VA Airline Training and Titan Airways announce pioneering Sponsored Cadet Programme
Titan Airways and VA Airline Training have announced the launch of a new Sponsored Cadet Programme providing a highly progressive entry pathway for cadet pilots (CPL/IR holders).
Whilst applications are sought from qualified EASA CPL/IR trained pilots irrespective of training path, the programme offers a rare opportunity for those pilots who have followed the modular route of training to benefit from a sponsored pathway; the entry point being post MECPL/IR.
The programme incorporates VA’s Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Cooperation course (APS MCC), the newly regulated Multi-pilot Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (MPA UPRT), and Type Rating training into one seamless programme – with Titan Airways covering the full cost of the programme. Security will be provided by way of a 4-year training bond which the First Officer will sign upon joining the airline as an employee. Trainees will also be asked to lodge a training deposit with Titan Airways ahead of their training with VA which the airline will then repay over the pilot’s first 18-months of First Officer employment in addition to their salary.
This pioneering programme not only sees Titan Airways investing in their cadet pilots’ training, but also leads the way in the industry by combining APS MCC with the newly regulated MPA Advanced UPRT (mandated from December 2019) followed immediately by Type Rating training.
VA recently announced a Training Alliance with Ultimate High Aviation (UHA) who will deliver the MPA Advanced UPRT element in a genuine, multi-crew environment immediately following VA’s industry-leading APS MCC. This approach ensures the pilot’s core competencies are built upon effectively by reinforcing the foundations established in APS MCC during MPA UPRT; thus, fully preparing the cadet for Type Rating which will also be delivered by VA.
VA Competency Assurance
Furthermore, all three elements: APS MCC, MPA UPRT and Type Rating, will be underwritten by VA’s unique ‘Competency Assurance’ which - for no additional charge - provides for any additional training that may be required for cadets to achieve the desired core competencies.
Titan Airways, a charter airline and often referred to as “aviation’s best kept secret” operates a mixed fleet of aircraft based at London Stansted. Cambridge Airport-based VA is ideally placed as a local airline training partner for the privately owned, award winning airline.
“We are very excited to be able to offer this opportunity through VA. We have worked with them before and are extremely impressed by the calibre of VA graduates now working for us” said Captain Matthew Wilson, Pilot Manager at Titan Airways.
“Importantly, the VA team understands our requirement to ensure we employ pilots who have a genuine desire to join Titan Airways. They have listened to us and tailored a programme specifically to meet our needs. Titan Airways is a great place to work. We are family owned and offer a very different opportunity to the more ‘well known’ airlines. Achieving a lifestyle balance is important to us. Successful applicants will enjoy a varied roster and have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference.”
Anthony Petteford, Managing Director of VA Airline Training, added “Having already pioneered APS MCC in 2018 and, more recently Multi-Pilot Advanced UPRT in partnership with UHA in readiness for its mandatory status in December 2019, VA is delighted to be able to partner with a like-minded airline. This is a truly pioneering programme and we are delighted that Titan Airways has selected us once again as their training partner. Not only is it refreshing to be able to offer a rare ‘airline funded’ cadet programme, Titan Airways has also been very forward-thinking in their approach to the training - embracing three Multi-Pilot aircraft training elements into one seamless and innovative airline cadet programme.
Applications will be invited from CPL/IR holders seeking their first airline job. Those who have already completed an MCC course may also apply but will be required to complete the full programme including the APS MCC.
The programme launches at Pilot Careers Live, Heathrow (UK) on Friday 1st November 2019 and the application window will be open from 4-11 November 2019.