Choices

[NI-RYAN]

I am currently studying for my GCSE’s. For a few years it has become more than a dream of becoming a pilot. I have researched many options, but there seems so many choices to me!

Speaking to my careers teacher she said that going to uni would still help me even if I didn’t become a pilot as I would have gained experience from uni , such as how to answer those “what would you do” questions in an interview I may have.

I have researched three courses, in which I think Leeds would be my best option (with the grades of course( as it is in conjunction with Leeds Flying School.
Here are the links for the courses:

http://www.salford.ac.uk/course-finder/course/1240 (Salford)

http://tldynamic.leeds.ac.uk/ugcoursefinder/2006/prospectus3SQL.asp?prog_id=840&recurse=1 (Leeds)

http://www.bcuc.ac.uk/main.asp?page=129 (buckinghamshire Chilterns)

Below are aviation training centre links I have researched:

http://www.oxfordaviation.net/

http://www.ctcaviation.com/index.html

http://www.ccat.org.uk/about.htm


I know that the sponsorship is hard to get into, so would I be better off at uni? Any suggestions?

My best subjects are Maths, Physics, and French.

And these three will be the ones I will hopefully be chosing for A level. Will my French grade help me in any way?


Thanks for all your help, I know there is a lot of posts like this , so thanks for your time if you have posted a suggestion.

[arpansingla]

Hi there,

Going to uni has its advantages and disadvantages, you have to weigh them up and decide for yourself.

You gain a lot of maturity and general life experience however its not necessarily required to become a commercial pilot. Many airlines recruit pilots with just A levels. Dont do a degree because you feel you have to, and choose a course you will enjoy, not one that you think an airline will like to see because in truth they're not that bothered (except BA perhaps).
However having a degree can be very good as a back-up if; for example you were to lose your license or medical, so it opens up other paths just in case you were to lose your job. The degree you choose to do doesn't have to be aviation related either, because if you were to lose your job then at least you wouldnt be restricted to an aviation related job.
Another issue with a degree is that its not exactly very cheap to do either, especially by the time you and i may wish to do one the tuition fees will be considerably high. So you have to consider this along with the expensive flight training you will conduct afterwards.

The three aviation training centres you have researched are all quite reputable. Oxford and Cabair offer both integrated and modular schemes, whereas CTC is a structured modular course and is one of the few sponsorships around. However its also very difficult to get onto it, the pass rate is about 2%! Having a degree may improve your chances of getting a sponsorship because it shows maturity and commitment, but some people have these qualities without having attended uni!
You should look into each of the schools by searching on pprune, attending their seminars etc.

I'm currently in the lower sixth studying Further Maths, Physics, French and Geography. If you like Maths, Physics and French then its advisable to take them at A level as some people say they help you with the ATPL theory exams. But for anyone else reading this thread dont take any A levels because you feel you have to, pick the ones you enjoy! GCSE Maths and Physics knowledge is sufficient to become a commercial pilot. However if you want to do a technical degree eg anything physics or mathematically related then you will need to take A level Maths and Physics.

I am taking A level French and i find it enjoyable. I'm not sure if it helps you to gain employment with an airline but i cant see it as a negative quality, in fact it should be a good quality that will help you stand out from the crowd. However A Level French or any other foreign language is hardly ever a requirement seeked by British airlines. If you want to work abroad then then it should really help you.

Sorry for the blurb, i hope that it helps. If you need any more information PM or ask others on this thread.

All the best!

Arpan

[NI-RYAN]

thanks for your suggestion. anyone else have any other ideas or thought?

[student pilot domain]

Definately keep with the maths & physics, especially if you enjoy them and thats what you do your best.

General Uni advice- which I went on was down to Maturity. If i was mature enough i would have gone straight into training. You dont need a degree to be an airline pilot; u dont even need A-levels!

If you are gona be mature enough and employable age 19 then go for it. Otherwise take the 3 years for some development and get a degree in a subject that you enjoy and will do well at.

You just gotta weigh up the pro's and con's yourself- and see which does you best

Keep the dream alive!