Hi,
I have to agree with everything that "Pilot Pete" has said. The aviation industry is dynamic and ever changing. True, you don't need a degree to be a pilot but there are many benefits of getting one.
Firstly, you have added security. Security in the sense that if everything in terms of sponsorships falls through you still have a qualification that will get you a reasonably paid job in other areas (it is a fact that graduates get paid more). It often amazes me on PPRuNe the naivity of some people; the seemingly arrogant attitude that they are going to end up on the flight deck without much difficulty. It is self evident by reading people's posts the sheer amount of effort that is involved, the motivation and often dispair that is experienced, this is a seriously competitive field and that should not be overlooked. To get accepted by a sponsorship scheme you have to have a "special something" - something that stands out. We have seen many people on this forum with excellent qualifications, flying experience and indeed many excellent qualities get turned away. This could happen to you.
You need to think now, at this stage, a plan of what you want to happen and what you will do if something goes wrong. For example, say if you find out that for some reason you are medically unfit to fly - what do you plan to do then? Will A-Levels get you a decent job?
One thing that I have found interesting is the fact that many of the sponsorship companies are now actually stating a lower age limit of 20. Why is this - why not 18 like BA and some others?? From this I would gather that may airlines want people with a greater experience of life before coming to work for their company. What they are saying is that they want graduates (with the various qualities that they have) or people that have been in a working enviroment for two years after their A-Levels, thus having gained more experience of life.
So, what qualities are graduates perceived to have? Unlike at A-Level where you are generally "spoon fed", at university you have to manage your time and have the motivation and determination to suceed. No-one is there to make sure you turn up for lectures or to check that you are doing your work. The same qualities are needed to suceed in a company, if you decided to do that for two years before applying. When being considered for a sponsorship scheme the interviewers are looking for someone that would be an excellent representative for the airline but also someone that can get through the commercial exams. This is not to be underestimated as the work load is intense - just mention Perf A to anyone.
As "Pilot Pete" said, there is also the opportunity to join a University Air Squadron where you will get some of the best tuition found anywhere.
I note that you say that you have few flying hours. Have you thought of trying to get any flying scholarships. I have written a bit below about the Air League and the RAF Flying Scholarship schemes.
The Air League
I have found as a member of The Air League that it offers people like yourself invaluable information and the opportunity to try and attain a flying scholarship. To be eligible for the flying scholarship and all of the other benefits you must become a member. A very helpful service that the organisation offers is that if you write to them with your current status and aspirations - they will give you advice on how to obtain your goal - plus ideas on how to become more "involved" in the aerospace industry.
FLYING SCHOLARSHIP: 15 HOURS
RAF Flying Scholarship
The RAF Flying Scholarship is worth applying for when you are 16 years of age. With a RAF Flying Scholarship, you could receive 20 hours of free flying at a civilian flying club. The scheme allows young men and women who are keen on a career in the RAF to discover the excitement of flying without having to make any commitment for the future. The training is in light aircraft at an approved civilian flying club, and normally includes about 8 to 10 hours' solo flying, plus full instruction in ground subjects.
FLYING SCHOLARSHIP: 20 HOURS
Also, a very economical way to get some more flying experience is gliding. It is important to realise that no-matter what you fly - the same professionalism is needed. Gliding is a superb introduction to flying and the same key skills are present as in other forms of flying. You will learn how to work as part of a team,trust,professionalism and the ability to make well judged decisions in less than perfect circumstances.
As "Pilot Pete" said-you are still young. True, you want to be an airline pilot as quickly as possible and a sponsorship scheme place is best way to get it-it is what everyone goes for. However, if you cannot get a place and you still have the desire you will need to finance it yourself and you will need a well paid job to do that, hence the advantages of a degree.
What I am saying in conclusion is that you should optimise your chances of getting a place. You could get a degree, have the security and still only be 21. The upper age limit for BA is 26. Very few people get in at 18 - very few indeed.
Best of luck, and don't hesitate to contact me if you want any information. No doubt some people may disagree with what I have said, but it is my opinion, and it is a subject that I thought about myself.
Regards, Best Wishes and Good Luck
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