I was too late to notice your site. I am impressed with your advices. I am from the medical profession and to achieve an ATPL and to become a commercial air line pilot is my dream.
I just want to check with you as I am 34 years old now - is it too late to go for a CPL rating?
After completing the course, is it difficult to get a job in aviation?
Is there any chance for me to get a sponsorship for the cadet pilot program?
Regards,
Dr Abhilash
So You Wanna Be A Pilot?
Dear Dr Abhilash,
I do not know where you are from but if you are a Malaysian, the prospect to pursue an airline career is not very bright at the moment. In The Star newspaper in Malaysia this morning, it was reported that there are 500 pilots who have recently graduated from the flying schools and they are still waiting for job offers from the airlines.
Unless you are sponsored by the airlines under the Cadet Pilot Program, there is no guarantee that the airlines would take you if you are privately sponsored. So the competition is very tough even after you are qualified as a pilot.
Air Asia’s Cadet Pilot Program is open at the moment. Please visit here to view the requirements and apply online here .
The requirements are reproduced below:-
• Malaysian citizen, aged between 18 and 28 as of date of application.
• Minimum height of 163 cm (5ft 3in).
• Passed SPM (or its equivalent that is recognized by the Malaysian Government) with a minimum score of, as listed below and all taken in ONE attempt,
Science Stream: “A-” in English, “A-” in Mathematics and “ B ” in Physics, AND with a minimum total of any 05 subjects , where the minimum achieved scoring must not be less than “ B ” inclusive of English, Mathematics and Physics .
Arts Stream: “A-” in English, “A-” in Mathematics and “A-” in General Science AND, with a minimum total of any 05 subjects , where the minimum achieved scoring must not be less than “B ” inclusive of English , Mathematics and General Science .
OR possess a Diploma/Degree in Engineering or Science-related disciplines with CGPA 3.0 and above and at SPM level scored at least a “ B ” in the all the subjects mentioned above and taken in one sitting.
• Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia both written and spoken.
• Must be physically and mentally fit with good eyesight (visual acuity of at least 6/60 without optical aid, correctable to 6/6 and not color blind). Should be able to successfully pass a medical examination up to a Class 1 standard conducted by a Department of Civil Aviation Authorized Medical Examiner (DAME)
• Be prepared to sign a training bond with a surety.
If you are a Malaysian, you would not be qualified for the Cadet Pilot Program as the cut off age is 28 years old. SIA (Singapore Airlines) has a less stringent age limit. Please view the many questions answered under this topic in my site.
Hai Capt Lim. Currently, I'm pursuing medicine. But my passion is all about flying. Now I'm 3rd year of medicine course. A good news is that, I got an invitation from Air Asia for the stage 1 assessment on 5th of April... Would you mind to share with me about the best preparation for that assessment since I'd left Physics for 5 years ago... hehe
