. As far as I know it is almost identical to the Irish equivalent.

    http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/49/SRG_MED_JAR_C1_Initial_Visual_Stds(December2010).pdf


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 708 ✭✭✭A320


    I thought maybe contacts were frowned upon as if you lose one on the deck floor you could lose it and contamination etc,glasses much easier to find!!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,619 ✭✭✭IngazZagni


    A320 wrote: »
    I thought maybe contacts were frowned upon as if you lose one on the deck floor you could lose it and contamination etc,glasses much easier to find!!!!

    I know if you wear glasses, you need a second pair with you in case they break. With contacts I'm not too sure but I'd say having a back-up pair of glasses with you as well would be advised.
    Putting in contacts in turbulence and on final approach would be quite awkward to say the least!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30 EI-A330


    colour blindness is what causes alot of trouble for people i am a slight bit colour blind but i did the lantern test and passed it which means you are fit to fly,as for contacts i wear contacts and had my class one not so long ago and it was not and issue once you carry a pair of glasses incase anything happens your lenses.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34 directPEPOD


    I'm sure for lots of people this feels like Christmas Eve - tomorrow morning there'll be a shiny new cadetship under the tree! :P

    pepod


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 956 ✭✭✭Jim236


    Details are up now: http://www.aerlingus.com/pilot/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 355 ✭✭River Song


    Jim236 wrote: »

    Drats you beat me to it. I'm knees deep in the application so far. Good luck everyone!


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6 fadgest


    The details still appear quite vague. No definites regarding how much it will cost the cadet, how long the bond will be, where the training will take place etc...Nevertheless it seems to be a great opportunity. Good luck to all


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 355 ✭✭River Song


    Well there's one less person who will be competing with you guys. I miss out by 6 days. I was 18 on the 7th of January this year. I needed to be 18 on/before the 1st of January. Oh well. Good luck to the rest of you!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9 JPkelly


    I noticed that the closing application is on the 14th of August, does anyone know if EI did this with LC results in mind? In an attempt to lessen the applicants. (They come out on the 17th)

    It says you need a LC, but as I've said, I don't get my results until 2 days after the application closes! :/

    I should easily get the results they listed

    What can I do?

    Can I say results pending and quote my Mocks results? (which fit the bill)

    Any help is much appreciated.
    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 114 ✭✭one4one


    I can't remember my results and can't find my leaving cert anyone know where to go to get a copy of my leaving cert?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 377 ✭✭Jocry


    one4one wrote: »
    I can't remember my results and can't find my leaving cert anyone know where to go to get a copy of my leaving cert?

    Only place I can think of is Dept of Education or your old school!


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,787 ✭✭✭xflyer


    It says you need a LC, but as I've said, I don't get my results until 2 days after the application closes! :/
    Apply anyway, they allow for that on the form. If you are confident you will achieve the results say yes to meeting the requirements because by the time anyone processes the application it will be true.

    Least of your worries.
    Can I say results pending and quote my Mocks results? (which fit the bill)
    No they're irrelevant as if they never happened!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 708 ✭✭✭A320


    I though anyway you had to be 21 to hold an ATPL???


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 759 ✭✭✭Lustrum


    Like every other trainee pilot I presume the idea is to be issued with a frozen ATPL - you also need 1500 hours for an ATPL so it will be a couple of years at least before you can unfreeze it


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 333 ✭✭alan85


    A320 wrote: »
    I though anyway you had to be 21 to hold an ATPL???
    That's for the actual ATPL (1500 hours). The one you'd have after the cadetship is 'frozen' or restricted for which you can be younger, AFAIK...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,787 ✭✭✭xflyer


    A320 wrote: »
    I though anyway you had to be 21 to hold an ATPL???
    You don't need an ATPL to fly copilot on larger aircraft. So it will be what is inaccurately described as a 'frozen' ATPL but in fact a CPL with the ATPL writtens done. That's standard now, virtually no one does the CPL exams. When you have the 1500 hours and meet the other requirements then the ATPL follows.

    Besides, I don't know of many 21 year old Captains. You certainly won't find any in Aer Lingus.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 708 ✭✭✭A320


    Ah i see,sound lads :D not that im under 21!!! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,156 ✭✭✭cuterob


    there's no option for technical drawing in the leavin cert subject boxes..i'll just stick in the other six subjects I suppose


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭GKJK


    Well I meet all the requirements I'm 20 and have a LC and am above all the LC requirements. However they asked for referees. "who were not related" to me. I put down an associate of my family who knows me and has his own business, and then as I have a PPL i put down my flight school(namely my instructor). Is that acceptable? Are they just checking to make sure you are who and what you say you are and are not lying?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34 directPEPOD


    Here's me thinking you were already a pilot GKJK..


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭GKJK


    Here's me thinking you were already a pilot GKJK..

    Well I believe having a pilot's Licence qualifies one to be a pilot....:D


    If you refer to my above speculations they have infact in the most come through. The fact EI have drawn the line before the LC results role out and restricted applications to those who were 18 before Jan 2011 suggests as I said above they are not keen on a deluge of schoolsboys. It looks as if they are pitching for an older gentleman in his 20s. Now by no means am I suggesting that is 100% the case. It just seems that's how it is. It seems they want cadet grads to be close to 21 when they finish the course. The application form states both at the start and suggests in the nature of the questions and info asked for that EI are looking for applicants who have some "life experiance" and something ontop of the LC. Closing applications before the LC results and "regular" CAO rush is surprising however.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4 Dystophia


    Educational criteria:

    You must hold a Leaving Certificate or equivalent

    You must have completed a minimum of 6 subjects;
    English and Mathematics minimum grade C in ordinary level
    Plus
    2 Higher level subjects, minimum grade C

    What does minimum grade C mean? In my country's educational system there is no such grade system. I suppose just my secondary education degree won't be enough?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭GKJK


    Dystophia wrote: »

    Educational criteria:
    You must hold a Leaving Certificate or equivalent

    You must have completed a minimum of 6 subjects;
    English and Mathematics minimum grade C in ordinary level
    Plus
    2 Higher level subjects, minimum grade C
    What does minimum grade C mean? In my country's educational system there is no such grade system. I suppose just my secondary education degree won't be enough?

    A C grade in Ireland is from 55% upwards


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4 Dystophia


    Cheers, I've read so on Wikipedia but wasn't one hundred percent sure.

    Wikipedia Quote: The Leaving Certificate Examinations, commonly referred to as the Leaving Cert is the final examination in the Irish secondary school system.

    If I don't misinterpret anything, I have to prove having over 55% on my final exam for either Maths and English, i.e. the grades on my last report card? We get 5 report cards a year. 3 on 'daily work' and 2 on exams. The most recent one being my final exams, on which I score B3 for both subjects.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭GKJK


    Dystophia wrote: »
    Cheers, I've read so on Wikipedia but wasn't one hundred percent sure.


    Wikipedia Quote: The Leaving Certificate Examinations, commonly referred to as the Leaving Cert is the final examination in the Irish secondary school system.

    If I don't misinterpret anything, I have to prove having over 55% on my final exam for either Maths and English, i.e. the grades on my last report card? We get 5 report cards a year. 3 on 'daily work' and 2 on exams. The most recent one being my final exams, on which I score B3 for both subjects.

    Well I suppose the exact details would have to be explained and discussed with the airline but I would say you're grand with that. Tbh they just want to see that you have a decent academic standard!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 196 ✭✭Scienceless


    I'd appreciate some honest opinions from those in 'the know' about my prospects if applying for the cadetship scheme.

    I am mid 30's, in full time employment as a frontline public servant, for the past 9 years, married with children. In 2009 I graduated from NUI with a first class honours degree in the life sciences.

    I have minimal flying experience, less than 10 hours, ad last flew under instruction approx. 10 years ago. Family/work/life circumstances since then meant it has just not been possible.

    Yes, I am one of the many who have always wished for a career such as this, and now I am in a position to take it on, financially and otherwise.

    If it doesn't happen I will resume PPL training as it is what I want to do.

    So, opinions appreciated. Age is my main question here, has there been recruitment of people in my age group to cadetships in the past, in any airline? or is it unheard of?

    Thanks in advance,
    Scienceless.

    (Generally speaking, any advice about pursuing a career as a pilot for someone in my situation would be welcome).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,991 ✭✭✭el tel


    Right lads, time go get those piggy banks in good order, oh and stay off the wacky baccy in case you are called for a medical.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 167 ✭✭bladeruner


    I'd appreciate some honest opinions from those in 'the know' about my prospects if applying for the cadetship scheme.

    I am mid 30's, in full time employment as a frontline public servant, for the past 9 years, married with children. In 2009 I graduated from NUI with a first class honours degree in the life sciences.

    I have minimal flying experience, less than 10 hours, ad last flew under instruction approx. 10 years ago. Family/work/life circumstances since then meant it has just not been possible.

    Yes, I am one of the many who have always wished for a career such as this, and now I am in a position to take it on, financially and otherwise.

    If it doesn't happen I will resume PPL training as it is what I want to do.

    So, opinions appreciated. Age is my main question here, has there been recruitment of people in my age group to cadetships in the past, in any airline? or is it unheard of?

    Thanks in advance,
    Scienceless.

    (Generally speaking, any advice about pursuing a career as a pilot for someone in my situation would be welcome).


    Just my tuppence worth but as regards the cadetship I'd say you're on the wrong side of the age curve.
    More to the point, how do feel about not seeing your family for nearly a year and a half?
    You will have time for nothing except study and flying throughout the course.
    I doubt the course will be based in Ireland ,
    I reckon it'll be Spain, Uk or states.

    Good luck though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 196 ✭✭Scienceless


    bladeruner wrote: »
    Just my tuppence worth but as regards the cadetship I'd say you're on the wrong side of the age curve.
    More to the point, how do feel about not seeing your family for nearly a year and a half?
    You will have time for nothing except study and flying throughout the course.
    I doubt the course will be based in Ireland ,
    I reckon it'll be Spain, Uk or states.

    Good luck though.

    That's what I'm thinking. And yes it would be a big impact on family life. But, no pain no gain too. Either way I'm sure I will be facing an uphill struggle in the selection process. We'll see....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 54 ✭✭GKJK


    Dystophia wrote: »
    Anyone else having difficulties finding non-related "referees"?

    I'm also wondering what sort of contact they'll make

    I had to have a long think too!

    It will most likely be along the lines of "Do you know Dystophia? What is he like as a person etc." and they may check a few details with them in relation to your qualifications etc just to make sure that you are being truthful. It's just to be sure you are who you say you are


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,787 ✭✭✭xflyer


    Referees? I remember having the same problem. When you're quite young not long out of school the only people you deal with are the same age as you and you wouldn't any of those jokers near a potential employer.

    In the past it was often a school teacher or the local priest who provided the reference. I think the priest option is gone but a teacher is still a strong candidate assuming you weren't a little brat in school.

    But my suggestion is to explore the possibility of a family friend of your parents being put forward. My Father was friends with a former army Commandant who of course knew me. Sadly he was never required to provide the reference. Do a bit of lateral thinking you would be surprised who you can unearth.

    Incidentally, I'm available and open to bribery;) The last person I gave a reference to got into Ryanair. Hmmm, maybe not something you want to mention!:P

    Scienceless, you might as well apply and indeed you may very well get through some stages. Aer Lingus cannot discriminate on age. But I really think you chances are about the same as getting onto the Space Shuttle program. If you had a PPL the chances might have been better.


Advertisement