Firstly, can I just apologise if this is in the wrong section - I'm just hoping that as many professional pilots as possible will read this as I am looking for some advice with regard to becoming a commercial pilot myself. Can I also just say that I am not one of those 'dreamers' who have more of a chance going to the moon than becoming a pilot (I'm sure a lot of people say that as well!
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I'm a 20 year old student from Glasgow and I will be entering my fourth and final year of a geography and politics degree course at university in September. I originally wanted to be a teacher and I know that some of you, as a result of this, may question the extent to which I want to be a pilot but the truth is it's something I've wanted to do from a young age - it's just that I thought it was out of my reach - something that would be too difficult to achieve. However, with only one year left at uni, a big part of me wants to go for it but I really want to know if I'm going to be capable enough to become a commercial pilot as I don't want to waste my time or indeed that of an airline. The fact is, I already have a considerable amount of debt as a result of student loans etc and to be honest I don't want to go down the route of self-funding etc. So my aim, should I decide to take the plunge, would be to try and secure sponsorship from an airline (British Airways is the only one I know of that offers individuals this opportunity - are there any others?
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At high school I got 6 grade 1s (the best you can get) at Standard Grade (the same as GCSEs) in: Biology, chemistry, Maths, Computing, Geography and French and a grade 2 in English. In my Highers (roughly the same as A-levels) I got A grades in English, Geography, Biology and a grade B in chemistry. I undertook Maths at Intermediate 2 level (only slightly more difficult than the standard grade level and easier than a higher) and I got an A but this is one my biggest concerns with regard to being a pilot - to what extent does one need to be good at maths? Obviously I know that figures are a big part of the job but in your professional opinion do you think I have any chance of being a commercial pilot if my Maths isn't 100% (is the mathematical aspect of the job something that can be 'learned' as such or do you really need to have a mathematical mind. I am willing to put in the work regarding the maths aspect but I'm sure you would agree, even with the best will in the world - sometimes you just can't get your head around something.
Having looked into the British Airways sponsorship scheme I am happy to say that I meet the specified entrance criteria but I am well aware that commercial pilots are clever clever people and a part of me thinks that these entrance requirements are too easy and that should I be invited to an interview (if that's what happens - I'm not sure) I'll have no chance especially next to applicants who have flying experience, engineering degrees etc. Are there any internet sites with relevant apptitude tests or questions which would indicate whether or not I would be suited to a career as a commercial pilot as this, I feel, would be extremely helpful.
I'd appreciate hearing from any real commercial pilots out there or anyone else who thinks they can offer me any useful advice. I was thinking about going to Glasgow Airport and paying £150 for a 1 hour flight - I know many ppl buy these for others as a gift but I thought it would at least give me an introduction to the world of flight.
Basically, I'd appreciate any comments about all the above and also where you think I should start - do I start reading books on pilot training, internet sites? or upon finishing my degree should I just apply to BA or another airline for a sponsorship place without any experience.
If you think that my lack of flying experience, physics and mathematics and the like would make it difficult for me to be a pilot then I'd rather you told me so that I don't get my hopes up for nothing.
Sorry about the long-winded post lol! - I think I'm going for some kind of record!
Nonetheless, I'd appreciate your views and comments.
Thanks in advance,
Martin