General

How do I find out more about the programme?

Due to the very large number of applications we receive, we regret that we will not be in a position to answer any questions by telephone, letter or personal visits. Any queries should be channelled through this site, but if we have not answered everything you want to know here then, during selection, there will be ample opportunity to discuss your individual queries.

Am I guaranteed a job?

No airline training programme guarantees a job. The commitment we give is that, subject to a satisfactory performance in training and no change to our recruitment plans, we will make every effort to ensure that our graduates achieve employment through us. On successful completion of the full 4 phase selection process, including AQC, CTC Wings ATP pilots are placed in our ATP Database awaiting type rating and placement with a partner airline.

The ATP Database is in place to augment our CTC Wings cadet supply and we look to place ATP pilots when we are unable, for whatever reason, to place cadets with partner airlines.

Can I re-apply to the programme if I get turned down at selection?

Our policy on this is as follows: Re-assessment will only be allowed to specifically identified applicants following a detailed appraisal by the selection team who conducted the assessment stage that resulted in a rejection.

Those individuals who are assessed as suitable for re-assessment will be advised by e-mail. If you do not receive an e-mail advising you of this status then you should assume that a re-assessment opportunity has not been judged appropriate in the circumstances. Normally, such re-assessment opportunities will only be offered not less than 6 months after the applicant's initial date of completed application.

When it is considered appropriate, CTC will advise the candidate by e-mail of the date on which a re-assessment is scheduled. Please note that an applicant's initial application will remain on our database and thus there is no benefit, nor need, to complete a further application form through our internet application system. 
Please also note that re-application will only be possible if the CTC Wings ATP route is open for applications at that time.

I have already done a MCC course, do I have do do the whole AQC course?

Yes, you do. It is the final and very important part of selection for CTC Wings ATP entry. We need to see your performance during this comprehensive airline-based 3 week course to ensure that you have the necessary skills and meet the standards to become a Wings pilot, with the ability and capacity to successfully complete a jet type rating course.

The AQC course will afford you valuable training experience above and beyond that required to achieve MCC standard, on either our B737 or A320 simulators and focusses on developing the skills required to operate a complex passenger jet.

Can I do the AQC course first, and then apply for ATP entry?

Not at the moment. For the foreseeable future, all AQC places are reserved for CTC Wings Cadet entry pilots or for those already going through CTC Wings ATP selection.

How much does the AQC course cost?

The Airline Qualification Course cost including accommodation and all meals is £7,800 + VAT (£9,360 including VAT)
Ininclu  including    inclu

I do not have a JAA/EASA licence. Can you help with converting my licence to JAA/EASA?

This may be possible through CTC Takeoff - our modular training option.  Please contact ctctakeoff@ctcaviation.com to enquire. You need a JAA/EASA licence to be eligible for CTC Wings and it would be preferable to convert to a UK JAA/EASA licence.

I am waiting for my licence from the CAA. Can I submit an application and send copies of my licence?

Unfortunately not.  Please wait until you have your licence and include all the pages and other requested enclosures with your CTC Wings ATP entry application.

What is the CRC Basic Disclosure Certificate and why do I need to produce it?

Legislation controlling access to restricted areas at all UK airports (known as 'airside' access) requires airline companies to carry out background checks on all new applicants (particularly pilots) for an 'airside' security pass. These checks include the Criminal Record Check and you can apply online to obtain a Basic Disclosure Certificate - go to Basics Online at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk If you are unable to obtain this for any reason, you will not be eligible to apply to CTC Wings since, without it, no 'airside' pass can be issued and you would not be able to join an airline.

When you get into the holding pool and your placement opportunity arises, you will start a type rating course with your sponsor airline and at that time you will be asked to produce an updated Basic Disclosure Certificate, as your original one only lasts for 10 weeks. For non-UK based applicants, you will need to obtain the Certificate and also a Certificate of Good Conduct from your local police station in your country of residence, covering the last 5 years. If you are a non-UK national who has been based in the UK for a short period of time, perhaps studying at a UK educational establishment, you will need to apply to the police station nearest to where you are based for a Subject Access Form, which costs £10.

If I am successful, how long will it take to be placed with a partner airline?

We wish we could tell you! Sometimes it can be a week, sometimes 6 months, a year or occasionally longer. It depends entirely on demand from the partner airlines.

Am I guaranteed an airline placement if I get through selection?

There are no guarantees but, since 1994 when the original 'ATP Scheme' started, all those who reached the ATP Database pool of short listed pilots were placed with an airline. It is just the timing that is hard to predict. As we mentioned before, on successful completion of the AQC course to CTC Wings standard, you will be placed in the ATP Database' to await type rating training and airline placement.

The ATP Database serves to augment the CTC Wings Cadet numbers and we will put CTC Wings ATP pilots forward for placement when we are unable, for whatever reason, to place cadets with our partner airlines.

When do I start earning a salary?  How much will that be?

CTC Wings ATP pilots entering an airline's employment will normally join on the appropriate airline direct entry salary and should make repayments of any loan (if taken) from income. There may also be placement opportunities through CTC FlexiCrew and the placement terms will then vary according the client airline requirements.

If I am successful during selection when I am likely to be offered an AQC?

We run AQC every 3 weeks. Your selection team will advise you of the earliest availability during your assessment day. The period of validity for selection is 6 months and we require all successful applicants to book on to an AQC within this time frame. It may be necessary to repeat selection if you do not book your AQC within this time frame.

Why do I need to provide details of referees?

CTC reserves the right to take up references from your referees, but we will only do so with your prior knowledge. Your future airline will require also 5 years of referencing in order to apply for an airside pass which is a mandatory requirement before you can start operating as aircrew.