10 years back or so, they had a flying school in the Beirut Airport, where you could fly for 1 hour for less than $100. That's becaue they were flying an old Cessna 150 (2 places, small aircraft). I flew on it once, it felt like in a flying version of the VW Beetle (the original one, of course).
Now they replaced them with bigger, newer, and better equipped 172s, but it has also become much more expensive.
I went to enquiry about flying last year, to the same guy through whom I had the chance to fly on a 150 years earlier, and had aquired a very negative outlook about the whole business in Lebanon, and recommended me to go to Jordan or another country.
In case you didn't know, you can learn to fly on your own, but it's expensive. If you want to go all the way and aquire a formation that would qualify you to fly big commercial jets, expect to pay $100 000 if not more.
Another option is applying for "Cadet" programs. MEA had one, I don't know if they still have one, if they do it would be advertized on their website. You would pass their selection process, which includes physical exams, and other written or oral or lab tests, and they would arrange it all for you, and finance the formation - and you will have to work some years for them to pay back the debt. You will also end up with experience, which is another important thing that is very difficult to solve on your own, especially if you're just a student in Lebanon!
In any cases, as others pointed out, math/physics/engineering studies are important, so if you're not sure what to do you can already start in that direction.
PS: The formation takes about 2 years, but the price is so high because it involves some flying in "real" aircraft, which is expensive, aviation fuel and aircrafts being expensive things.
samer wroteAre they seriously discriminating using looks? Can someone not look good enough to be a pilot?
4. Physical Requirements
A. Acceptable physical appearance.
I wanted to say something but it's hard to justify or even comprehend such a thing. I am left speechless.
I know how people can be taken advantage of in Lebanon, in situations where there is competition and where they would be a in weak position, and I also know there is no strong anti-discrimination culture in Lebanon, not even hardly any taboo about the topic (and one can partly excuse that, because at least when discrimination happens - at least it is not concealed on top of that!), but this coming from the national carrier, people who are supposed to be concerned with security and quality of service, this is just low.
Are you sure you weren't looking at the flight attendant hiring page?
Gamer wroteyeah about the physical appearance. I think they meant to be in a healthy shape (Clean shave, tidy haircut, dont look like a meth addict, etc..). in the end people judge an airline by its staff and specifically the captain
Not to talk for others, but an airline should be judged by the quality of their service, and how FAs interact with people, not how the flight deck crew looks. And also by their attitude towards safety, and MEA surely is not making a great impression when I read such things.
In the end I would pick the cheapest and most convenient ticket, and then factor in the safety reputation, and any previous experience I'd have with the airlines. How the captain looked hardly makes any difference, and that's if I even see him at all.
In fact I'd feel more comforatably flying with a captain who looks like a meth addict, or even better a McDonalds subscribee than one who looks polished and somehow vain - It would indicate that an unhealthy amount of attention is given to appearances.