r/Lebanese • u/Proper_Gur6835 • 3d ago
🗨️ Help MEA pilots: Is the cadet program worth it? Salary and promotions
Hi everyone! I’m is considering joining MEA’s cadet pilot program, and I’d appreciate advice from current or former MEA pilots.
We were told the training costs around $150,000, with $35,000 covered in exchange for a 10-year contract. He would need to take a $160,000 loan secured against his family’s house and repay it as he starts working.
We were also told that a newly graduated First Officer earns around $3,500/month.
I have a few questions:
Is the program worth taking on this much debt? Would you recommend it based on your experience?
How much do First Officers, Senior First Officers, Captains, and Senior Captains earn monthly?
How many years does it typically take to progress from one rank to the next?
How much of the salary would realistically remain after loan repayments and deductions?
What happens financially if a pilot leaves before completing the 10-year contract?
We want to understand the real financial benefits and risks before putting a family home at risk. Any honest advice or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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