Originally Posted by
'India-Mike
The trouble with doing these pilot studies degrees is trying to time the ATPL examinations with graduation. Do them too soon while still at uni, and they'll expire before you can get the CPL and IR done (remember, three years!) Do them too late and they'll interfere with the all-important final examinations for the main degree.
I guess what you're looking for is to graduate with a degree and CPL/IR - I don't think any of the UK providers supply such an outcome. Have you thought about Embry-Riddle in the US?
Much as I have a lot of time for Genghis on technical and flying matters I must admit to subscribing to mad-jock's point of view on this one, especially when considering aeronautical engineers who are also pilots. A simply dreadful combo
Well, you have a fair point with that last - engineers who are also pilots get wayyyyy, to big for their boots, unlike (say) technicians who are also pilots such as as that nice Chuck Yeager chappie, or "teenage entry" pure pilots who are always the soul of modesty.
I have a lot of time for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and would certainly not talk anybody out of going there - but just like the UK, I'd strongly recommend sticking to a solid subject, not a fabricated "aeronautical science" option that is really just making a pseudo-degree out of ATPL subjects. ERAU do both!
Incidentally, you have 36 months from last exam to pass the CPL skill test, with a minimum of 25 flying hours on the course. If you take the last exam at the end of the 2nd long summer vacation of a degree, that gives about 27 months after graduating from the degree. Not exactly unachievable.
Brunel did put exactly this package together with BCFT, but so far as I know they've had no takers yet - the students have preferred to finish their (aviation engineering) degree first, then start ATPLs after graduating. Fair enough, although it'll be interesting to see if anybody does try that route. Doing degree + ATPL GS immediately afterwards, with hour building during summer vacations would work about the same but may well be less stressful.
G