Hi,
I've been mulching through the other wannabe posts at pprune for a few years now. I am in the last year of my A-levels, and will hopefully leave school with 4 A-levels (BBBB) in the summer.
Currently I have applied to University, specifically to read Electronic or Systems Engineering. My problem is the course I am interested in is 5 years long. (Masters + 1 Year Working in Industry). I have always wanted to become a Commercial pilot, but besides half-a-dozen introductory lessons have not been able to complete any part of a PPL (mainly due to financial and time restraints, plus the nearest flying school to my home is almost 20 miles away).
My intention was to study for my PPL during my University career, to emerge afterwards with a PPL and some experience, aswel as my degree.
I thought this would look attractive to a potential aviation employer, but after reading some of the other posts in the forums this delay in joining the industry seems only to disadvantage potential degree-based pilots such as myself. (such as the obvious age increase at the start, pension benefits, promotion etc.)
My reasoning for undertaking a degree is based on the fact that not only is it an area of interest to me, but it's a cushion to fall back on if lets say in 10 years, they replace all pilots with Bender-style robot pilots (unlikely, but not impossible!), plus you can't gaurantee health etc.
I considered applying for sponsorship with someone like say BA, after my A-levels. But am worried that my lack of flying experience would disadvantage me compared to someone who for example has been fortunate enough (read spoilt rotten
) to have someone pay for their PPL before 18yrs.
Has anyone experience of sponsorship without PPLs/much experience? Would entry at 23/24 really disadvantage a wannabe?
Any advice, slagging off, gramatical corrections welcomed here or via email.
Regards,
Russell