Ask Captain Lim

Dear Capt Lim,

I am from Singapore and my interest in flying started from the military services but I was unsuccessful there.

I have a Diploma and will be graduating with a Degree next January. I do not have 5 'O' Level credits taken at one sitting. Instead, I have 5 credits from 2 sittings. This is Singapore Airlines' requirement.

I am really interested in flying and hope to pursue this career but this seems quite vague to me. I attended an interview with Silk Air recently and they commented, " I see that you do not have single sitting for your 'O' Levels, then why are you here? I need to check with Human Resources about this". I was really sad and disappointed after that and I really do not know what to do.

My query is, why is the single sitting so important? Since I already have a Diploma and will be graduating with a Degree soon, what impact will the single sitting make?

I wish you the very best in your flying endeavors and the information you have shared in your site was definitely precious.

Thank you very much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.

With best regards,

Peter

Hi Peter,

There is very little one can do if an Airline specifies a particular entry requirement for the cadet pilot recruitment, especially that of having 5 'O' level credits taken in one sitting, in addition to a Diploma or Degree. The Airlines get a lot of applications from those aspiring to become pilots and hence they can afford to be rather strict with these requirements.

An alternative for you would be to get the Commercial Flying License and an Instrument Rating on your own and then seek employment again with theses Airlines. I believe there is a no-frill Airline, Valu Air coming up in Singapore soon.
 
Best of luck to your future flying endeavor!