THE NEW OAT / FLYBE ASSISTED PILOT TRAINING SCHEME

BACKGROUND

 

As the leading regional airline in Europe, and with a rapidly expanding aircraft fleet, Flybe has a growing requirement to recruit high calibre, new First Officers who have completed a quality ab-initio training scheme.

Flybe and Oxford Aviation Training (OAT) have a long-standing relationship and OAT graduates already routinely join the airline direct from training. The great majority have completed OAT’s premier APP First Officer integrated training course, and it is this course which provides the basis of the new pilot training scheme, formally launched jointly by Flybe and OAT in November.

The scheme reflects Flybe’s recognition that professional flight training is expensive. The airline wishes to help selected individuals to enter the career by providing financial assistance to enable them to undertake the APP FO course. When linked to OAT’s own financial guarantee package, the Skills Protection Plan (SPP), which effectively secures students against the financial cost of failure during training, the new, joint scheme offers those selected an unequalled opportunity to undertake pilot training at affordable cost and at minimal risk.

Given the scheme’s benefits, competition for places will be keen, but this certainly should not stop you from applying if you meet the basic entry criteria. Those selected will start OAT training in April 2008, graduating in mid-2009 ready to join Flybe as a First Officer on the Q400 fleet.

 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What else can you tell me about Flybe?

Flybe is the Number 1 Regional Airline in Europe, currently operating over 60 aircraft on a UK domestic and European network. In business for over 25 years, the airline only recently completed the acquisition of BA Connect. It is now undertaking a major expansion plan incorporating an aircraft replacement programme. When complete in mid-2009, Flybe will operate 60 Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and 14 Embraer 195 aircraft. This fleet will be one of the youngest and most efficient in the world, fully reflecting Flybe’s commitment to taking full account of growing environmental as well as operational considerations.

Formed as Jersey European in 1979, the expanding company was renamed British European in the 1990s before eventually adopting the now familiar name of Flybe. It currently employs 700 pilots in 12 bases throughout the United Kingdom, with its Head Office and Engineering Centre in Exeter. The airline operates over 157 different routes and carries 8 million passengers a year to almost 60 destinations throughout the UK and Europe.

Flybe is making a major investment in new, environmentally friendly aircraft. All new First Officers will join the Q400 fleet. This is a modern 30 tonne turboprop aircraft with full EFIS 'glass' cockpit and electronic engine control. Although it shares a common type rating with the Dash 8 100/200/300 series, the Q400 is a completely different aircraft. Its performance is equivalent to a regional jet with similar sector times over most Flybe routes. The Q400 can carry 78 passengers and represents an exciting challenge for all new pilots. Flybe's route network covers a wide variety of operations from major international airports to small regional airfields - certainly sufficient to maintain the variety and interest of the pilots.

The company has a continuing recruitment requirement of up to 10 'ab-initio' First Officers each month for the foreseeable future. The establishment of this new pilot training scheme with OAT is recognition that graduates of the APPFO course meet the demanding requirements of operating a modern turboprop aircraft within the Flybe environment.

 

What can you tell me about Oxford Aviation Training?

OAT is one of the largest and best known Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) in the world. Since 1964, it has trained more than 18,000 pilots for many of the world’s major airlines. At its two Airline Training Centres, in Oxford, England and Phoenix, Arizona, OAT provides modern facilities, highly-experienced instructors and unsurpassed training. OAT operates a combined US/UK fleet of 54 single and twin-engine training aircraft in combination with a range of 8 latest generation instrument flight simulators including two full motion Boeing 737-400s

Over 270 trainee pilots enrol annually on the 16 month, full-time APP First Officer Integrated course; setting OAT apart as the provider of one of the most comprehensive pilot training programmes available in the market today. So far this year, more than 240 OAT trained graduates have joined over 30 airlines throughout the world

Part of the GCAT Flight Academy, the world’s third largest aviation training company, OAT has access to global training facilities in places as far apart as Stockholm and Hong Kong. With its Headquarters in the UK, GCAT is able to offer complete aviation training solutions – both airline and military. By any measure, the statistics are impressive – we have over 50 simulators (pilot and cabin crew) around the globe, 60 training aircraft and 10 training centres that together employ over 1000 people – all totally dedicated to aviation training. At its London centres alone, GCAT has 12 Full Flight Simulators and activities there include Embraer type training for Flybe.

 

What is the APP FO Course?

OAT created the very first ab-initio integrated airline pilot training programme in 1964.  The APP FO course is an entirely new version of this training and was launched in 2003, with the first course graduating in mid-2004.  It was designed from the outset to provide airline focused training for selected individuals able to demonstrate the skills, aptitude and personal qualities needed to operate as a First Officer in the highly demanding operating environment of a modern commercial jet. The APP FO is now widely accepted by airlines as representing the benchmark for modern, integrated ab-initio training courses.

 

What are the key characteristics of the new scheme?

The new OAT/Flybe programme provides the same high quality airline focused training that is the established hallmark of the APP FO course, and adds to it certain additional features. The overall scheme combines the following key elements:

Will those selected for the Assisted Pilot Training Scheme complete the standard APP FO course?

Flybe selected students will complete a slightly enhanced course, with certain key elements focused on the airline’s own procedures and techniques. Flybe students will, for example, undertake a short additional flying programme involving 4 hours of ‘upset’ training (including aerobatics), and will also complete the combined, 36 hour MCC/JOC course using specific Flybe procedures in the new CRJ simulator scheduled for installation at Oxford during 2008.  

 

What are the entry requirements for the Scheme?

If you wish to apply for the scheme, then you must fulfill all the criteria detailed below:

 

How does the Scheme work?

Applicants must first undertake a joint OAT/Flybe selection process held at Oxford. Those selected will then join the APP FO course starting at the end of April next year. On graduation, in August 2009, they will undertake Q400 type training with Flybe before joining the airline as a First Officer. Any offer of employment, which is not guaranteed prior to training, will be conditional on their achieving and maintaining satisfactory standards as they progress through OAT and type training.

 

What are the financial benefits?

The scheme provides for significant financial benefits. Essentially, Flybe will:

SELECTION - No charge will be made by OAT against any applicant for the joint scheme. Those who reach Stage 2 or 3 will only need to allow for any personal travel, accommodation or subsistence costs they may incur.

APPFO TRAINING - Flybe will contribute the sum of £19,800 + VAT (£23,265) toward the costs of the enhanced APPFO course (including the additional flying). To limit any personal loan interest exposure, the Flybe contribution will be made direct to OAT at the beginning of the course

TYPE TRAINING - On joining Flybe, the airline will pay all initial type training costs, subject to a 3-year training bond.

After taking up employment with Flybe, pilots can expect to start on the basic Q400 salary which, for 2008, is expected to be set at just over £25,000. Remuneration will be subject to a further review prior to graduates from this scheme joining the airline in mid-2009. All normal supplementary payments, for example sector pay, will also be paid as part of the standard Flybe pilot salary package. Pilots will be required to repay company costs associated with the new scheme by monthly deductions over the first 5 years of employment.

 

How much will the course cost?

Total training cost for the OAT/Flybe APP FO scheme starting in April 2008 will be £68,500. This includes all initial UK CAA Examination and Flight Testing fees, together amounting to £4,500. Also included in the price are 20 weeks’ room only accommodation in Phoenix. This will mean that you will need to cover any other expenses, which are effectively limited to approximately 45 weeks Oxford accommodation, and of course food.

For UK resident students, OAT offers a bespoke HSBC loan programme for all APP FO students. The OAT/Flybe scheme is likely to qualify for a secured loan of up to £60,000, subject to meeting standard HSBC eligibility requirements.

For non-UK resident applicants, OAT may be able to assist in arranging loan options with various European banks. Students are, of course, also free to secure their own loan in country of residence, or to self-fund. Options can be discussed in more detail during the advanced stages of selection.

 

Will I be required to occupy OAT accommodation during the course?

Yes. Flybe selected cadets will be required to occupy OAT accommodation during Ground Training at Oxford and Foundation Flight Training at Goodyear, Arizona.

 

I have already passed the APP FO Skills Assessment and applied for the standard HSBC Professional Studies Loan.  Should I continue my application?

You should continue your existing loan application concurrently with the OAT/Flybe selection process, which will ensure your course commencement is not delayed unnecessarily if you are not selected by Flybe.

 

Will the OAT ‘Skills Protection Plan (SPP)' guarantee apply to the OAT/Flybe Scheme?

OAT will apply full APP FO Skills Protection Plan guarantees to Flybe selected students. The guarantee effectively covers financial risk up to the multi-engine commercial flight test (approximately at the 50 week point).

 

Must I already possess a JAR-FCL Class 1 Medical to apply?

No, but you must be able to obtain one at least two months before the commencement of the course. You may book an appointment with any JAR approved medical examiner in your country of residence but you will need to convert it to a UK CAA Class 1, for which there is a small administrative charge, prior to course commencement. You may contact the CAA Medical Department on +44 1293-573700 or 577171 to book a UK appointment. You will also find instructions for converting a non-UK medical at:

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=49&pagetype=90&pageid=2576

 

What are the requirements to be considered for the OAT/Flybe Assisted Pilot Training Scheme?

We are looking for a standard of education broadly matching university entrance level requirements in your country of residence, for example:

Additionally, you must have a qualification in Mathematics and a Science subject at the equivalent to Advanced Level.

Fluency in the English language is essential.

A University degree, though not essential, is an advantage.

 

Why do the educational criteria include Mathematics and a Science subject and fluency in the English language?

Maths and Sciences are the subject areas most relevant to pilot training. English is the international aeronautical language and the language in which you will be taught. OAT’s experience is that a qualification in these subjects is a good indicator that an applicant is likely to perform well on the course.

Maths and Physics are the two subjects most relevant to pilot training. However, OAT’s experience is that other science based subjects are also good indicators that an applicant is likely to perform well on the course, and we do not wish to be overly restrictive. So if you have at least an Advanced Certificate standard (A-level or equivalent) in both Maths and one of the following; Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Nautical or Aeronautical Science or various other science subjects, you should feel free to apply if you meet all other criteria. Higher National Diplomas and BTecs we consider generally equivalent to A-levels. University degrees are obviously more than acceptable.

 

Why are the educational criteria for the scheme set higher than for self-sponsored APP FO students?

Airline recruitment of a self-sponsored student generally occurs only after completion of training, meaning that the student bears a greater risk of not gaining immediate employment. For the Flybe scheme, the airline shares the training risk because selection is made even before the start of ab-initio training. Understandably, Flybe are seeking high quality candidates. By setting higher than normal criteria, we can ensure that applications are limited only to those whose academic background indicates that they are very unlikely to experience any difficulties in achieving high grade results during the theoretical training phase.

 

I did not go to a school in the English educational system. How can I determine if I possess the equivalent of A-levels?

The Irish Leaving Certificate and Scottish Highers are equivalent to A-levels. A-levels are required for University entrance in the UK, so if you have an educational background that would qualify you for University entrance, you are likely to have acceptable equivalents, but they must still include Maths and Science for this particular scheme. We use the UCAS Guide, which is used to determine eligibility for entrance to UK Universities, to determine A-level equivalency, so please check it before applying.

 

Can I apply based on predicted grades?

No. Before being eligible to attend for Stage 2 you must be able to provide OAT with documentary evidence of the A-Level equivalent educational credentials which qualify you for university entrance.

 

How good does my English need to be for me to apply?

Although we do not list specific English academic or proficiency requirements, those who are not fluent in English may experience difficulties with the aptitude testing because it is conducted entirely in English.

 

If I do not meet the educational criteria for this cadet programme, does this mean I should not consider entering professional flight training as a self-sponsored student?

No. A great number of students with lower educational qualifications have successfully completed the APPFO training course. If you are in any doubt as to your academic background, the best indicator of whether or not you could succeed as a self-sponsored student would be to attend a skills and aptitude assessment at the Flight Training Organisation (FTO) of your choice. If you pass, this means the FTO thinks you would be likely to succeed.

 

Is previous flight training experience or a PPL required?

No. Whilst PPL experience can sometimes be a useful indicator of an applicant’s interest in flying, we do understand that many applicants may not have had the means or opportunity to take flying lessons.

 

Can I apply for the scheme if I already have extensive flying experience?

To qualify for consideration under the OAT/Flybe scheme, you must be able to show that you have no more than 60 hours of previous flying experience.

 

I unsuccessfully applied for previous OAT airline programmes. Am I eligible to apply for the Flybe scheme?

You may apply for the Flybe scheme provided that you meet all the stated criteria for this specific competition and that you have not reached Stage 2 of any previous competition held since 1st June 2007.

 

I have already passed the APP First Officer skills assessment. May I apply and if so will I have to retake the assessment?

You may apply provided that you meet the specific criteria, that you unconditionally passed OAT Skills Assessment at your first attempt within the last 6 months (ie post 1st June 2007), and that you do not have a confirmed APP FO course place. You will not have to undertake assessment again, nor will you be permitted to. You must, however, still complete the on-line application within the published timescale.

Potential applicants who passed the APP First Officer Skills Assessment more than 6 months ago may also apply but, if selected for advancement to Stage 2, must retake the assessment.

Notes:

 

I am enrolled in a cadet programme with another FTO but am interested in applying for this new scheme because it may be a better deal financially. Am I eligible to apply?

No. Oxford Aviation Training works very hard to maintain good relationships with other FTOs and with all airlines, whether or not they have currently or recently hired our graduates. We will not consider applications from airline cadets at other FTOs.

 

I already have a CPL/IR or ATPL for airplanes. Am I eligible to apply?

No. This scheme is designed to identify cadets for an ab-initio training programme that must be completed in its entirety. As already outlined, individuals who already have more than 60 hours qualifying flight time may not apply, a restriction which automatically rules out those who already hold ratings or qualifications above PPL level.

 

I have already completed some or all of the JAA ATPL theory exams. Am I eligible to apply?

You may apply conditionally, but you must complete the course in its entirety, including retaking the ground school and all 14 JAA examinations. This will require approval from the aviation authority under which you originally took the JAA exams and it is your responsibility to obtain that approval in writing, preferably before Stage 2, and in all cases before you could be considered for Stage 3 interview.

 

How do I apply?

The first step in the selection process is to see if you match the profile above, but particularly the educational, flying experience and citizenship requirements. If you believe you fit the profile, then you need to complete and submit the on-line application form.

Please note that applications to be considered for the programme are only possible through the OAT web site. You cannot apply direct to Flybe; neither can you use mail or fax.

 

When must I apply?

Your application must be transmitted to us no later than 23:59 hrs on Friday 21st December 2007.  

 

What happens after I submit my application?

You will automatically receive a confirmation that your application has been successfully received.  If you receive an error message, print a copy and then contact us on the number given at the bottom of these FAQs. You will subsequently receive a separate e-mail providing further guidance on ‘what happens next?’  The following, 3-Stage process will apply:

 

What criteria will be used to determine who is accepted to Stage 2 of the selection process?

A team of assessors will review all applications to ensure they meet the published criteria. The next step will be to review your answers to the set questions, and from these to select those we judge should go through to Stage 2. It will be clear from this that the quality of your answers to the set questions are important. We strongly recommend that you take due time and care in framing your responses.

No advantage will be gained by submitting an ‘instant’ application. You would be well advised to review carefully all the information you have entered in the application and to ensure that all requested detail has been provided. Where applicable, you should exercise care to ensure that you stay within notified word limits; if you exceed the limit, then the assessors will not be able to read the additional material. Conversely, very brief essay answers are unlikely to be sufficient. You should remember that the information you provide is the key to whether you are successful in reaching the next stage of the competition. It’s up to you to convince the assessment team that you have the qualities Flybe are seeking, and the application form is a critical element in the process; please take care.

We also suggest that you save a copy of your answers before pasting them into the online application in case you lose your Internet connection before you complete and submit the application.

 

The guidance for this scheme indicates that Stage 2 of the selection is a two-day process. If I am not selected to attend the second day, would this indicate that I should give up my aspirations to become an airline pilot?

No. Because the competition is likely to be tough, it is probable that a number of applicants of good quality, and who would therefore be quite capable of succeeding in ATPL training, may still not reach the advanced stages of selection.

 

The standard APP FO Skills Assessment includes a flight simulator check. Why is this not required for the OAT/Flybe scheme?

The role of a simulator check in the APP FO assessment is to corroborate the results of the computer based tests. Since the number of training places associated with the OAT/Flybe scheme is limited, we can be confident that all successful applicants will have achieved high grade scores on the computer based tests, so a corroborating simulator check is not therefore deemed necessary.

 

APP FO students go through a Skills and Aptitude Assessment, while you refer to the process for getting accepted onto this scheme as a selection process. What is the difference between the two?

Selection is a competitive process wherein a large number of applicants are competing for a finite number of places; this is clearly the case for the OAT/Flybe scheme; hence the term 'Selection’. Applicants for the standard APP FO course, on the other hand, are not in competition with each other. In this latter process, we set an assessment standard, and if a prospective student reaches that standard, then we are able to offer a place on this APP FO course. Thus, failure to win a place in the OAT/Flybe scheme certainly does not indicate that you are unlikely to succeed if you apply to become a self-sponsored APP FO student.

 

How will I be advised of my progress?

On completion of each stage of the selection process, OAT will advise all applicants by email whether they have been successful or unsuccessful. The former group will then be advised of arrangements for the next stage. All applicants who reach Stage 2 should be prepared to spend a maximum of 2 days at Oxford Airport.

 

What are my chances of success?

At this stage, it is too early to say. Obviously, Flybe is looking for high quality, well motivated individuals. The number of places available is limited, so inevitably not all of those who meet the selection requirements will become a beneficiary of the programme, but that should not stop you applying.

 

If I am successful, will my training progress at Oxford be monitored?

During all stages of training, progress will be monitored by both Flybe and OAT. Airline support could be withdrawn in the event that such progress is judged unsatisfactory.

 

How much will it cost me to apply?

There is no charge. You will simply need to allow for any personal expenses, ie travel, accommodation and food.

 

Can you provide me with a summary of all relevant dates for the scheme?

A table showing all planned dates is shown below. Note that all dates are for planning purposes only and could be changed by OAT at any stage.  Final arrangements will be notified to those candidates concerned.

 

What do I do if I have any further queries?

Once you have thoroughly read the above there are several ways to obtain additional information about the programme: