Is Emirates Flight Training Academy any good for foreigners?
Posted by Training-Fig4977@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 11 comments
I'm 17 and Indian and I'm planning on applying for EFTA in 5-6 years (currently studying for the JEE to get a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering). I wanted to ask:
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If I do get admission into the academy, what job opportunities will I have after passing out?
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I read on their website that cadets that pass from the academy are qualified for interviews for jobs as FOs with widebodies like the 777 at Airlines like Emirates. I wanted to confirm whether this was true or not (It sounds too good to be true)
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I don't land a job at Emirates, does the offer hold true for other airlines like Etihad and IndiGo, and if not, will I need to build my flight hours through odd aviation jobs like everyone else?
MagicalMagyars@reddit
1 - You will hold a GCC license with the minimum hours. Although things constantly change, have a look at what airlines will accept you with that. Not a chance for Emirates, Etihad or any of the other major long haul airlines but some low cost operators may although Air Arabia have their own cadet program so may not be an option either.
2 - If it sounds too good to be true that is because it almost certainly is. You wouldn't meet the requirements for Emirates and you aren't a local cadet. Besides going through a school that trains their cadets and has a logo on the building, there is no actual connection to Emirates and no difference between you and the other applications except they will have the experience requirements.
3 - Same as everyone else trying to find the first job on minimum hours except you hold a GCC license which may not be as transferable to other authorities (check if it can be converted without additional costs or training to an Indian license etc.)
Training-Fig4977@reddit (OP)
All right, thank you for your advice
Boris_the_pipe@reddit
Do you think converting from GCAA to Indian licence will be easy? And maybe you don't need to spend so much money to become CFI in India in the end
Training-Fig4977@reddit (OP)
Frankly, I'm lost. Most airlines have a requirement of a total of 2500 total flight hours, 1500 on multicrew aircaft, and 500 hours on the aircraft I'm trying to get a job flying (mostly A320 or B777). I can get the first two by grinding as a CFI year after year, but frankly I have no idea about the last one, as I reach the classic conundrum of a job for experience, and experience for a job. These are the requirements of both IndiGo and Etihad positions currently open
Boris_the_pipe@reddit
Stuff like Etihad,Qatar and Emirates can never be your first airline, unless you are local. You need years of experience to just apply there. And sorry to say that,but it's better you know it now, people from your country usually don't even get invited for assessment in ME airlines.
Your only option is to get a licence in India,job in India and maybe after 4-5 years in India you can try abroad.
Training-Fig4977@reddit (OP)
That makes sense, thanks for your advice
MagicalMagyars@reddit
I am glad you got the answer you wanted to hear, but please go re-read all answers and gather all the information available to you from reliable sources (not necessarily random people on reddit). If still in doubt, go ask EFTA and Emirates themselves, their recruitment emails are there to clarify information like this and be very clear about exactly what you are asking.
Emirates do not recruit anyone with less than 2,000 hours on a relevant Boeing or Airbus type, and that is already an historically low requirement due to demand. Unless you are an Emirati local Cadet under sponsorship training through EFTA, you will not get an interview until you meet the same requirements as everyone else (check the Emirates website) let alone an actual job.
Most people have to grind and work their way into aviation, there are very few shortcuts and nothing is ever guaranteed. If you can afford the significant premium that training providers like this demand then at least be 100% clear what you are actually receiving. At the end of the day, all a school really cares about is getting your signature and money, once they have that commitment anything that isn't written into the contract is likely off the table.
Training-Fig4977@reddit (OP)
I will definitely be contacting EFTA for some clarification, and I agree. I want to work at a top tier airline ASAP, and I will invest in an academy that can get me as close to that goal as possible, even if it doesn't have the brand name of Emirates slapped on it. Thank you very much for your help!
Donna3u7Hall8@reddit
Oh, mate, Emirates Flight Training Academy is top-notch for foreigners!They'll have you flying like a pro in no time.
320GT@reddit
On LinkedIn directly message people from India who've done this program.
You can also ask in Dubai subreddit.
Training-Fig4977@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the tip, will do