Recent content by baldieman

I did well in the first online assessment but boxes kept appearing during the timed test which made it impossible for me to input my answers in time. I emailed FCC regarding the problems I had with their assessment and was told that I could not retake the test as it would be unfair to other...

Now if pilots were a more down to earth bunch like train drivers, their terms and conditions would not have been slowly eroded over the years by pay to fly schemes. Aviation is largely the reserve of the rich sadly - always has been and will be so for the foreseeable until either the union or...

You are quite right as i only said "can reach". My point being that the potential exists to reach the top end hence my assertion that an initial financial outlay to enter the industry is only slightly more understandable when comparing to those considering entering a rail career where it is...

But that situation has existed for years in aviation SPADTrap, not sure why it would surprise you of all people? Lol

The only way they could train someone from scratch to being fully qualified is by having an arrangement with a TOC. I can't see any of the mainstream operators being interested so they may have an arrangement with a charter company. Even so, I can't see any of the mainstream TOCs being...

Well said that man. I too come from a commercial pilot background where enough money seems to buy the richest candidate the job these days. Trust me, on every level possible it is an appalling situation to find yourself in when faced with competition for a job who gain an advantage based on...

Same here Nestor. Pity really, pretty sure they place a large emphasis on the application itself and not the applicants working background in terms of suitability. You would think a qualified commercial pilot might get a look in otherwise wouldn't you! :(

Well i scored only 56 so not holding much hope! :|

My current status online is 'your application is under consideration'. Pretty self explanatory I guess but if anyone knows whether this is a good sign i would be grateful to know?! :D

Thanks David.

Does anyone know what the salary is once training is passed? Thanks! :D

Many thanks for the replies folks - particularly like the railway-technical website! Will take a while to digest all the info contained on that site! :D Kind regards, Baldieman.

Hi folks, As a wannabe driver, I am keen to get a book or two on how trains work, mechanics of, and signalling... if any are in circulation - can anyone recommend anything in particular? What I am looking for is an all over view of how the rail network functions and how trains work...

Nope, the law covers the rest as previously stated. :wink:

This is true. Have heard of an Irish operator allowing people into the flight deck for landings into Dublin in recent years. Outside of the UK it is still possible but down to the discretion of the crew or black and white as per company standard operating procedures. Baldieman.