Hi,
Although this is my first post, I have read these forums extensively for the last year or so and it has helped a great deal guiding me through the recruiting process.
I am a DEO Pilot candidate that has successfully completed every step of the application process including the simulator and medical in Ontario. Right now I am waiting for the start of next fiscal year for DEO pilot positions to become available.
As the subject states, my question is with regard to practical flying experience. I have read in multiple threads on this site stating that practical flying experience is not an important factor in selecting a candidate but at my CFRS I have been told that it is the one weak link in my application (I am about half way to obtaining my PPL).
Is someone able to confirm how important flying experience is to the Board when they are reviewing applications? I am trying to figure out how much finishing my PPL in the next couple of months would help me when it comes to my place in the pecking order for job offers (in order for me to realistically complete it in that time frame I would have to use my banked vacation time from my current civy job).
On a related note, I know that the current fiscal year ends on March 31, 2009. Does anyone know when the new numbers for DEO Pilot positions would be known and/or when a board would sit to decide which applicants will fill those positions?
I handed in my initial application in October 2007 and as committed as I am to waiting it out as long as it takes, I would like to ensure that I give myself the best chance possible to receive an offer sooner rather than later.
Thanks a lot for the help, and as I am new at this I would welcome and appreciate any tips for improving my posts.
Although this is my first post, I have read these forums extensively for the last year or so and it has helped a great deal guiding me through the recruiting process.
I am a DEO Pilot candidate that has successfully completed every step of the application process including the simulator and medical in Ontario. Right now I am waiting for the start of next fiscal year for DEO pilot positions to become available.
As the subject states, my question is with regard to practical flying experience. I have read in multiple threads on this site stating that practical flying experience is not an important factor in selecting a candidate but at my CFRS I have been told that it is the one weak link in my application (I am about half way to obtaining my PPL).
Is someone able to confirm how important flying experience is to the Board when they are reviewing applications? I am trying to figure out how much finishing my PPL in the next couple of months would help me when it comes to my place in the pecking order for job offers (in order for me to realistically complete it in that time frame I would have to use my banked vacation time from my current civy job).
On a related note, I know that the current fiscal year ends on March 31, 2009. Does anyone know when the new numbers for DEO Pilot positions would be known and/or when a board would sit to decide which applicants will fill those positions?
I handed in my initial application in October 2007 and as committed as I am to waiting it out as long as it takes, I would like to ensure that I give myself the best chance possible to receive an offer sooner rather than later.
Thanks a lot for the help, and as I am new at this I would welcome and appreciate any tips for improving my posts.
