Flybe is a regional airline holding 14 UK bases and flying to over 70 airports across Europe. With the takeover of BA Connect in 2007 Flybe has become a significant player in UK aviation operating a young fleet of over 70 aircraft.

The airlines' fleet consists of a mix of turboprop and jet powered aircraft. The Dash 8 makes up the turboprop part of the fleet. Flybe is one of the few airlines operating Embracer made jet aircraft which includes the E195 and E175.

Flybes' route network is not as congested or wide spread as Easyjet or Ryanair. However the airline still holds a decent route network which would appeal to most pilots. The number of destinations served from each base does vary widely making the location of a pilot's base more important.

Opportunities are good at Flybe since they consider a mix of pilots including low hour pilots. Flybe prefers to recruit captains internally although it will sometimes consider direct entry captains with the relevant experience. All pilots are recruited with command potential as Flybe does aim to progress pilots to that level.

Flybe only recruits pilots externally for its turboprop fleet which currently consists of the Dash 8 aircraft. All jet positions on the Embracer aircraft are filled internally by pilots from the turboprop fleet. This internal recruitment is based on seniority.

The airline does recruit newly qualified pilots which is good news for prospective pilots. Although any newly qualified pilot must come from a professional flight training organisation (FTO) such as Oxford Aviation.

Flybe also annually operates a part-sponsorship scheme for aspiring pilots. Under this scheme Flybe will part finance the cost of flying training where as the cadet will fund the other part. The cadet can normally take out a bond to cover his share of the cost which can be repaid once he is fully qualified.

These part-sponsorship schemed offered by Flybe are highly competitive and are run in association with a FTO. Current FTOs used by Flybe for part-sponsorship include Cabair, FTE and Oxford Aviation. Visit their respective websites for more information.

Salaries are modest at Flybe with a Dash 8 captain earning upto £64K with a F/O on the Dash 8 earning upto 38K. Annual leave entitlement currently stands at 33 days for pilots.

Flybe can be a transitional airline or a long-term airline depending on your ambitions. For new or low hour pilots Flybe can be an excellent starter airline providing the necessary experience required to move onto larger airlines such as BA or Virgin.

Applications to Flybe can be made via their website. Suitable candidates will be asked for an interview at their Exeter base. This will be followed by a Sim Ride in the Dash 8 at Farnborough.