Deck officer in merchant navy then airline pilot
Hi.
I really want to become a pilot however I don't have a spare 80k so I will have to get another career first.
Is this common these days. Do most get another career/degree first and then use it to fund pilot training.
My plan is to do a degree in nautical science and become a deck officer. Then apply for all the airline cadetships and if not successful stay in the merchant navy for maybe 4/5 years until I'm about 26 and pay for pilot training myself.
Would experience as a deck officer be advantageous when applying for pilot sponsorship?
Also, do many people use the merchant navy to find their pilot training.is it a good idea?
Thanks for any advice.