Where should I start?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where should I start?
I've only just joined this forum, so hello. I am 15 and interested in a pilot career, of course that's a while a way as I am only in year 10 doing my GSCEs but I wanted to know what I should do to help be put on the right track to a pilots career. I know maths and physics are important but what else should I do, possibly at school or in my free time?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Europe
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will second that - getting a degree first is paramount for success. You have no idea how important a proper education will be, until you are too old to go back and change it. It will prepare you for life in general as well as pilot training. Flying is the easy part, building your character and backbone only come with experience. We have plenty of younglings with licenses, working dead-end jobs until they get their chance flying airplanes, desperate enough to take any ****ty deal that comes along, thinking it is god's gift.
Flying is amazing, and I recommend everyone to get at least a few trial lessons at some point in their life! But, like everything in life, it quickly becomes 'just another job' and plenty of pilots I know enjoy flying a small single engine prop around more than their regular airline job!
I started on gliders. Did you have a look into that? WAY more affordable than powered airplanes, teaches you very solid basic flying skills, and you will meet SO MANY people passionate about flying; From the old guy that started flying after retirement, to the military pilot that flies fast jets for a living, and everything in between. Talk to them, listen to their stories, and decide if you really want to do this professionally.
With regards to subjects. Don't let anyone tell you flying is for smart folks. You are 15 - You already surpassed the mathematics and physics level required to absolutely ace the theory. Stick with the subjects you enjoy studying, and get a well balanced curriculum. No need to specialise in science if that is not your passion. Just do your best and enjoy what you're doing. As long as you don't end up getting a degree in basket weaving you will be fine. But, uni degrees are valuable in the long run, and will set you apart from the pack should you end up as a professional pilot.
Best of luck buddy, tough life choices ahead of you
Flying is amazing, and I recommend everyone to get at least a few trial lessons at some point in their life! But, like everything in life, it quickly becomes 'just another job' and plenty of pilots I know enjoy flying a small single engine prop around more than their regular airline job!
I started on gliders. Did you have a look into that? WAY more affordable than powered airplanes, teaches you very solid basic flying skills, and you will meet SO MANY people passionate about flying; From the old guy that started flying after retirement, to the military pilot that flies fast jets for a living, and everything in between. Talk to them, listen to their stories, and decide if you really want to do this professionally.
With regards to subjects. Don't let anyone tell you flying is for smart folks. You are 15 - You already surpassed the mathematics and physics level required to absolutely ace the theory. Stick with the subjects you enjoy studying, and get a well balanced curriculum. No need to specialise in science if that is not your passion. Just do your best and enjoy what you're doing. As long as you don't end up getting a degree in basket weaving you will be fine. But, uni degrees are valuable in the long run, and will set you apart from the pack should you end up as a professional pilot.
Best of luck buddy, tough life choices ahead of you
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: White Waltham, Prestwick & Calgary
Age: 72
Posts: 4,149
Likes: 0
Received 29 Likes
on
14 Posts
Don't restrict your self to a degree when thinking about backups - you might think about a trade you can pick up and drop off in a hurry - plumbing, or similar - as you will need to know about it for flying, electrician would be good. I would also think about including a language in your portfolio. Spanish would take you most of the way round the world, but the way things are going, Chinese or Indian! 
phil
phil
de minimus non curat lex
What would be interesting to hear is what advice your Careers dept at school gives to your enquiry.
If it is divergent from what the majority of industry advice being offered here, tell the school to do some more homework.
Reminds me of hopeful 15 year old medic being told by their school that biology was not necessary at 'A' level.
As paco and I have emphasised recently, mental arithmetic and enjoying numbers play a large part in aviation.
Excelling in Hand to eye coordination is also important ~ so sports with ball games.
Team player?
If it is divergent from what the majority of industry advice being offered here, tell the school to do some more homework.
Reminds me of hopeful 15 year old medic being told by their school that biology was not necessary at 'A' level.
As paco and I have emphasised recently, mental arithmetic and enjoying numbers play a large part in aviation.
Excelling in Hand to eye coordination is also important ~ so sports with ball games.
Team player?
