Hi all,
Im 16 currently living in Ireland, and in my final year of secondary school where I will then sit my Leaving Certificate (more or less the Irish equivalent of A levels).
I've always wanted to be a pilot, and as the time draws closer to finishing school, Im assessing all my options. I've been browsing around the forum for a few hours now getting information etc, but some threads are contradicting others and stuff like that, so I thought Id make my own thread.
Basically, I'm adamant on becoming a pilot.. yes, I understand how hard and frustrating it can be to get into the profession, but as many have said, it definitely seems like a career that makes it all worthwhile.
Anyway, I've thought about it now, and have come up with three options that I'm thinking of.
1. Take a year out after my exams and get a job to (hopefully) fund PPL training. After this, go to University and study Aeronautical Engineering whilst working to save up for "the loan".
2. After the exams, somehow try and get the money required for Oxford / Jerez (yes, this is the extremely unlikely to happen option!) off some nice person - possibly save my pocket-money up
3. Apply to the Air Corps (Irish Air Force).. the neutralness of our country means spaces are very limited for this space (10 places this year out of 300 or so applications). (While Im at it, what are the stances of the RAF to Irish born pilots?)
So, basically its a career I desperately want, and Im determined to do everything in my power to achieve the goal.
Anyway, I would appreciate it if you could answer would it be better to go to uni and get a degree in something than going straight to Oxford or whatever with a hefty loan? (If only we were rich, eh?
)
Thanks in advance,
D.U.