Two years to commercial pilot license......with Condor

In two years to the Multi Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) including a type rating: To make this possible for prospective pilots, Germany's most popular leisure airline is offering pilot training in cooperation with the TFC Käufer flight school in Essen for the seventh time as part of the Condor Ab-Initio Program (CAP).

In recent months, a total of 12 applicants have been offered a training position. During the two-year training, which started yesterday, a theoretical and practical phase awaits them. In addition, the training includes type rating, i.e., type training, in this case for the Airbus A320 aircraft type.

Condor and the flight school TFC Käufer are focusing on CO2 reduction: for the first time, an electric aircraft and a corresponding virtual reality simulator will be used as part of the training. Photovoltaic systems on the roof of the flight school building will also cover the simulator's electricity requirements. In total, 70 percent of the training will be conducted on electric aircraft. Photovoltaic systems on the roof of the flight school will also cover the simulator's power requirements. The Velis Electro electric aircraft from the manufacturer Pipistrel that will be used is the first electrically powered aircraft licensed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for training operations.

Search Data Reveals the World's Dream Jobs.....Where does pilot come on the list.

• Financial services provider Remitly used global search data to discover which jobs people dream of doing the most
• Taking top spot was how to become a pilot, favoured by 25 countries in total, including America, the UK, Canada and Australia
• In Australia, becoming a writer was second, followed by careers as a dancer, YouTuber and DJ

Remitly, a leading digital financial services provider for immigrants and their families, has revealed that taking to the skies and becoming a pilot is the number one dream job for people around the world, having topped the wish-lists of 25 countries. 

The concept of a ‘job for life’ has changed dramatically in recent years, with new generations much more likely to seek a career switch and not ‘settle’ for a job role they dislike. Taking this into account, Remitly looked at global search data to find which jobs are proving most popular with the inhabitants of each country. This was achieved by analysing the annual search volume for phrases commonly associated with researching a new career such as ‘how to be a pilot’ - the most searched for job within every country topping their specific rankings. 

Becoming a pilot, known for its excellent pay, great job prospects and travel opportunities is a clear favourite for everywhere from the United Kingdom and Australia, to Cyprus and Montenegro. With almost one million Google searches per year around becoming a pilot, it's the ultimate dream job, however a career as a writer isn’t far behind, topping the wish lists of countries including India, New Zealand and South Africa.

Careers in arts and culture proved the most popular sector overall with writer, dancer, actor, singer and DJ all featuring prominently worldwide. Jobs in social media and online are also hugely aspirational, with YouTuber, influencer and programmer all featuring in the top 10 despite being career paths that didn’t even exist at the turn of the millennium. 

Becoming a YouTuber is the dream career for those in Mexico, Uruguay and Bolivia, and influencer the top choice for residents of Spain, Argentina and Colombia. 

The World’s Top 10 Dream Jobs

Dream Jobs	Worldwide Global Search Volume for ‘how to be a…’
Pilot	930,630
Writer	801,200
Dancer	278,720
YouTuber	195,070
Entrepreneur	178,380
Actor	176,180
Influencer	159,180
Programmer	125,310
Singer	121,430
Teacher	114,950

With the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster than average growth for airline and commercial pilots than all other occupations*, it’s arguably no surprise that becoming a pilot  sits atop the list of dream jobs.  

Flying to Career Cloud Nine: Search Data Reveals the World's Dream Jobs

• Financial services provider Remitly used global search data to discover which jobs people dream of doing the most
• Taking top spot was how to become a pilot, favoured by 25 countries in total, including America, the UK, Canada and Australia
• In Australia, becoming a writer was second, followed by careers as a dancer, YouTuber and DJ

Remitly, a leading digital financial services provider for immigrants and their families, has revealed that taking to the skies and becoming a pilot is the number one dream job for people around the world, having topped the wish-lists of 25 countries. 

The concept of a ‘job for life’ has changed dramatically in recent years, with new generations much more likely to seek a career switch and not ‘settle’ for a job role they dislike. Taking this into account, Remitly looked at global search data to find which jobs are proving most popular with the inhabitants of each country. This was achieved by analysing the annual search volume for phrases commonly associated with researching a new career such as ‘how to be a pilot’ - the most searched for job within every country topping their specific rankings. 

Becoming a pilot, known for its excellent pay, great job prospects and travel opportunities is a clear favourite for everywhere from the United Kingdom and Australia, to Cyprus and Montenegro. With almost one million Google searches per year around becoming a pilot, it's the ultimate dream job, however a career as a writer isn’t far behind, topping the wish lists of countries including India, New Zealand and South Africa.

Careers in arts and culture proved the most popular sector overall with writer, dancer, actor, singer and DJ all featuring prominently worldwide. Jobs in social media and online are also hugely aspirational, with YouTuber, influencer and programmer all featuring in the top 10 despite being career paths that didn’t even exist at the turn of the millennium. 

Becoming a YouTuber is the dream career for those in Mexico, Uruguay and Bolivia, and influencer the top choice for residents of Spain, Argentina and Colombia. 

The World’s Top 10 Dream Jobs

Dream Jobs	Worldwide Global Search Volume for ‘how to be a…’
Pilot	930,630
Writer	801,200
Dancer	278,720
YouTuber	195,070
Entrepreneur	178,380
Actor	176,180
Influencer	159,180
Programmer	125,310
Singer	121,430
Teacher	114,950

With the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster than average growth for airline and commercial pilots than all other occupations*, it’s arguably no surprise that becoming a pilot  sits atop the list of dream jobs.  

1,000 vacancies on offer at London Stansted jobs fair

London Stansted and its airport partners are looking to recruit 1,000 new employees to boost their ranks ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer season.

A jobs fair will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on February 7 to showcase almost 200 different job roles in areas such as airport security, customer service, engineering, and retail.

Airport companies looking for new talent include Ryanair, Titan Airways, Border Force, Jet2.com, World Duty-Free, HMS Host, National Express, Harrods Aviation, and London Stansted Airport.

Stansted was one of the fastest-recovering major airports in the UK from the COVID pandemic, with passenger numbers topping 90% of 2019 levels by summer 2022 and into this winter.  

With passenger numbers expected to grow further throughout 2023, companies across the airport are starting to recruit early to ensure they are at full strength in time for the summer peak.

Nathan Mullane, London Stansted’s Employment & Skills Manager, said:  “After a very successful recruitment campaign which we kicked-off early last year to get Stansted ready for summer 2022, we're now looking forward to this summer, which is expected to be even busier as passenger number continue to increase. More than 1,000 vacancies are available at the airport, including cabin crew, engineers, retail assistants, and hospitality workers.

All of these jobs require training before applicants can begin working, so we're beginning the application process now to make sure we're at full strength for the summer.

Next month’s jobs fair will be an excellent opportunity for those looking for work in the aviation sector to meet employers, find out about job opportunities, and make connections.

It will also give job seekers a chance to learn more about the various roles available in aviation and gain some insight into what employers are looking for.”

Also at the jobs fair, the Airport Academy will promote its free pre-employment support courses, which include fully accredited training schemes for people on jobseeker’s allowance who need additional assistance prior to applying for jobs.

Stansted Airport Jobs Fair Tickets, Tue 7 Feb 2023 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

There will be free public transport and free parking at the venue for visitors attending the event. To find out more and to book a place click here.

Bournemouth Airport looking to recruit new staff

Bournemouth Airport is launching a recruitment drive to attract new staff as it gears up for a bumper summer season.

The airport is expecting to handle more passengers this year following the recent announcement by Ryanair that it will base a second aircraft at the airport this summer, with 30% more flights to 18 destinations, including new routes to Venice, Edinburgh and Carcassonne.

The airport, which currently employs around 250 personnel, will be holding a recruitment open day on Tuesday 24th January in the main departures terminal from 2pm to 6.30pm. Car parking is free.

The main focus is on recruiting passenger services and security staff, but there will also be vacancies for other roles including arrivals staff, ground handling staff and cleaners.

Anyone interested in attending the open day to find out more about the various roles available is asked to register their interest online with their preferred hourly time slot between 2pm and 6pm.

Bournemouth Airport managing director Steve Gill said: “With Ryanair launching their biggest ever season from Bournemouth this year and with a total of 29 destinations on offer in 15 countries in our 2023 schedule, we’re expecting a bumper season.

“Our employees are at the heart of our business and we want to recruit great people who can deliver the high levels of customer service for which Bournemouth Airport is renowned.”

Jobs that will be featured during the recruitment open day include passenger services and security. Here is an outline of the roles:

Passenger Services:

Providing help and support to ensure a smooth and seamless customer experience for passengers. Duties include:

Greeting and checking passengers’ travel documentation together with relevant documentation

Check passengers into airline systems in line with company policies and procedures, and regulatory and airline requirements

Asking relevant security questions

Reconciliation of passengers at boarding gates

Security:

Delivering an outstanding customer experience while maintaining the safety and integrity of the airport and passengers. Duties include:

Carrying out ID and boarding card checks

Searching customers, vehicles, staff and airline crew

Security, mobile patrols and perimeter checks

Carrying out security checks on cabin baggage

Operating security equipment such as X-Ray machines

The latest job opportunities at the airport are also posted on the airport’s website with details about how to apply.

easyJet looking to the older generation to join as cabin crew....

U.S. airlines have long employed older folks as members of cabin crew, some even into their 70s, but European carriers have lagged behind.  However, that is changing with easyJet's latest recruitment drive aimed at ‘Empty nesters’!

easyJet looks to over 45-year-olds in new cabin crew recruitment campaign 

The budget airline is aiming its sights at parents whose children have left the family home or have started their own careers, as well as anyone looking for a new career challenge later in life to join the airline as members of the cabin crew. 

The airline has seen a 27% increase in cabin crew over the age of 45 since 2018, including a 30% increase in those over 60 in the last year.

The campaign comes following recent research by easyJet which revealed that, in a survey of 2,000 British adults over 45, over three quarters (78%) said that they would like to take on a new challenge once their children have flown the nest. Over half said (58%) they were most excited about starting a new career.

Over half (57%) of respondents also said that now their children are not dependent on them anymore, they hope to find a new career in something they are truly passionate about.

The new recruitment campaign has been launched with a series of new ads featuring real-life cabin crew who joined easyJet in the past year including Mike Tear (57), Gary Fellowes (63) and Carlos Santa Monica (48).

easyJet is encouraging, even more, to apply, with their wealth of life experiences and transferable skills, such as customer service and people management, making many ideal candidates for the job.

The campaign launch comes during National Older Workers Week, which is taking place from 21 to 25 November 2022. Latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that there are over nine million 50+ workers now on payrolls, an increase of more than 210,000 since last year.

Neil, 59, followed in the footsteps of his daughter Holly, 29, to become cabin crew in 2019 having previously worked in engineering and sales. 

Speaking about his decision to start a new career as a cabin crew member, Neil said:  “I decided I needed a new challenge and wanted a job I could enjoy and would look forward to work each day. Knowing how much Holly loved the job and with her encouragement, I applied and found myself in Luton Academy for training and I have loved it ever since.”

Karen, 54, and Daniela, 21, a mother and daughter, are also both easyJet cabin crew who started flying with the airline this year. Mum, Karen, who previously worked as a holiday rep while living in Spain, was inspired by her daughter to apply to become cabin crew as she was looking for a change of career.

FAPA and Wheels Up to Host Pilot Hiring Event in Atlanta

As airline hiring continues to soar, driven by the increasing demand for travel and other factors, there has never been a better time for qualified pilots to begin the next chapter of their professional journey. Pilot career consulting company Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA) is partnering with one of the largest private aviation companies in the world, Wheels Up, to host the Wheels Up Pilot Hiring Event on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 8 am-5 pm at the Atlanta Airport Marriott (4711 Best Road Atlanta, GA, 30337).

The Wheels Up Pilot Hiring Event follows the New York-City based company’s recent announcement of their new Member Operations Center (MOC) to open next year in Chamblee, GA and its recent partnership with Delta Air Line’s Propel Pilot Career Path Program. As part of its effort to support continued growth and expand its reach, Wheels Up is actively recruiting captain-qualified and type-rated pilots for the King Air 350i and other aircraft.

“Wheels Up, the only private aviation company on the NYSE, will hold an exclusive pilot recruiting and hiring event near the Atlanta Airport this Wednesday, November 16. Individuals with pilot-in-command experience in various aircraft are invited to register for this free event,” says Tim Genc, chief advisor and executive editor of FAPA.

Along with several scheduled presentations (8-9 am, 10-11 am, and 1-2 pm) that allow attendees to hear from and meet with the Wheels Up Talent Acquisition Team, there will be interviews for qualified candidates throughout the day. Prospective pilot candidates should have the following preferred qualifications: They should be ATP-eligible, with Wheels Up paying for the ATP-CTP Course for selected candidates, and have 2,000 hours total time with 1000 hours turbine time.

“Wheels Up has one of the most active and competitive recruiting programs in our industry. A team of dedicated aviation professionals is engaged with partners like FAPA to recruit the elite pilots our members rely on every day. Wheels Up is committed to hiring pilots who embody our company’s commitment to safety and professionalism,” says Todd Wesoloskie, senior manager of talent acquisition of Wheels Up.

Wheels Up is the leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the U.S. and one of the largest private aviation companies in the world. Wheels Up offers a complete global aviation solution with a large, modern and diverse fleet, backed by an uncompromising commitment to safety and service. Customers can access membership programs, charter and aircraft management services—as well as unique commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines Inc. The Wheels Up Services brands also offer freight, safety & security solutions and managed services to individuals, industry, government and civil organizations.

American Airlines and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology announce a new partnership to expand the American Airlines Cadet Academy

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is American’s first collegiate partner for its Cadet Academy.

Since 1928, Spartan College has been training aviation pilots and technicians.

Cadets can earn their FAA certificates and ratings, as well as their Associate of Applied Science degree simultaneously.

Cadets graduating from Spartan qualify for a restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate at 1,250 flight hours.

American Airlines and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology announce a new partnership to expand the American Airlines Cadet Academy for aspiring pilots. Spartan, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the Cadet Academy’s first collegiate partner offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Flight and increases its training network to five locations.

“The American Airlines Cadet Academy is designed to address all of the obstacles associated with a traditional flight training path,” said Christina Flores, Managing Director of Aviation Recruiting and Programs at American Airlines. “We are thrilled to offer a new pathway which includes building flight time while working towards a college degree with the support of mentorship and financial aid.”

Through this new partnership with Spartan College, American Airlines cadets have an opportunity to earn their FAA certificates and ratings, as well as their Associate of Applied Science degree. The Aviation Flight program at Spartan College can be completed in as few as 17 months with reduced ATP hours, housing options, and financial aid for those who qualify. Certified Flight Instructors may also continue their education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management degree from Spartan.

“Spartan is well known for providing broad access to aspiring pilots from all backgrounds and for the high standards of our flight training,” said Rob Polston, Chief Executive Officer at Spartan College. “We are committed to working with American Airlines to train a pipeline of new pilots to meet their needs for years to come. We are honored to partner with one of the world’s leading airlines and train the next generation of pilots in their innovative Cadet Academy.”

Image Spartan / AA

Since its launch in 2018, nearly 700 cadets have entered the Cadet Academy, and more than 100 have already graduated with the program.

Oman Air, MHA and The British School of Excellence join forces to offer preparatory cabin crew training

In partnership with Oman Air and The British School of Excellence, Muscat Hospitality Academy (MHA) announces a unique opportunity for Omani female students to enrol for Preparatory Cabin Crew Training. The programme duration is for six months and will encompass academic and practical training with world-class experts and coaches who provide students with the necessary credentials to secure a guaranteed job from Oman Air.

The training programme includes specialised courses covering in-flight service, the tools and equipment used on board, industry terms and phrases, and the rules and regulations governing air service operations. Participants will receive world-class training which will incorporate subjects such as Workplace Safety, Grooming, Deportment & Etiquette, Mindset & Emotional Intelligence, Communication Skills, Service Excellence, Food & Beverage Service, Aviation Knowledge, Intermediate and Independent Business English Skills training.

Upon successful graduation, the students will receive official certification from the MHA and The British School of Excellence, that qualifies them to work for Oman Air.

Entry requirements for the programme include a high school certificate and English language proficiency (both spoken and written). Applicants must be aged between 21 and 28 and there is a minimum height requirement of 157 cm. Candidates must have the ability to swim unaided as well.

Life as Aircraft Control Position Operator.......

Photo NATS

The UK's air traffic control operator NATS is looking for more staff to become Aircraft Control Position Operators.  In a normal year (pre-Covid) NATS staff handle 2.5 million flights and 250 million passengers travelling in UK airspace.

It is a demanding job, but rewarding, but what does it actually involve?

Lauren Dixon explains all about it and exactly why you should apply....

"Hi, I’m Lauren Dixon and I’m an Aircraft Control Position Operator (ACPO) at NATS.

Normally, when I tell people what my role is, they look at me and say ‘what?!’. In simple terms, the best way to describe what I do is that I am effectively a ‘pseudo pilot’. This means that I sit on a desk with an interactive touchscreen and a radar screen in front of me and act as if I were a pilot, in an aircraft, talking to a controller. This helps controllers to train for the airspace that they will eventually be responsible for."

Read more here.....

Find out about careers at NATSs here. 

NATS have around 4,500 employees dedicated to advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe. That includes 1,700 Air Traffic Controllers, 650 Air Traffic Service Assistants, 1,000 engineers, and 1,000 other specialists.

CommutAir raises pay for flight deck crew....

CommutAir has announced sweeping increases to pilots' pay that will see new first officers get a starting rate of $72.00/hr whilst incoming captains will start at $100.00/hr. Additionally, new sign-on & retention bonuses are now available up to a total of $25,000 for First Officers and $50,000 for Captain qualified pilots. 

The regional airline says "The opportunities offered by these updates will enable sustained growth for all of our employees. CommutAir pilots will now receive enhanced levels of scheduling, commuting expenses, health insurance, vacation, sick leave and 401k benefits that are among the best in the industry."

Compensation benefits of the agreement include: 

Increase in starting First Officer wages - $72/hr

Increase in starting Captain wages - $100/hr 

Pilot sign-on bonuses and incentives - $25,000 for First Officers and $50,000 for Captain Qualified pilots 

Significant increase to pay override for instructors (Ground, SIM, Line Check Pilots, and Designated Examiners) 

Annual retention bonuses totaling $25,000 for First Officers and $50,000 for Captains for full contract duration 

New Minimum Monthly duty period Guarantee - 76 hours 

Full Compensation for Experience - Longevity credit of 1:1 up to 20 yrs for new hires with prior FAR 121 industry experience 

Increased Commuter hotel allotment for reserve pilots

Industry leading Commuter travel program including flights from home to base

Direct flow to United Airlines through the Aviate Program 

CommutAir is a regional airline operating flights on behalf of United Airlines as a United Express partner. With a fleet of over 70 active Embraer 145 aircraft, CommutAir operates up to 1,500 weekly flights.

CEO Rick Hoefling commented, "We are excited about the opportunities this will provide CommutAir and is one more step towards securing our long-term success in the regional airline industry" 

Pilots - CommutAir | Regional Airline (flycommutair.com)

Southwest Airlines and Angelo State University Announce Destination 225° Partnership

Southwest is proud to welcome Angelo State University (ASU) to the Southwest Family as a university partner in Destination 225°, the airline's First Officer development and recruitment program. The Hispanic Serving Institution in San Angelo, Texas, is the sixth University partner in the program that provides a pathway for qualified aviators to join Southwest as Pilots.

"We're thrilled to welcome Angelo State University as a partner in Southwest's Destination 225° Program," said Lee Kinnebrew, Southwest's Vice President of Flight Operations. "We continue our work of opening career pathways for the next generation of professional pilots, and we look forward to supporting students as they train, gain flight experience and develop into competitively-qualified Southwest First Officer candidates in the years ahead."

ASU launched its Bachelor of Commercial Aviation program in the fall 2021 semester. Currently, there are 25 students in the first Flight Operations class, with 50 new students expected to join the program this fall. ASU students have access to Skyline Aviation's fleet of 12 aircraft and three flight simulators.

"We are honored for Angelo State to partner with Southwest Airlines' Destination 225° Program," ASU President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr., said. "As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we recognize the opportunity a partnership like this presents for all our students to become Pilots and aviation professionals, but especially minorities and women who are underrepresented in both the commercial and military aviation industry."

Some U.S. pilots are getting double pay........

Photo Envoy

Massive pay rises for pilots of two U.S. regional airlines that operate flights for American Airlines, as the global shortage of pilots continues to affect airlines around the world.

The regional airlines will increase rates of pay by around 50% until the end of August, it was announced this week. -The temporary raises will bring hourly wages for first officers in their first year of flying at Piedmont Airlines to $90 an hour, up from $51 an hour. For first-year captains, pay will go up from $78 an hour to $146 an hour advised, Eric Morgan, Piedmont’s CEO, who also said the increase could be extended should the shortage of pilots continue.

The Maryland-based airline was losing about 25 pilots a month to American Airlines’ mainline operation and has thus far failed to meet its target to recruit 40 pilots a month. The shortage of flight deck crew means the regional airline has to leave roughly 10 of its 60 aircraft on the ground at any one time.

Texas-based Envoy Airlines released details of a similar pay hike at the weekend saying that through to the end of August, Envoy pilots will receive a Pilot Supply Premium of 50% added to their hourly rate for all compensable hours.

Photo Envoy

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AirDialog, a cargo airline based in Albuquerque launches........

Photo AirDialog

AirDialog, a cargo airline based in Albuquerque, announced this week the start of flight operations, becoming the first new Part 135 air carrier to launch with FedEx in over 20 years. The inaugural flight this week provided cargo service between Gallup and Albuquerque. The airline is planning additional routes and for the growth of its fleet and team over the next 18 months.

“It’s a groundbreaking opportunity to be a part of the FedEx feeder network, and we look forward to expanding cargo operations to serve customers in the Southwest and beyond,” said David DeRose, President and Director of Finance for AirDialog and former Ameriflight executive.

AirDialog is led by an experienced team with over 100 years of collective cargo industry expertise. The Federal Aviation Administration granted approval to add the Cessna 208 Caravan onto the AirDialog carrier certificate earlier this year, enabling this new chapter in the airline’s operations.

AirDialog is actively recruiting line pilots with experience flying the Caravan to join its team. For career opportunities, visit https://airdialog.com for details.

Photo AirDialog

Photo AirDialog

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