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Hi Captain Lim,
I'll be finishing my SPM soon and have been seriously thinking about flying. I don't think I’ll be joining any Cadet Pilot scheme. Instead, I think I'll do it on my own in Jandakot Flight Center at Perth.
The problem is, I am wearing glasses and I have been a lazy boy in school - so I did not do well in my Science. I know I can overcome that and do better if I put more effort into it.
Do you think I'll be able to qualify and get my CPL at Perth and then secure a flying job?
I don't mind flying for the budget airlines. I could gain experience from there and then move on to bigger airlines later.
Please enlighten me.
Thanks.
Taint
Hi Taint,
The traditional Cadet Pilot scheme (only available in a few airlines such as SIA, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air Asia in the East Asian Region) has very stringent entry requirements. They would generally require a minimum of credits in five subjects including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject. Some would require higher qualifications such as a Diploma or Degree from the University.
The prerequisites for joining Jandakot Flight Center (JFCat Perth did not mention about the academic qualifications for their CPL courses other than a Class I Medical. I believe they may have some arrangements for those who do not meet the entry requirements.
Even if you are allowed to commence your CPL/IR Course without a Science subject at JFC, you may face some problems later on as some budget airlines may still insist on the basic academic qualifications. (However, some other lesser carriers may not be too fussy about this as long as you have a CPL/IR or Frozen ATPL)
Wearing of glasses is not an obstacle to becoming an air line pilot as long as your eye sight can be corrected to normal vision with optical aids. You should seek the final advice of the Designated Medical Examiners of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) if your corrective lenses are excessive.
After graduating from JFC, you may have to convert your Australian CPL/IR to a local License. You have to approach on the requirements for the conversion. You may be required to sit for all the ground examinations (17 papers) with the exception of Radio Telephony/Practical and to fly a minimum of 35 to 155 hours in order to convert your license to a Malaysian License.
You are not guaranteed of a job upon completion of your CPL/IR course at JFC. However, if your license is successfully converted to a Malaysian one, your chances are brighter since Air Asia is expanding very rapidly. Anyway, getting a pilot’s job will depend a lot on your character during the interviewing process and the preference of the airlines.
I wish you all the best. :-)
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