Distance Learning and Short Courses
 

Gents,

Having checked the FAQs thread, I'm looking for some advice regarding study towards advancement in the R&D areas of the industry. By way of precis, I'm a 28 year old 2000 hour pilot with a UK regional airline and have a background of basic A levels in non-science subjects (I'm something of a late developer academically).

As such, particularly with the time constraints of line flying, I've been looking towards foundation and distance learning courses that would aid me with an aim to eventually take a sabbatical and complete a degree pertinent to advancing onto a test flying course/career. Having looked at everything from A Level maths to OU and some of the courses offered later on by Cranfield et al, I'm a little unsure as to what would be an effective next step.

Can anyone suggest any good courses that can keep me developing whilst still managing my day job?

Regards

SK

Maybe you should check out the short courses that NTPS (NTPS - Welcome To The National Test Pilot School) offers. They used to offer a two week introduction course.

There are other options for distance learning on the other side of the pond:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - World's Leader in Aviation and Aerospace Education

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Many options there, not Flight Test, but a good start.

G

The UK option would be CPDA who do offer a flight testing module.

It's pretty good, but it must be admitted that if you can afford it, NTPS is the premium option.

G

Been looking into part-time Aeronautical engineering degrees myself. The only ones in the UK seem to be Glamorgan University (BEng Aeronautical Engineering) and Glyndwr University in Wrexham, who do a BEng (Hons) Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering.

Does anyone have any experience or heard anything of Glyndwr Uni? - this degree is accredited by both the Aeronautical Society and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, so I take this to be a good sign. I visited the open day and apparently there will be a bunch of Airbus workers from the nearby factory at Filton also on the course.

Part time we're talking 5 years, at least, for the whole degree on a day release basis - once a week during term time. Currently looking to instruct (fixed wing) in the shorter term, but if I were to be line flying for an airline, would they be generally flexible to day release part time study?

Cheers,
ML!!