Can I be a Pilot with 1 A level and EPQ with a Degree?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: SE England
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can I be a Pilot with 1 A level and EPQ with a Degree?
I am 18 and previously took Maths Physics and a third subject at AS but did not concentrate and enjoy my time there and bullying was a big distraction, then took a gap year (was on a wrong course), I am now taking A level Maths and an EPQ in one year! I can totally handle it and have already been covering most of the modules this summer.
The problem is I heard the usual for pilots is 5 GCSEs A-C and 2 A2 levels or a degree at 2:2. The problem is that I would only technically have 1 A2 level when I finish maths. I want to be an airline pilot (preferably long haul) and I have 8 GCSEs (2 As, 2 Bs, 4Cs) with Maths at grade A and Physics at grade A (Triple science award).
I have been aiming for an A at least for A2 Maths and will be doing all 6 module exams at once next year with my sixth form college. I am also doing an EPQ and aiming for an A in that also, and it is considered an A level grade. I really want to do a full a level in geography because I think it might be more possible to complete in one year than physics, but my college does not do geography. I have thought about doing Further Maths to bring me up to 2 Full A2 levels but that would depend on how I get along as Further Maths is another 6 modules, so I would be doing 12 modules in a year, and that might be challenging!
So I know I will be at a slight disadvantage when applying for cadet schemes with ctc wings and even sponsored schemes having only 1-2 A levels (if you consider the EPQ as an a level), as Flybe, CTC Wings, BA FFP usually all require 3 A levels or a degree at 2:2 for their sponsored schemes (my parents probably won't fund me or risk their home for a BBVA home secured loan).
So should I do a degree in something aviation related like Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical technology at Liverpool or Staffordshire, I could maybe do an Vocational course in Engineering on top of A2 maths and EPQ to get onto the degree course, then aim for a 2:1 or better, then save up money during my time there and apply for a cadet scheme at age 21/22?
Can anyone give me some friendly and constructive guidance to becoming an airline pilot given my circumstances?
The problem is I heard the usual for pilots is 5 GCSEs A-C and 2 A2 levels or a degree at 2:2. The problem is that I would only technically have 1 A2 level when I finish maths. I want to be an airline pilot (preferably long haul) and I have 8 GCSEs (2 As, 2 Bs, 4Cs) with Maths at grade A and Physics at grade A (Triple science award).
I have been aiming for an A at least for A2 Maths and will be doing all 6 module exams at once next year with my sixth form college. I am also doing an EPQ and aiming for an A in that also, and it is considered an A level grade. I really want to do a full a level in geography because I think it might be more possible to complete in one year than physics, but my college does not do geography. I have thought about doing Further Maths to bring me up to 2 Full A2 levels but that would depend on how I get along as Further Maths is another 6 modules, so I would be doing 12 modules in a year, and that might be challenging!
So I know I will be at a slight disadvantage when applying for cadet schemes with ctc wings and even sponsored schemes having only 1-2 A levels (if you consider the EPQ as an a level), as Flybe, CTC Wings, BA FFP usually all require 3 A levels or a degree at 2:2 for their sponsored schemes (my parents probably won't fund me or risk their home for a BBVA home secured loan).
So should I do a degree in something aviation related like Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical technology at Liverpool or Staffordshire, I could maybe do an Vocational course in Engineering on top of A2 maths and EPQ to get onto the degree course, then aim for a 2:1 or better, then save up money during my time there and apply for a cadet scheme at age 21/22?
Can anyone give me some friendly and constructive guidance to becoming an airline pilot given my circumstances?
de minimus non curat lex
Go to University and do a course which you enjoy; do well. Join the UAS, and get some flying in.
By this time aged 21/22, you will have matured, and who knows, the BA cadet scheme may well be open again.
The other route after university, is modular. Probably slower but cheaper.
You have double posted, so think about removing the other one?
By this time aged 21/22, you will have matured, and who knows, the BA cadet scheme may well be open again.
The other route after university, is modular. Probably slower but cheaper.
You have double posted, so think about removing the other one?
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: six micro tesla zone
Age: 33
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From an academic point of view, its seems you have the ability judging by your grades. Your grasp of English Language is a lot better than what mine was when I was 18. The small things like this will matter if you want to be successful at a coveted cadet scheme. So, just by going on your post I would say you will have no trouble with the theory side of things!
When I was 18 and leaving sixth form, I very nearly went straight on to a self sponsored integrated programme. I didn't do it thank God, I can see now that I was nowhere near ready in terms of maturity or life experience. I believe I would have had the ability to pass the course, but my maturity and lack of understanding of the work place would almost certainly have hindered me in getting a job. I'm now 25 with a degree, 8 years work experience and better for it. I'm only now in the middle of a modular training course.
If you have the opportunity to go to Uni, it will only benefit you! Apart from having another certificate to add to the pile, It will further your ability academically and will also give a breadth of life experience. If you have the chance/time to join clubs or organisations at Uni do that as well. CRM is a big part of airline flying now, so if being a good team player and being able to work with others is second nature to you, it will stand you good stead.
If you do go to Uni, I would recommend trying to get a part time job. Firstly, you learn what is expected of you in work i.e. time keeping, personal responsibility - even small mistakes in the workplace have more severe consequence than at school, initiative, endurance, diplomacy etc etc. Secondly, I think if your first ever job is in the righthand seat of a A320/737 there is a risk that you could end up with a jaded view of the working world, I've seen it happen to a lot of people. What I mean is, if you've never did any 'donkey work' in your life then you will have no conception or apreciation of what a good job is. Thirdly, by being in Uni and working at the same time, you will learn how to manage your time as you try to juggle two different responsibilities, excellent experience in my opinion! Lastly, it may help you save some money towards flight training.
If your not minted, I'd stay away from the integrated courses unless you get on to a cadetship. Before you start any training, try to exhaust the cadetships, give them a few shots. Stick to modular otherwise.
You may consider doing an aptitude test just to make sure you have the core skills needed in flying. The wings alliance or GAPAN can do this with you, they will debrief you and tell you what the options are.
In closing, research, research, research aviation and flight training. Ive been reading about these things for years now and still feel like I haven't done enough research. I'm not trying to scare you but there can be a lot of expensive pitfalls in flight training so it pays to do you research.
To answer your original question, you don't need any GCSEs or A Levels to join a lot of airlines, just a fATPL. But, if you want to get into one of the more decent employers then generally you will need 5 GCSEs, two A2 Levels or a 2:2 Level degree as you rightly stated.
Just my two pence!
MP
When I was 18 and leaving sixth form, I very nearly went straight on to a self sponsored integrated programme. I didn't do it thank God, I can see now that I was nowhere near ready in terms of maturity or life experience. I believe I would have had the ability to pass the course, but my maturity and lack of understanding of the work place would almost certainly have hindered me in getting a job. I'm now 25 with a degree, 8 years work experience and better for it. I'm only now in the middle of a modular training course.
If you have the opportunity to go to Uni, it will only benefit you! Apart from having another certificate to add to the pile, It will further your ability academically and will also give a breadth of life experience. If you have the chance/time to join clubs or organisations at Uni do that as well. CRM is a big part of airline flying now, so if being a good team player and being able to work with others is second nature to you, it will stand you good stead.
If you do go to Uni, I would recommend trying to get a part time job. Firstly, you learn what is expected of you in work i.e. time keeping, personal responsibility - even small mistakes in the workplace have more severe consequence than at school, initiative, endurance, diplomacy etc etc. Secondly, I think if your first ever job is in the righthand seat of a A320/737 there is a risk that you could end up with a jaded view of the working world, I've seen it happen to a lot of people. What I mean is, if you've never did any 'donkey work' in your life then you will have no conception or apreciation of what a good job is. Thirdly, by being in Uni and working at the same time, you will learn how to manage your time as you try to juggle two different responsibilities, excellent experience in my opinion! Lastly, it may help you save some money towards flight training.
If your not minted, I'd stay away from the integrated courses unless you get on to a cadetship. Before you start any training, try to exhaust the cadetships, give them a few shots. Stick to modular otherwise.
You may consider doing an aptitude test just to make sure you have the core skills needed in flying. The wings alliance or GAPAN can do this with you, they will debrief you and tell you what the options are.
In closing, research, research, research aviation and flight training. Ive been reading about these things for years now and still feel like I haven't done enough research. I'm not trying to scare you but there can be a lot of expensive pitfalls in flight training so it pays to do you research.
To answer your original question, you don't need any GCSEs or A Levels to join a lot of airlines, just a fATPL. But, if you want to get into one of the more decent employers then generally you will need 5 GCSEs, two A2 Levels or a 2:2 Level degree as you rightly stated.
Just my two pence!
MP
