Academic degree, is it ultimately important?

[Focha]

Hi there,

I have one question and I would like to hear your opinions. I have 23 years old, I am currently taking the CHP/IR course (about 1/3 done) and I have 1/3 of my aeronautical engineer academic degree done. For the job of commercial helicopter pilot, is it important to have an academic degree? And if so, in what scale and areas?

Thank you a lot for your help discussing this issue.

Best regards.

[BubbaMc]

Finish your degree, it will help you in the long run.

[Two's in]

It's good to have a back up - you don't know what you will be doing in 5, 10, or 20 years time.

[RaymondKHessel]

It's good backup. I don't see that it will help much for getting a break into the industry. When you aren't flying though, it may be useful.

Also, with the down economy, now is a good time to position yourself for the recovery by getting your degree. Why rush into a poor job market when you can stay in school and prepare yourself for advancement during the next boom/bubble?

[handbag]

Couldn't agree more with the other posters. Get your eduction then **** up !!

[chuks]

Not least, many aviation managers (really just superannuated pilots or engineers, not really people who know how to manage people per se) have a superstitious awe of someone with a degree, thinking them some sort of higher being.

The degree means to them that you are hyper-intelligent and should be treated with some degree of respect. They will still crap on you, just not from such a great height!

Also, as pointed out here, once the gloss goes off flying for living (hard to believe but you can have enough of it after a while) having a degree makes it so much easier to find other work.

You might want to keep quiet about the degree, assuming you have one, for certain bottom-feeder jobs, though. There the manager's looking for a certain degree of desperation, what he's comfortable with, people lower on the evolutionary scale than he is. (Think: the sort of green scum you see on the glass of your aquarium.)

It's so much easier to do the degree now, before you get involved in that frantic quest to build hours and climb the greasy pole. You will never have this sort of free time again so that the time to do the degree is now.

[Zaphod1]

To answer Focha's question;- No you do not need a degree, it is not important. A CPL(H)/IR and some ability at flying should get you a job, if there are jobs to be had.

That said, and as others are saying, a degree (any degree) is a good idea for when you get fed up of flying or lose your licence for whatever reason, and want to do something else.

[The Governor]

I find my Philosphy degree incredibly relevant in these turbulent and often confusing times.

A degree isn't at all vital to a flying career. I fly with lots of thickies who manage with basic maths and English and they are quite capable pilots.

However, you would be mad to throw away the opportunity of finishing a good quality degree. Enjoy your student days, flying will still be there at the end. There's no rush to getting started building hours if you're only in your early twenties.

[[email protected]]

As a thickie who has managed to fly reasonably capably for 27 years getting by on basic maths and English I agree that a degree isn't a requirement but it does, as others have said, give you something to fall back on if you can't get a flying job/lose your med cat/get bored etc. Good luck:ok:

[diethelm]

Get your degree, make lots of money, buy your own helicopter to fly around.

[Agaricus bisporus]

Or get your degree, be in massive debt before you can start aviation traning, fail to afford it.
(the UK version)

No, its no use at all for an ordinary pilot's career.

Use your credit to get a licence. Do degree later if you feel you need it, when you can afford it.

[Ascend Charlie]

I did my Science degree 39 years ago. It hasn't directly helped my flying career, but it made a lot of the study a lot easier, and the deeper understanding of met and aerody may have given me the edge over some others.

Do it.

[BubbaMc]

Focha - not to mention that particular degree could also open doors in the aviation world, such as flight test engineering and test pilot.

Also, if you gave up your degree now, it wouldn't look good on your resume.

[Shawn Coyle]

In the USA, before the recession hit, you couldn't get a job flying for a regional airline, let alone a major airline without a degree. It opens many doors on the technical side.

[Simonta]

Hi Shawn

I've hired, oh, probably about 30 people in my time. In general, the content of the degree is easily substituted for relevant experience. What a degree does for me is provide good evidence that someone has the drive and intellect to apply themselves to multiple tasks, for a sustained period, to achieve a goal. That's priceless.

Stick with it, you really won't regret it.

Cheers

[skadi]

What a degree does for me is provide good evidence that someone has the drive and intellect to apply themselves to multiple tasks, for a sustained period, to achieve a goal. That's priceless.



Thats an important point too....

GO FOR IT

skadi

[choppertop]

Degrees are handed out like confetti nowadays. Valueless, mostly. Many graduates I've encountered (and employed) have no intellectual breadth whatsoever; few can even spell or punctuate. Why saddle yourself with an undergraduate degree loan and then compound it with the cost of flight training?

[puntosaurus]

That may be so Choppertop, but with respect, the degree this guy is doing is aeronautical engineering, and I don't think it's fair to lump that together with media studies and golf course management.

And in answer to your question Focha, an academic degree is irrelevant to the pursuit of a job as a commercial helicopter pilot, but as others have pointed out, given the vagaries of that profession it might be wise to have another string to your bow.

[Whirlygig]

Cattletruck, are you saying it's only the mediocre pilots you know who don't have degrees? :}

Personally, I'm starting to think degrees are devalued these days and I suspect three or four years working as an apprentice in an engineering workshop would stand you in better stead (if you can get such a position of course).

Cheers

Whirls

[Bravo73]

And in answer to your question Focha, an academic degree is irrelevant to the pursuit of a job as a commercial helicopter pilot..

Not necessarily. Plenty of flying positions in the USA (especially VIP operations) insist on the applicant holding a bachelor's degree.

[WG99]

Well said #15.
An employer would see a graduate as someone who has displayed responsibility, determination and "a stayer". The degrees I know are hard-earned and in aviation we all need other "hats" to wear, for health and employment are such variables.

From age 27 I did my flying career (fixed/rotary CPLs, Charter Operator) then at age 70 did a Bachelor of Aviation in 18mths (was a 15yr old high school drop-out). A week after graduating I was invited to be a Uni lecturer and taught 5 aviation subjects for BAv, to hundreds of students.

If you don't have "education" you wish you had it; my Uni years have been the most valuable period of my life. If you find the chance, take it.

An employer would see a graduate as someone who has already displayed responsibility, determination - "a stayer". The degrees I know are hard-earned and in aviation we all need other "hats" to wear, for health and employment are such variables.

Astronaut Andy Thomas is the perfect role model; determined from age 10 to reach his goal he read the CVs of successful astronauts and educated himself to match and even better them, and was finally accepted by NASA. I believe that is the way to go.

Good luck, from an "old and bold".

[Genghis the Engineer]

Firstly a degree is not really a backup. Somebody who did an engineering degree 4 years ago and hasn't worked in the field since is almost certainly unemployable in a pure engineering job (although they can, for example, build on it by getting an MSc -then they probably are employable).

On the other hand what it is is a career enhancer. A graduate + pilot combination opens numerous avenues into technical management, test flying, simulator work... Also, for all but the "bottom feeder" jobs it shows you as more generally capable and, as Shawn says, in some parts of the world you're unemployable in this industry without a degree (although probably not in most of Europe.)

Plus flying and aeronautical engineering complement each other well - I keep jumping between the two without great difficulty. And a degree is much easier to do when you are young (with recent study skills, and without many financial or family commitments). Not to mention that nobody's medical is safe!

So long as you enjoy the subject, I'd carry on and graduate.

G

[FairWeatherFlyer]

Lots of good points already covered. I'll add:

Getting visas / work permits can be a lot easier with a degree.

Aero eng (at my college) was a highly respected degree - you have to differentiate between subject/institution/grade. A highly mathematical degree like this will give you many other career opportunities.

There's a large amount of unemployment in the 16-24yr / low industrial experience at the moment - i don't see this going away quickly so do your research on the job market before making any no-turning-back decisions.

You may get asked in interviews why you did not finish your undergraduate degree (i.e. are you someone who does not finish things) - you'll need an answer for that if you leave.

Does your course/institution permit a break in learning or part time study?

[SASless]

Get a degree....an advanced degree...find a good ,steady, challenging, well paying job...and use the proceeds to buy your flying but let the flying be a hobby!

I base my advice upon forty years of flying....both military and commercial.

If you elect to go with commerical flying....get a degree...advanced degree, and try to find a good, steady, challenging, well paying job. The degrees cannot hurt you....and in time should lead to management positions.

[Vertical Freedom]

Hmmmm many nice feel good answers leaning to degreeeees of some sort. I am not against all that study. BUT if you just want to fly a Helicopter machine type rather than a desk or dabble in a board room then the real truth is a resounding - NO. The long story of helping gain a Pilots job with a degree is a simple - NO. Short answer for gaining a flying career through a degree - NO. So now get over it & hit the tit & fly. I flunked out before finishing 9th grade & am still flying with 21 years flying experience now having achieved an ATPL(H), IR(H), Instructor Grade 1 (H) & Examiner(H) with almost zero academics, its about flying skills which is all; practical, yes; ALL practical, not theoretical! Thank You have a happy day & safe landings ;)

[Gas Producer]

For what it's worth...

Finish your degree. This is not an easy industry in which to get ahead, and you need to give yourself every advantage. It may be that a degree doesn't give you a leg-up with an operator, but there may well be times when you're not flying and you still need to pay the bills.

I moved from a corporate career to flying. No regrets, not one. I had a few letters after my name on my business card in corporate life. It doesn't mean a great deal in aviation. But here's the thing... In between flying jobs, I needed an employment break, and my prior qualifications absolutely gave me an advantage I otherwise would not have had.

My past study and career provided me skills that have, of course, been recognised, and utilised, by employers in aviation. In return for doing a few things I have been given a few things... a kind of 'how much for how much' sort of thing.

Everybody I have met in this industry had their own way of getting ahead. It's different for everyone.

My two cents.

GP

[Cpt Crusoe]

Try the Boilermakers in Indiana. Best academic program in the country!

[floatsarmed]

Agree with sasless on this one.

Do the degree finish your formal education and then if you still have the flying itch.....scratch it.

But only after you finish the degree as the flying game is a fickle one and the ability to be able to fall back onto/into another career will be a godsend.

Look at your studies in the long term.......really long term!

Good luck :ok:

Floats out

[bala_murali]

Would like to know what is the difference between Msc in Air Transport management and MBA in aviation management?:hmm::hmm:
I have got a offer letter from Griffith university in Australia for MBA in aviation management( Griffith University | Graduate Certificate in Aviation Management - Nathan (http://www17.griffith.edu.au/cis/p_cat/admission.asp?type=overview&ProgCode=3112) )
and Buckinghamshire new university in UK for Msc in air transport management for this January batch?(Air Transport Management (http://bucks.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=10036) )

I have done my bachelors degree in electrical and electronics and have worked in dell computers for 2 years as a senior hardware technical support executive. 60 percent of the people have told me that doing these masters degree in a waste of time and the rest 40 % told me that I is a very good way to enter the industry, especially for a person with no aviation experience like me . :sad:
From what I come to know, nothing in aviation is 100 % sure. So I am willing to take the chance. Flight operation is what I am mainly interested in! But yes if I don’t get through that I can work in other field also .I take these master degrees as an entry ticket to the aviation industry.
So guys I would like your views on both of the MBA and MSc . If anybody body has finished the above programs from these colleges let me know your feedbacks regarding the university also .It will really help me make a good decision. Thanks a million for your time :ok::ok::ok:

[Focha]

Hello all,

So... Four years have passed. Some time ago I've got a message from a fellow Ppruner asking me what I have decided and my current situation.

About four years ago I finished my CPL course with IR, rated R22 and R44. In the first year I've flown sight seeing with a R-44 in the south coast of Portugal to build up some hours. Amazing experience.

After that first year I was contacted and went to an executive airliner flying AS365 N1. After two year of intense work, both on ground as well as up in the air, I got another type rating, this time AS350 B3. I've been flying humbly both the Dauphin and the Squirrel and have now around 400 hours, a mix of ME IR SIC/PIC with SE PIC.

At the first year I just made two disciplines of my engineer degree, both Calculus I and II with rated average 18 (0-20 rate).

Today, after those four years, I am still studying aeronautical engineering degree (3 year, 2 years to go for Master's degree), this year I am doing a full year, meaning two semesters of the course. I am type rated AS 365 N1, AS 350 B3, IR, ME, SE.

At the end of this year, if all goes well, I'm going to be the new ground ops manager. Since I was deputy for about 3 years now.

I've learned a lot since I was responsible for the writing of ground ops manual plus revision of the flight operations manuals, both OPS 1 and JAR OPS 3 as well as other material; MEL, MNPS, RVSM, and so on.

Lesson to be learned from all of this:

1. Take your degree first, on what you like, as a backup.
2. After that done, take your flight licence if you want.
3. Search for work in both areas, if you went to take the CPL. Best to be both in the area. For example aeronautical, mechanical, management, economics, public relations, etc.

There is a reason for the PPL to exist, meaning that not always the professional world of aviation is what you think it is.
People tend to romanticize the world of aviation.
Although it is a great world and you get the opportunity to do a lot of different stuff, depending on the type of professional aviation you do, there is a percentage where you probably get bored doing it. Yes it can happen as some said earlier.

So, if you like to fly but don't want or can't handle the professional stress/pressure then don't go for the CPL/ATPL. Take your degree, go for a good paid job, and then take the PPL, preferably PPL (A) since you can fly a lot more machines without specific Type Rating.

Professional aviation can be marvelous, scary, wonderful, stressful, exciting and boring all at the same time.

This is my little experience so far in this world. Some may say I was lucky because I didn't have to search far, as there are many fellow pilots that as much hard they try to find a job they can't find anything and some invest a lot of money to take rates and licences for nothing.

That said and in regard to helicopter professional aviation world; it's not an easy task, it's not well paid in the begging; you don't have a stable life; it can be stressful as hell but if it is what you like to do then you will and can do it even studying for a degree.

But as I said; take the degree first then do whatever you like.

Why taking a degree first?

Because it is a backup if all else fails. Because if you want to take another role in aviation world you must have a degree or else a lot of experience (and you don't have a lot of experience in the civil world licences). Because it's good for your personal development. Because it adds to your CV. Because you understand more deeply how to manage things (as some said there are a lot of pilots with experience managing, but don't know a thing about it, and they tend to manage resources, people and aircraft really bad.)

I have had talks with pilots who defend that generally pilots should have a degree and pilots that don't give a :mad: for it. Probably the first one is a good manager and the second one is a good operational... So you also have to choose what you want to do with your carrier, but you have to remind yourself that you will not always have 20 or 30 years. :)

That said I hope that pilots who take the civil licence seriously think that they should get a degree first, specially if associated with areas in the aviation world.

Regards.

May I quote a fellow intelligent pilot, goes like this:
Get a degree....an advanced degree...find a good ,steady, challenging, well paying job...and use the proceeds to buy your flying but let the flying be a hobby!

I base my advice upon forty years of flying....both military and commercial.

If you elect to go with commerical flying....get a degree...advanced degree, and try to find a good, steady, challenging, well paying job. The degrees cannot hurt you....and in time should lead to management positions.

[olster]

Predominantly good advice above: get the degree. I have a son @ uni - mech engineering, also uni air squadron in uk ( great system btw) . I stress continually that the degree comes first and flying is the reward later. Good luck anyway.

[206Fan]

Hi Focha,

Good to hear from you again. Seems like you're doing well flying both the N1 and B3 while doing your Aeronautical Degree. Your flying experience and Engineering Degree will serve you well in life I'm sure, (Genghis the Engineer) for example!

As with all Degrees it costs money to get it. I'm planning on going to Canada for two years now soon to work and save some money up in the Construction / Oil & Gas. Maybe do some flying down in Florida at some stage in the year as I have my PPL(H). The main reason for Canada is to get some money to do the Engineering Degree when I get back home. I shall be studying in the South of Ireland as it will only cost me around 14K compared to 35K roughly in the UK for a BEng. On top of that I will be 30 when I start my Degree.

As one poster said in this thread, "Get the Degree, earn loads of money and buy your own machine or have a share in one". Seems like a good plan to me!

[wingslikehercules]

Hi Focha

I have to disagree. Firstly, getting a degree does not guarantee employment as a backup. A lot of graduates are finding it really tough to find jobs these days unless they take a highly sought after course (engineering, med ect). I know i wouldn't be able to get into any of those courses and they would be too hard basket anyway. It also means more money now course prices are so high, i don't know where you got your money from, but not everyone can afford to go to uni then get their cpl. Where i come from i got my first job without showing a Cv, its just who you no and working hard in this industry. Also i don't understand your point on personal development, i hear it come up a lot but in what ways does drinking and messing about at uni (as most of my friends do) develop you more than working full time and living away from home?

winglikehercules

[Soave_Pilot]

Have a B plan. Finísh your degree.

I am doing mine now because i couldnt afford it in the beginning.

[grumpytroll]

Its called a discriminator. a characteristic that enables things, people, or classes to be distinguished from one another.

Imagine you are looking for a person to make widgets. You expect 100 applications. You don't want to look at 100, so you set up discriminators. One that is very easy is education. Of the 100, anyone who doesn't meet the education requirement you have nonsensically determined to be needed for the job, circular file. Now you have made your selection process so much easier. Only 30 left. Question on application: How much do you expect to make? (I love this one) Oh Oh, 8 folks expect to make more than we pay..Circular file! Now you sift through them and of course use other published and non -published discriminators such as, "does anyone here know a bloke name of Joe Blow? Yes, he's your nephew and needs a job?" Decision made!

Seriously, in the aviation world, education is, other than your actual certification, the biggest discriminator to getting an interview. Right or wrong, it is a fact and so yes, get the degree or be culled from the herd very quickly.

Do you have to have a degree to fly an aircraft? Hell no, a 12 year old can do it safely. But we aren't talking about that, we are talking about something else.

cheers

[Genghis the Engineer]

Hi Focha,

Good to hear from you again. Seems like you're doing well flying both the N1 and B3 while doing your Aeronautical Degree. Your flying experience and Engineering Degree will serve you well in life I'm sure, (Genghis the Engineer) for example!

As with all Degrees it costs money to get it. I'm planning on going to Canada for two years now soon to work and save some money up in the Construction / Oil & Gas. Maybe do some flying down in Florida at some stage in the year as I have my PPL(H). The main reason for Canada is to get some money to do the Engineering Degree when I get back home. I shall be studying in the South of Ireland as it will only cost me around 14K compared to 35K roughly in the UK for a BEng. On top of that I will be 30 when I start my Degree.

As one poster said in this thread, "Get the Degree, earn loads of money and buy your own machine or have a share in one". Seems like a good plan to me!

It works for me, because I'm equally passionate about aeronautical engineering, and about flying. So I've managed to spend a life finding rewarding jobs that take advantage of both interests and skillsets.

I've generally offered the opinion, to those who care to listen, that doing a degree as a "backup" when you're not particularly passionate about the degree subject and only want to fly, is a poor life choice. For a "backup", I'd advocate something that allows you to get a job wherever and whenever you need one - such as a plumber, physiotherapist or short order chef.

My aeronautical engineering degrees and pilots licences work well together. I know a few people who have combined science degrees and pilots licences similarly - getting involved in research or surveying flying, and many senior management pilots have pilots licences and either management degrees, or a specialist qualification such an MSc in something related to aviation safety.

I continue to think that doing a degree for the sake of having a degree is a poor life choice. Doing a degree for a passion in the subject, or for a life plan that has more than *just* flying in it however can make perfectly good sense.

G

[EN48]

"Get a degree....an advanced degree...find a good ,steady, challenging, well paying job...and use the proceeds to buy your flying but let the flying be a hobby!"

Sage advice! My uncorrected vision precluded a flying career with the military and airlines. Instead, I got a bunch of degrees, started some companies (related to the degrees) , and became a venture capitalist (investing in technologies related to the degrees). The end result has been pretty much that I can fly what I want when I want, and have many non-aviation options available as well. Not intending to brag, just to illustrate that there are more ways to skin the cat than may be apparent at age 23. Get the degree! Without the degree, you may still be able to fly someone else's S-76. With the degree, you may (for example) be able to become CEO of Sikorsky (not likely without the degree) and/or fly your own S-76.


Also worth keeping in mind that a high fraction of people make one or more career changes along the way. So, while flying may be your career of choice right now, for any number of reasons, you may elect to make a change later in life, and the degree will help enable alternatives. All said, the degree is just a piece of paper. Its what you do with it that really matters.

[henry_crun]

Focha, you're far too good to be a pilot. Finish that degree and get a job in industry on the technical design side. The degree will be a passport whenever you need to change jobs all the way through life. I can fully recommend aero engineering as a career, every year you get to work on something new, challenging and different.

[206Fan]

Sage advice! My uncorrected vision precluded a flying career with the military and airlines in the mid sixties. Instead, I got a bunch of degrees, started some companies (related to the degrees) , and became a venture capitalist (investing in technologies related to the degrees). The end result has been pretty much that I can fly what I want when I want, and have many non-aviation options available as well. Not intending to brag, just to illustrate that there are more ways to skin the cat than may be apparent at age 23. Get the degree! Without the degree, you may still be able to fly someone else's S-76. With the degree, you may be able to become CEO of Sikorsky (not likely without the degree) and/or fly your own S-76. EN48,

You're not bragging one bit. If you hold more than one Degree then well done indeed. You have worked your rear off to get to where you are now, same as Genghis.

Out of interest, do you own an Enstrom?

[EN48]

"do you own an Enstrom? "

Previously owned a 480B.

[mickjoebill]

Consider doing the degree part time whilst sweeping hanger floors.


Mickjoebill

[Genghis the Engineer]

Consider doing the degree part time whilst sweeping hanger floors.


Mickjoebill

An unfortunate fact is that whilst postgraduate degrees are routinely available part time, there's nobody in Europe offering an undergraduate degree in either aeronautical or mechanical engineering part time.

G

[206Fan]

An unfortunate fact is that whilst postgraduate degrees are routinely available part time, there's nobody in Europe offering an undergraduate degree in either aeronautical or mechanical engineering part time.Can see why. Not a Degree I would do part-time. Head down for 4 years and you will get a good B/MEng. It could possibly be done part-time but will take forever!

[EN48]

"aeronautical or mechanical engineering"

Given the central role avionics play in today's aircraft, a degree in electrical or computer engineering may also be relevant.

[206Fan]

Given the central role avionics play in today's aircraft, a degree in electrical or computer engineering may also be relevant.

Indeed. I'm still toying with the Idea of Electrical / Electronics as I have the HND in that area. Boring as hell though unless you're working on a Project!

Sequential Logic... NAND, NOR gates..... :ugh:

[henry_crun]

Boring???? Electronics??? You just ain't been there!!!!

I think I used just about every button on a scientific calculator during my degree and indeed throughout my life in analog electronic design. It is about the most esoteric and mathematical life you can possibly contemplate. Complex maths (ie based on the sq rt of -1), vectors, sines and cosines, exponentials, hyperbolic functions, number bases, bessel functions, natural logs, oct and hex, statistics, matrices, 2pi and e everywhere, 2 over root 3, and the most extended use of multipliers from pico to tera.

That's before you start analysing circuits, and then start inventing new ones and getting patents on them....

[206Fan]

Henry,

You're right. I haven't been there as I haven't done the Degree yet. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the Maths again. I found the HND boring due to the local College I studied at. Nowhere near University Engineering!

[Focha]

Hi Focha

I have to disagree. Firstly, getting a degree does not guarantee employment as a backup. A lot of graduates are finding it really tough to find jobs these days unless they take a highly sought after course (engineering, med ect). I know i wouldn't be able to get into any of those courses and they would be too hard basket anyway. It also means more money now course prices are so high, i don't know where you got your money from, but not everyone can afford to go to uni then get their cpl. Where i come from i got my first job without showing a Cv, its just who you no and working hard in this industry. Also i don't understand your point on personal development, i hear it come up a lot but in what ways does drinking and messing about at uni (as most of my friends do) develop you more than working full time and living away from home?

winglikehercules

@winglikehercules
You are probably right, getting a degree does not necessarily means a guarantee of employment, sorry if I simplified the subject to that point, obviously you need a lot more than the degree. Although you have to agree it's a lot more easier to find good jobs and progress in the career, even as a pilot. That's why we make a CV or else we would only send a copy of hour log book.
I could also tell you the same about the CV. But ultimately, they will ask you for it if you want to progress and do different stuff.
Now, about the personal development, I never compared the two situations, what I can tell you is that if you use the university as it should be used, you will develop yourself for sure. I am, by no means implying that working full time and away from home does not develop a person also; for me that was what developed me the most and I can say without a question that part of my opinion today is related to the fact that I am working full time and way from home. Please don't get me wrong.

I continue to think that doing a degree for the sake of having a degree is a poor life choice. Doing a degree for a passion in the subject, or for a life plan that has more than *just* flying in it however can make perfectly good sense.

@Genghis the Engineer
You are totally right. Maybe I express myself badly. The more I learn, the more I get into subjects of aeronautical engineer, the more I understand about it the more passionate I am about it. Unfortunately, for all the reasons, I was not able to continue what I am accomplishing today, that is, finishing my degree. Agree with your post.

Focha, you're far too good to be a pilot. Finish that degree and get a job in industry on the technical design side. The degree will be a passport whenever you need to change jobs all the way through life. I can fully recommend aero engineering as a career, every year you get to work on something new, challenging and different.

@henry_crun
You are right, sometimes a pilot's life just halts, seems that you are not progressing at all... And I have a really big necessity of learning and not stall in front of a monitor, if you know what I mean.

All in all, my opinion: a degree is important, for all kind of reasons.

Regards.

[mezzanaccio]

I find this thread very helpful, as I find myself in a very similar situation.
I have obtained a B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering (they call it aerospace, but it's basically aeronautical) right after school. Back then I didn't really know what it would be like to study let alone work as an engineer, I did it because I wanted to get a degree and of course I wanted it in the field I am passionate about: aviation. So I gave it a shot and it turned out well. I will always thank university for having given me the chance to study mathematics and physics to an advanced level. It's just not something you end up achieving in your free time.
Now, after having almost completed my first semester of the M.Sc. and being a handful of years older I am starting to ask myself what I want to do for a profession. And as much as I found and still find most of what I study extremely interesting, this academic course is just preparing me for a job I am not longing for.
Now I feel it is time to pursue my real dream and go on getting the flight licences. Exactly as Genghis said, there is no point in studying for a degree without a real passion for it, and this is exactly how I feel.
And spare your warnings, I have this and many other threads more than once :)
Thanks to all for your posts

[FairWeatherFlyer]

An unfortunate fact is that whilst postgraduate degrees are routinely available part time, there's nobody in Europe offering an undergraduate degree in either aeronautical or mechanical engineering part time.

Is this the closest thing, have you looked at it?

Q65 - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Open University Degree (http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/q65.htm)

[chopper2004]

My uni had part time Aerospace and Aerosystems course in the hills of Herts :) as a couple of my classmates were on that due to circumstances..

The only attractive thing about my uni was its proximity to London and the Gonnorhea over the A1, I meant the Galleria shopping mall :P

Cheers

[Genghis the Engineer]

Is this the closest thing, have you looked at it?

Q65 - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Open University Degree (http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/q65.htm)

Yes I have, and it looks to be a good general engineering degree from a good provider.

What it isn't is aeronautics / aerospace oriented so a lot of the subject knowledge that makes aeronautical engineers "special" (aren't we all!) such as aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aircraft structures aren't there. But the delivery of the core skillset to become a professional engineer is certainly there.

Adding that to a CPL/ATPL, might work pretty well to be fair as a reasonably complete knowledge base for somebody working in aeronautics. Or it could be added to a specialist MSc, of which there are many to choose from.

G