Wings for Change, Support One to Help Many

Thank you so much for visiting my GoFundMe campaign called “Wings for Change”. It’s not easy to ask for financial help on a website where thousands of people are fighting life-threatening conditions and that alone makes me feel very fortunate. However, I’m at a point where I can see no other alternative. It has taken me 10 long years to start asking for help via crowdfunding as it became apparent that I simply cannot achieve my lifelong dream on my own without your help. Please read through the campaign to learn about the “Wings for Change”, distribution of funds how I will give back every penny raised to help thousands of people around the world.

The Campaign is very detailed and therefore a lot of information to read, if you are not a keen reader please check out 2 of my YouTube videos in the middle of the campaign's description. They will cover everything you need to know in 13 minutes.

Press Release Presentation - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zsUTLAhdgUDy3PcLzrcnGTL4gO1zYE7Q/view?usp=sharing

Instagram – wings_for_change

YouTube – Eric Kaufman (Wings for Change)

E-mail - [email redacted]

About Me:




My name is Eric Kaufman and all I ever wanted my entire life is to be a commercial pilot. My family immigrated to the UK in 2007 in search of a better life, leaving everything behind. This meant me working 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week for the first 2 years just to support myself and my family to simply survive. It didn’t get much easier later, but I have always strived to challenge my circumstance and instead of indulging in excuses, focused on every opportunity to better myself and learn from people around me. I focused on learning the English language and revised my school subjects such as Math and Physics according to the UK syllabus to prepare for future pilot assessments. To be closer to my passion, I have for many years pursued a job in aviation and now I’m working in a management position at Heathrow airport. My passion for flying stems from my family, who all dreamed of flying. My greatest role model and inspiration is my great-granddad who was one of the early aviators participating in the Spanish civil war campaign.

I would be the first and the only person since that generation to actively pursue a career on the flight deck. However, with training costs ranging between £60k-£120k and no government or bank support in place to finance it, talent and ambition alone are not enough.

For the last 10 years, I have prepared myself on a daily basis in my strive to become the best candidate I can be to have a fighting chance in such a highly competitive selection process. I have flown various aircraft such as Cessna 172 and a Yak 18T aircraft. I’ve studied ATPL material, B737 Flight crew Vol1. and Vol2 manuals. and applied them into a home simulator. Flown real B737NG and B737MAX simulators and even read cabin crew manuals to gain an understanding of equipment types and emergency procedures such as NITS from the cabin crew standpoint.

Over the years I have passed entry assessments with flying colors for UK’s top aviation academies such as CAE Oxford and L3 Harris Academy. During a CAE assessment in Oxford, a British Airways Captain who was the pilot skills assessor on the day quoted me in the de-brief to be his top 3 candidates that he has ever interviewed.

In 2013 I have applied for the British Airways sponsored cadet program and got through to the second stage of assessments but was unsuccessful due to an unfortunate illness.

In 2017 I have made it to the last stage of assessments, numbering 45 candidates for just 6 sponsored places out of over 10,000 applicants for Virgin Atlantic pilot cadet program. I was unfortunately unsuccessful by a slim margin.

Being first-generation immigrants, my family has never had the financial capacity to self-sponsor my pilot’s license. And even a decade later I still find it a near-impossible task to even begin collecting the necessary funds. Hence why, since 2009 I had to solely rely on the scarce airline sponsored routes which were very few over the years

I never wanted any handouts, just an equal opportunity, same as any existing pilot student in the UK. But without a property with which to secure the loan, I had to think outside of the box, which set me on a path of creating this campaign.


The “Wings for Change” Campaign:

The creation of “Wings for Change” Campaign came as a result of 10 years of futile attempts of me trying to get funding for my own pilot’s license, whilst observing the industry not come up with any innovative ways to support underprivileged candidates despite an alarming, global shortage of pilots. The scheme is aimed at challenging the current way pilot training is funded, sending an industry-wide message and spreading global awareness with governments and airlines. And by doing that, bringing attention to a plethora of passionate, capable, yet disadvantaged individuals like myself and give them a voice. Being a pilot is one of the only major professions left in the world, where thousands of men and women are unable to enter due to their parent’s inability to support them financially.

The United Kingdom, being an island relies heavily on air logistics. Heathrow airport’s third runway is being built to alleviate the 98% capacity it operates at. UK airlines carried 176 million passengers and millions of tonnes of Freight in 2018 and that makes it a matter of national interest to keep the planes flying. The global pilot shortage has been predicted 10 years ago and is happening right now. More and more pilots leave Europe for lucrative job offers in China and the Middle East. In the next 10 years 500,000 more pilots will be needed globally, 95,000 of them in Europe. However, the supply of quality candidates is still inadequate due to the industry being a decade too late to recognise the inherent problems with the pilot’s license funding.

Before 9/11, pilot training was often paid for by airlines; now, almost all pilot training worldwide is self-sponsored. A course at CAE Oxford costs £90,000; this does not include accommodation, assessment fees or a type-rating, whereby you learn to fly a specific aircraft – for example, an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737 – for anything from £21,000 to £32,000 on top of base course cost. There is no government support in the form of student loans and no unsecured bank loans up to the required amount. The only way any candidate is able to commence training is by relying on their family to either pay up the amount in full or acquire a specialised, secured bank loan through a second charge on their parent’s property. Such situation transpires into a severe lack of diversity, equal opportunity and social mobility within the profession all of which will be vigorously challenged by the “Wings for Change” movement as it gains traction.

The reason why I didn’t do a crowdfunding campaign in the last 10 years is that It never felt right to me to ask for one-way money as it would defeat my core belief in an equal opportunity. It would put me at an advantage, as opposed to other candidates in the UK who are forced to self-fund their training by putting all their family’s savings on the line. All I ever wanted was a loan to pay for my training, just like any other candidate in the UK and then repay it all back as I fly for an airline.

But, it has occurred to me that it doesn't have to be one-way! I have always believed that funds should be circulating in-order to do good. Hence why, by creating the highly structured "Wings for Change" GoFundMe campaign, I pledge to give every penny raised back in the form of donations into other good causes as if I was re-paying a bank loan. So by donating to me, you are also supporting your favourite charity or a cause for years to come through me and my pilot employment.


How will the scheme work:

1.       Every individual who wants to make a donation on the GoFundMe website is presented with a comments section where they will specify either my pre-set option of sponsoring the next pilot or a cause/charity that is close to their own heart. It can be a UK cause or an International one.

 
2.       Upon reaching the specified goal, I will collate all the data and the Top 20 voted causes will be shortlisted. The donated goal amount will then be split pro-rata between the causes based on the number of people backing each particular cause.

 
3.       I will then start repayments to voted charities and organisations upon serving my first year with an airline on a monthly basis for as long as I’m flying. As an example, repayment of just £500 a month for 7 years adds up to £42,000 that can go towards helping people around the world.

 
4.       A Facebook group, Instagram and YouTube accounts have been set-up so that the donor community can be kept up-to-date and engaged. All the benefactors can expect to have regular updates on my progress, starting from the collection of funds campaign, training, airline employment and all the way to the money re-payment stage for years to come.

Eric’s pre-set option: It is my biggest dream to not only fly myself but to also to sponsor another person to pursue their dream of flying. I would like to dedicate a portion of the re-payment money to support a struggling student pilot. To select a candidate on either 6 or 12-month basis with the help of the community and send a sum of money to help them with their costs. To select my pre-set option, please simply state in the comments section – “Eric’s Option” when donating.

Additionally, to make this campaign a success and to reinforce your trust in this campaign I pledge to tirelessly promote this cause through local and national media, social media and various other sources. I will try to approach and meet in person with as many of the UK’s notable philanthropists as I can.

If the campaign is successful, It will give me an immense amount of motivation to carry on being an advocate for equal opportunity in the pilot profession. Should I have the privilege to become a pilot, I will gain a powerful voice within the industry to drive change. "Wings for Change" is aiming to fund 1 pilot through training today, but has every potential to be the next platform to fund many.


Campaign’s goal milestones:

1.       In 3 months, by January 2020 to have 20% of the goal raised - £20,000.

Work can begin on selecting a training solution based on the amount raised.

Financial planning and collection of funds to cover extra costs (living, transport) can begin.


2.       In 6 months, by April 2020 to have 50% of the goal raised - £50,000.

Work can begin on putting down a deposit for a course to commence in 8-12 months.

Pre-studying of theoretical ATPL material and light practical practice can begin.


3.       In 12 Months, by October 2020 to have 100% of the goal raised - £100,000.

Work can begin on final preparations for the course and confirming start dates within 2-6 months.

Type rating costs planning and budgeting can begin.


Distribution of funds:

My utmost priority is to select a training program that is not only the best value for your money but also a training solution that will equip me with the necessary skills to succeed. And enable me a greater chance of securing that most important, first airline job up-on graduation.

To further protect your investment in me, I am considering every possible extra security layer for the donated money to make sure every penny gets paid back.

First and foremost I will take out a “Loss of license Insurance” with one of the trusted providers as soon as I start training. It means that should I temporarily or permanently lose my license due to medical reasons, I will be entitled to a pay-out with which I can pay back the donated money.

One of the major academies I’m considering has a guarantee in place, where after passing a skills assessment, should I fail my training due to aptitude, an amount of £80,000 will be refunded back.

Another leading academy gives a potential to have £69,000 refunded by 2 of the major airlines should certain criteria be met.

But in every case, I will be looking at paying for the training on a monthly basis to secure a portion of money at every stage in an unlikely event of training stopping due to unforeseen circumstances.

Lastly, I will prepare to pass any needed entry assessments into major flight schools to confirm my aptitude and preparedness before the commencement of the course. And by doing that give you greater reassurance in me, my abilities and my resolve to succeed.

There are 2 pathways to achieving a commercial pilot’s license (otherwise known as fATPL):

1.       Integrated – a highly focused and structured program, generally lasting around 16-18 months. This takes a student from a complete beginner to a position where they are ready to take up a role as a pilot ready to work for the airlines. The main advantage is that a student enters an intense course of study within a dedicated and well-equipped training facility, surrounded by like-minded students and often with strong links to leading airlines. Generally a preferred pathway of training by major airlines.

 
2.       Modular – Students following the modular route complete all courses separately until they achieve all qualifications, licences, and ratings for their Frozen ATPL. This is usually done in different academies and counties.  enables them to apply for a First Officer position at a commercial airline.

If you’re interested to learn more about the pros and cons of Integrated vs Modular please check out this fantastic resource - https://www.flightdeckfriend.com/become-an-airline-pilot/integrated-vs-modular-flight-training/

There are multiple choices, each with its merit. Some of the options listed below are subject to change depending on variables such as the total amount of money raised, school availability and GBP/Euro/US Dollar exchange rate fluctuations.

I am raising money for either a modular or an integrated course option and the potential type rating for an airline. All other expenses such as Medical, living expenses and assessment fees I will be looking into covering myself. All the extra funds raised that were not used as part of my flight training will be re-donated to voted good causes.

Aviation can potentially be a volatile environment for employment due to various domestic and global factors. However, for the next 10 years, the industry is projected to have a huge demand for pilots. Currently, there is an overwhelmingly positive trend of airline job opportunities and I am very optimistic in securing my first job.


Modular Option:

1.       Subject: PPL

Summary: PPL stands for ‘Private Pilots Licence’, and is effectively the aviation equivalent of a drivers license, in that it entitles you to fly a single-engine piston aircraft privately and with non-commercial passengers. Usually, it is followed by a 5 hours Night Flying rating.

Duration: 4 weeks

Cost: £5,900 - £10,000

Potential schools:

·         http://www.pplcruiser.co.uk/intensive-ppl.asp

·         https://www.goflyoxford.co.uk/become-a-pilot/private-pilot-training/easa-private-pilots-license-ppl/

·         http://www.thepilotcentre.co.uk/price_list.php

·         https://www.goflyuk.com/prices/

 
2.       Subject: Structured Hours Building

Summary: When you apply for the EASA FCL CPL (A) Commercial license you must have: Completed at least 200 hours of flight time of which not less than 100 hours shall be PIC, of which at least 20 hours must be cross-country or overseas flying, including a route of at least 300nm in the course of which the aeroplane landed and carried out full stop landings at two intermediate and different aerodromes. Structured hours building will prepare me for the CPL course and also mean that one in every 10 flights will be with an instructor. 

Duration: 1 - 3 months

Cost: £15,000 - £20,000

Potential schools:

·         http://www.bookeraviation.aero/commercial-training/modular-training-courses/structured-hour-building

·         https://airwaysaviation.com/course/modular-pilot-training/structured-hours-building/

·         https://fly-ga.co.uk/structured-hour-building-hb-packages/

·         https://www.aviator.com.cy/component/content/article/10-courses/4-structured-hour-building?Itemid=0

·         https://pilots-paradise.com/hoursbuilding/

·         https://afta.ie/training/hour-building/

·         https://www.flyeft.com/easa-add-on-courses

 
3.       Subject: ATPL theory

Summary: The EASA ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course provides training to a level of theoretical knowledge required for the Air Transport Pilot's Licence for aeroplanes and prepares the candidate for the EASA ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Examinations. It consists of 14 subjects and after every completed section, the corresponding exams are taken.

Duration: 24 – 36 weeks

Cost: £6,495 - £7,050

Potential schools:

·         https://www.l3commercialaviation.com/airline-academy/easa-pilot-training/easa-pilot-training-courses/easa-atpl-theoretical-knowledge/

·         http://www.fta-global.com/

·         https://www.cae.com/civil-aviation/become-a-pilot/our-pilot-training-programmes/atpl-theory-full-time-oxford


4.       Subject: MEP/IR/CPL

Summary: A commercial pilot’s license (CPL) is a requirement set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation for an individual to receive payment for flying an aircraft. The multi-engine piston rating (MEP) allows you to fly twin-engine aircraft and The instrument rating (IR) enables you to fly the aircraft solely with reference to the in-cockpit instrumentation. This means you will be able to fly in clouds and other circumstances of reduced visibility.

Duration: 6-9 weeks

Cost: £25,673 - £26,195

Potential schools:

·         http://flightacademy.eu/courses.html

·         http://www.fta-global.com/mep-me-ir-and-me-cpl-course-package

 
5.       Subject: Multi-Crew Co-operation and Jet Orientation Course

Summary: The MCC/JOC exposes pilots to training that is focused on developing the highest standards of manual flying, pilot competencies and behaviours - all in preparation for the airlines.

Duration: 15 - 16 days

Cost: £6,250 - €7,950

Potential schools:

·         https://www.cae.com/civil-aviation/become-a-pilot/our-pilot-training-programmes/combined-mcc-joc

·         https://simtech.ie/simtech_courses/aps/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt5zsBRD8ARIsAJfI4BhFEnf9sU0E91IPk9M0FVB92rnMsyzsfzCF9sVD2kFLz-POavRh3GgaAuXJEALw_wcB

·         https://va-airlinetraining.com/ryanair-apsmcc

 
6.       Subject: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training

Summary: UPRT stands for aeroplane ‘upset prevention and recovery training’ and constitutes a combination of theoretical knowledge and flying training with the aim of providing the flight crew with the required competencies to both prevent and to recover from situations in which an aeroplane unintentionally exceeds the parameters for line operation or training.

Duration: 1 week

Cost: £2000

Potential schools:

·         https://skyborne.com/airline-academy/courses/easa-modular-atpl/advanced-upset-prevention-and-recovery-training-uprt/

·         https://www.uprt.co.uk/uprt-on-aircraft-training

·         https://www.ontrackaviation.com/uprt.html


Modular Training Grand Total: £61,000 - £72,000



Integrated Options:

1.       School: Quality Fly

Summary: An English flight school based in Madrid, Spain. Offering the cheapest and fastest integrated course in Europe.

Link: https://www.qualityfly.com/

Duration: 12 months or 18 months

Cost: €59,950

Pros: Lowest cost in Europe

           12-month course option

           Low living expenses

Cons: New academy

           little links with airlines

 
2.       School: FTA Global

Summary: Based in Brighton, FTA has been training pilots for over 10 years. One of the only academies where all aspects of training are delivered in the UK.

Link: http://www.fta-global.com/

Duration: 18 – 24 months

Cost: £77,950

Pros: State-of-the-art Diamond 40/42 training aircraft

           Lowest UK price for Integrated course

           All training delivered in the UK

           Busy UK airspace

Cons: No additional money protection schemes

           No skills assessments to check eligibility

           little links with airlines

          
3.       School: CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

Summary: 70 years of training pilots to the highest standards. CAE OAA is one of the world’s most prestigious aviation academies. Students can expect to get hired even before completing their course.

Link: https://www.cae.com/civil-aviation/become-a-pilot/

Duration: 18 months

Cost: £90,000

Pros:  £80,000 money-back guarantee due to lacking aptitude.

           Well known by the airlines worldwide, placing over 1500 candidates annually.

           Air Transport management degree option alongside flight training

           Delivers Ryanair cadet program

           Skills and aptitude assessments conducted in order to enroll onto the course

Cons: High price point

 
4.       School: L3 Harris academy

Summary: Previously known as CTC, This world-class academy is based in Southampton. Has terrific links with airlines due to delivering the highest standards of training.

Link: https://www.l3commercialaviation.com/airline-academy/

Duration: 18 – 24 months

Cost: £89,000

Pros: State-of-the-art Diamond 40/42 training aircraft

           One of the world’s leading academies.

           95% placement rate with EasyJet, British Airways and many more airlines.

           Air Transport management degree option alongside flight training

           Skills and aptitude assessments conducted in order to enroll onto the course

           Potential to get £69,000 repaid by 2 airlines should certain criteria be met.

Cons: High price point


Integrated Training Grand Total: £53,000 - £90,000


Type Ratings:

Although all airlines will require a type rating to be completed by the pilot prior to the commencement of flight duties, some airlines, especially the ones outside of Europe may not charge for the type rating. Instead preferring to bond the candidate for a minimum period of time or take it from their salary as they work.

1.       Airline: Ryanair cadet program

Cost: €5,000

Link: https://www.cae.com/civil-aviation/training-for-individuals/airline-pilot-training/ryanair-boeing-737ng-type-rating

 

2.       Airline: Jet2 Apprenticeship program

Cost: No cost, 3-year bond

Link: http://www.jet2careers.com/pilots/

 

3.       Other airlines: (EasyJet, British Airways, etc.)

Cost: £27,000 – £30,000


Type Rating Grand Total: €5,000 - £30,000


In Conclusion:

Thank you so much for taking your time to read about the “Wings for Change” campaign! Please give as much or as little as you can to make a passionate, young man’s dreams a reality. Additionally, It would mean the world to me if you could share this page with as many people as you can to spread the word and drive a positive change in this beautiful profession.

If you would like to contact me for any clarification before you donate, or about a collaboration that could benefit this campaign such as an event or charity gala where I can talk about the wings for change campaign and possibly collect donations, please e-mail me on:

Email - [email redacted]

Instagram – wings_for_change

YouTube – Eric Kaufman (Wings for Change)

Likewise, if you are an aspiring pilot candidate who would like to know more about which resources and programs I have used to prepare for my assessments please drop me an e-mail. I would love to share with you my personal experiences that could potentially help you pass your assessments for your dream job!

Please give me a chance and help me make my life-long aspiration a reality!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely yours,

Eric Kaufman