FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ADVERT THAT APPEARED IN FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

 

What is the purpose of the Bond Sponsorship scheme?

Bond Aviation Group, through its two operating divisions Bond Air Services and Bond Offshore Helicopters, is seeking to recruit highly motivated people to invest in the group’s future plans. Pilot recruitment is a key element and, to this end, the Group has decided to launch a new, innovative, pilot sponsorship scheme to identify suitable candidates and to assist them through training in preparation for joining the Group during 2009. The first round of selection for the scheme will be for ab-initio pilots starting training on three courses next year. The first course will start in January 2008, with two further courses planned for May and September 2008.

 

What can you tell me about Bond?

The Bond Air Group has its foundations in the 1960’s, with the formation of a company by the late David Bond. During the 1970’s the company expanded into the offshore role with the purchase of the world’s first light twin engine helicopter, the BO105. The company continued to expand, reaching a total of 110 helicopters in the 1990’s and operating globally, but with the majority based in the UK. In the late 1990’s, the company merged with the Helikopter Services Group forming a large multi-national public company.

In 1999, Peter and Steven Bond purchased the onshore operations (Bond Air Services) back from HSG. Bond Air Services currently operate from 15 sites across the UK, utilising both the BO105 and EC135. BAS specialise in a variety of roles including emergency service and marine support, aerial work, corporate and media services.

During 2001, Bond formed a new company, Bond Offshore Helicopters, with the intention of re-entering the offshore market. In 2002, Bond Offshore Helicopters was awarded the largest ever offshore helicopter support contract. The 10 year contract, with an optional 5 year extension worth £120 million, was awarded by BP and involved the use of 5 Eurocopter AS332L2’s. This was closely followed by the award of BP’s offshore search and rescue contract, using a further 2 state-of-the-art Eurocopter AS332L2’s.

 

What training will those selected for the Bond scheme complete?

Those selected for sponsorship will complete their ab-initio pilot training in the USA at Bristow’s Academy over a period of 1 year. Following this, students will attend an Instrument Rating (IR) course for approximately 10 weeks with Bond Air Services. Once qualified to CPL/IR level, they will undertake an AS332L2 type rating and line training at Bond Offshore Helicopters.

 

How does the Scheme work?

Prior to commencement of training, students who pass a joint OAT/Bond selection process will be offered conditional employment by Bond subject to their achieving and maintaining satisfactory standards throughout their training.

 

How much will the course cost?

The total cost of the course to completion, including an instrument rating and two type ratings, will be in excess of £100,000. Students will be required to contribute no more than £30,000 towards the cost of training, including course accommodation.

UK candidates may be able to obtain bank loans to cover at least part of their personal contribution and further details on this option will be made available to those reaching Stage 2 of the competition.

 

How do I get selected for the scheme?

All applicants who meet the published entry criteria will be required to complete a joint Bond/Oxford Aviation Training (OAT) selection procedure as detailed below.

 

Why does selection take place at Oxford when the training is in the USA?

Oxford Aviation Training (OAT) is one of the largest and best known Flight Training Schools in the world. Since 1964, it has trained more than 18,000 pilots for many of the world’s major airlines. Over the last 18 months, for example, more than 260 OAT trained graduates have joined over 30 airlines and other commercial operators throughout the world.

The Oxford Training Centre has unrivalled experience of conducting assessment and selection for commercial pilots. In the last year alone, nearly 1500 candidates for professional pilot training courses have completed assessment at Oxford. The selection process for the new scheme has been tailored specifically to meet Bond’s requirements and final selection involves both companies.

 

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

Bond will supply student accommodation free of charge, and provide an appropriate allowance, throughout the training in the United States and during the IR course with Bond Air Services.

 

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 course commencement date (in the case of the course commencing 7th January 2008, the medical certificate must be obtained by the 5th November 2007). 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 Bond scheme?

The same requirements that were published in the Flight Advert:

Can I apply based on predicted academic grades?

No. By Wednesday 26th September 2007 you must be able to provide OAT with documentary evidence of the above mentioned educational credentials. We do not require final reports for graduate or post graduate education by this date.

 

If I do not meet the educational criteria for this 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 professional flight training courses. 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 Organization (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. It can sometimes be a useful indicator of an applicant’s interest in flying, although we do understand that many applicants may not have had the means or opportunity to take flying lessons.

 

I have already passed OAT’s Skills Assessment. May I apply and if so will I have to retake the assessment?

Potential applicants who meet the published criteria and who have unconditionally passed OAT Skills Assessment since 1st June 2007 and have not taken up a confirmed course place are eligible to apply for this programme.  They will not have to undertake assessment again, nor will they be permitted to in hopes of achieving better scores, but they must still complete the on-line application within the published timescale. Potential applicants who passed the APP First Officer skills assessment prior to 1st June 2007 may also apply, but will be required to complete the full selection procedure as for all other applicants. Note that candidates who did not successfully complete APPFO Skills Assessment at their first attempt, including applicants to other cadet programmes who did not advance to Day 2 of Stage 2, are not eligible to apply for this scheme.

Students already undertaking training courses at OAT or any other FTO are not eligible to apply for this scheme.

 

I am enrolled in a cadet programme with another FTO but am interested in applying for this cadet programme in case it is a better deal financially. Am I eligible to apply?

No. Bond and Oxford Aviation Training work very hard to maintain good relationships with other FTOs and with all helicopter operators. We will not consider applications from another company's students at any FTO.

 

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

No. This is not a Bond job application but a selection process to identify cadets for an ab-initio training programme that must be completed in its entirety. Those who already hold the ratings this course is designed to achieve are not eligible, and this restriction includes those with non-JAA ratings.

 

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 the 13 JAA exams. 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 published entry criteria, and particularly the educational and citizenship requirements. If you believe you fit the profile, then you need to complete and submit the on-line application form. We recommend that you take particular care in completing the application as the information you provide, including your responses to the essay type questions, do form an integral part of the Stage 1 selection process.

You gain no advantage by submitting applications quickly and should take the necessary time to ensure your applications are complete, accurate, and well written.

You will be required to pay an assessment fee of £195 should you be offered the opportunity to attend for Stage 2 of the selection process. No fee will be payable by those who do not proceed beyond Stage 1. OAT will advise candidates of payment methods

Please note, all applications must be made solely via the OAT website. You cannot apply direct to Bond; neither can you use mail or fax.

 

What are the expected dates for the overall selection process?

Further courses will be commencing May and September, 2008.

 

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 this FAQ. 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 the applicant meets the published criteria. The next step will then be to review your answers to the set questions and from this 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 and we suggest you take due time and care in framing your responses to these questions. We also recommend that you save a copy of your answers before pasting them into the online application in case you lose your Internet connection before you submit the application.  

 

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

No. The competition is likely to be tough and it is probable that there will be a number of good quality applicants applying for the positions. These candidates may be quite capable of succeeding in professional pilot training but may not reach the advanced stages of the OAT/Bond selection.

 

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 .  

Applicants successful at the completion of the Oxford stage will be recommended to Bond for final interview in November. Successful candidates should hear from Bond in mid-November.

 

What are my chances of success?

At this stage, it is too early to say. Obviously, both Bond and OAT are 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.

All applicants must be available to start training at Bristow’s Academy on 7th January 2008 for the first course. Two further courses will start in May and September 2008. Bond, at its sole discretion, will assign successful applicants to one of these three courses.

 

Will my training progress be monitored?

During all stages of training, progress will be monitored by both Bond and Bristow’s Academy. Bond’s support could be withdrawn in the event that such progress is judged unsatisfactory.

 

What is the application deadline?

Your application must be transmitted to OAT no later than Midnight Monday 27th August 2007. Late applications will not be accepted.

 

How much will it cost me to apply?

There is no charge for Stage 1 of the competition.

OAT will charge a standard Skills Assessment Fee of £195 to those candidates who reach Stage 2.

 

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 as follows:

Do not contact Bond directly, if you still have unanswered questions, call the OAT Skills Assessment Centre on 01865-844220.

 

PROCEED TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM