Could someone advise me on the A-Level subjects i should take to become a pilot
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Could someone advise me on the A-Level subjects i should take to become a pilot
I'm 16 years old, taking 10 GCSEs this summer and I have good (A-B) predicted grades for all of them. Starting in the Autumn I'm planning to take Chemistry, Geography and German A-levels and Human Biology to As-level and plan to go to University in 2007. I've been a member of the ATC for the past three years, am physically very fit and have perfect (so my Optometrist and my Dad's AME tell me!) uncorrected vision. I am slowly accumulating hours in both gliders and the Grob Tutor through the ATC schemes, also my Dad has a PPL(A) so I like to fly as a passenger with him when I can.
My first choice is to join the RAF and hopefully fly fast jets but I know that only the very best succeed and as I need a realistic alternative, becoming a Commercial Pilot seems the best idea; I have already been interviewed by my local RAF Recruitment Centre so understand the RAF selection process.
However, I was very disappointed when my Headteacher told me last Friday that unless I take both Maths and Physics at A-level then I "...stand no chance of joining the RAF or becoming a Commercial Pilot..." Although I'm good at Maths I really don't like Physics and I know that I would find taking both at A-level a struggle; of course I found this information very worrying.
Is my Headteacher correct? From what I've learned from searching the PPRuNe fora and asking around it would appear not, however, I would be extremely grateful for any advice and information that will help me when I return to school next week.
Many thanks,
Chris88.
My first choice is to join the RAF and hopefully fly fast jets but I know that only the very best succeed and as I need a realistic alternative, becoming a Commercial Pilot seems the best idea; I have already been interviewed by my local RAF Recruitment Centre so understand the RAF selection process.
However, I was very disappointed when my Headteacher told me last Friday that unless I take both Maths and Physics at A-level then I "...stand no chance of joining the RAF or becoming a Commercial Pilot..." Although I'm good at Maths I really don't like Physics and I know that I would find taking both at A-level a struggle; of course I found this information very worrying.
Is my Headteacher correct? From what I've learned from searching the PPRuNe fora and asking around it would appear not, however, I would be extremely grateful for any advice and information that will help me when I return to school next week.
Many thanks,
Chris88.
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Chris,
Firstly, your head teacher is talking horse s**t.
Whether you have a Maths of Physics A level will not be the governing factor on you becoming a commercial pilot. However, with that said, I think you will find that most airlines and the RAF require you to have these qualifications for their Ab-Initio sponsorship and selection. If you are self sponsored and go onto the ATPL ground school, it will help you if you have a sound understanding of basic physics and maths, and this will be covered on your GCSE's.
Maybe Scroggs could give you some advice about what the RAF look for when he returns from his jollies in the A340
.
Good luck.
PS. I noticed that you are from South Nutfield, do you and your Dad fly from Redhill?
Firstly, your head teacher is talking horse s**t.
Whether you have a Maths of Physics A level will not be the governing factor on you becoming a commercial pilot. However, with that said, I think you will find that most airlines and the RAF require you to have these qualifications for their Ab-Initio sponsorship and selection. If you are self sponsored and go onto the ATPL ground school, it will help you if you have a sound understanding of basic physics and maths, and this will be covered on your GCSE's.
Maybe Scroggs could give you some advice about what the RAF look for when he returns from his jollies in the A340
.Good luck.
PS. I noticed that you are from South Nutfield, do you and your Dad fly from Redhill?
Last edited by CAT3C AUTOLAND; 14th Feb 2005 at 19:54.
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I'm doing A levels at the moment, the only vaguely scientific subject I'm doing is Psychology. Most commercial sponsorship schemes seem to want English maths and science at GCSE grade C or above. Scientific/ mathematical A- levels help understand the theory but don't really put you higher up the recruitment list.
Not many teachers know a thing about flying- most school teachers I know think you need to be 18/ 21 to hold a PPL so unless you know a teacher with flying experience don't ask them for advice- they'll lead you in the wrong direction (that's what they did to me at any rate!)
Not many teachers know a thing about flying- most school teachers I know think you need to be 18/ 21 to hold a PPL so unless you know a teacher with flying experience don't ask them for advice- they'll lead you in the wrong direction (that's what they did to me at any rate!)
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I'm as thick as they come and have no qualifications at all, but I worked hard at my ATPL's and am now sitting in the left hand seat.
If you want an airline to pay for all your training then yes you will need good grades.
If you want an airline to pay for all your training then yes you will need good grades.
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Maths is always good, and Physics is a bonus.
That said, I failed maths in my Irish Leaving Cert and dropped out of physics in my last year. I went on to study Aeronautical Engineering at degree level and achieve a 2nd class honours (if i wasnt such a slacker i could have managed a 1st).
Airlines tend to appreciate mental ability over what you sweat at school, and will tend to look at things like: did you apply yourself to your chosen subjects? If you did then you have shown that you have an ability to learn.
Even with my grades I have managed to get into final rounds of sponsorship applications, and passed all flying school aptitude tests I have sat so far. I am still holding out that my time will come. Good luck
That said, I failed maths in my Irish Leaving Cert and dropped out of physics in my last year. I went on to study Aeronautical Engineering at degree level and achieve a 2nd class honours (if i wasnt such a slacker i could have managed a 1st).
Airlines tend to appreciate mental ability over what you sweat at school, and will tend to look at things like: did you apply yourself to your chosen subjects? If you did then you have shown that you have an ability to learn.
Even with my grades I have managed to get into final rounds of sponsorship applications, and passed all flying school aptitude tests I have sat so far. I am still holding out that my time will come. Good luck
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chris88,
I took pure maths with statistics, geography and modern history.
Your experience in the ATC is invaluable and if you can get a Flying Scholarship then that would also help. Try to get into the UAS at uni.
NB. When interviewing pilots I look for motivation, motivation and motivation!
Good luck with your excellent choice of career and don't let the desk jockies put you off - they're only jealous!
I took pure maths with statistics, geography and modern history.
Your experience in the ATC is invaluable and if you can get a Flying Scholarship then that would also help. Try to get into the UAS at uni.
NB. When interviewing pilots I look for motivation, motivation and motivation!
Good luck with your excellent choice of career and don't let the desk jockies put you off - they're only jealous!
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Chris88
I can only echo what most of the other posts say - its always a good thing to work hard at the books, whatever level it happens to be at. Getting good grades (in my humble opinion) always looks like you can sit down and do the grafting, something you'll need to do a shed load of with the commercial exams. I'd also recommend to go to university for a couple of reasons:
1. Its a bloody good laugh
2. Go for goings sake. I've met countless folks down the line wishing they'd done it when they had the opportunity. You'll always have a degree whatever you end up doing, tis a good thing (so long as it isn't a BA in "science fiction studies" where you watched start trek for 3 years and learnt Klingon - it happened at Liverpool I think).
3. It cuts the apron strings and stops you being mollycoddled at home - get out into the world and stand on your own feet kinda thing, good for maturity, independance etc etc
4. There's the golden opportunity to join the UAS and get Her Maj to pay for some flying with some of the best instructors her money can buy. If you're dead set for the RAF, here's the way to do it. I regret not getting in the UAS at uni when I was a lad (but then I wanted to be a doctor, flying was the last thing on my mind).
4. Once again it shows you can stay the distance at something - brownie points for later on. Getting my first commercial job took a lot of determination, staying power and not being fazed at the knock backs, of which were more than I care to remember.
The maths will certainly come in useful, but the maths in the commercial exams is essentially basic trig and manipulation of equations. Physics would be good for Priciples of Flight I suppose, I stand to be corrected chaps.
Getting the airline career is a long and rocky road if you don't get the break early on with the likes of a sponsor scheme. At least with the RAF selection its black and white (been there, done it...twice) because if you're not good enough, they tell you! The airline stuf is all more knowing the right people, being in the right place right time etc all the good cheesy (but unfortunately true) cleches, you don't know whats going on the majority of the time and there seems to be no logic/common sense in recuritment policies. (whoa, could feel myself climbing on my GA instructor over the age of 30 soapbox there).
Good luck - its a great job if you get there - I had to work for a living once doing a job I despised on 12hr shifts down a prodcution line - make your own mind up about the posts describing naff conditions or pay or rostering etc etc - I know which job I'd rather be doing.
MM
I can only echo what most of the other posts say - its always a good thing to work hard at the books, whatever level it happens to be at. Getting good grades (in my humble opinion) always looks like you can sit down and do the grafting, something you'll need to do a shed load of with the commercial exams. I'd also recommend to go to university for a couple of reasons:
1. Its a bloody good laugh
2. Go for goings sake. I've met countless folks down the line wishing they'd done it when they had the opportunity. You'll always have a degree whatever you end up doing, tis a good thing (so long as it isn't a BA in "science fiction studies" where you watched start trek for 3 years and learnt Klingon - it happened at Liverpool I think).
3. It cuts the apron strings and stops you being mollycoddled at home - get out into the world and stand on your own feet kinda thing, good for maturity, independance etc etc
4. There's the golden opportunity to join the UAS and get Her Maj to pay for some flying with some of the best instructors her money can buy. If you're dead set for the RAF, here's the way to do it. I regret not getting in the UAS at uni when I was a lad (but then I wanted to be a doctor, flying was the last thing on my mind).
4. Once again it shows you can stay the distance at something - brownie points for later on. Getting my first commercial job took a lot of determination, staying power and not being fazed at the knock backs, of which were more than I care to remember.
The maths will certainly come in useful, but the maths in the commercial exams is essentially basic trig and manipulation of equations. Physics would be good for Priciples of Flight I suppose, I stand to be corrected chaps.
Getting the airline career is a long and rocky road if you don't get the break early on with the likes of a sponsor scheme. At least with the RAF selection its black and white (been there, done it...twice) because if you're not good enough, they tell you! The airline stuf is all more knowing the right people, being in the right place right time etc all the good cheesy (but unfortunately true) cleches, you don't know whats going on the majority of the time and there seems to be no logic/common sense in recuritment policies. (whoa, could feel myself climbing on my GA instructor over the age of 30 soapbox there).
Good luck - its a great job if you get there - I had to work for a living once doing a job I despised on 12hr shifts down a prodcution line - make your own mind up about the posts describing naff conditions or pay or rostering etc etc - I know which job I'd rather be doing.
MM
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Neither maths nor physics are required at A-level, either to become a military pilot or to obtain an ATPL - though an applicant for RAF pilot will require 2 A-levels. Some airline sponsorships specify a preference for science-based subjects at A-level, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule. Direct-entry airline recruiting places less emphasis on academic qualifications than professional qualifications.
The process of obtaining the ATPL ground examination passes does not require maths beyond GCSE standard, nor does it require any great understanding of physics. An interest in sciences is undoubtedly helpful, however, and the student who attempts the ATPL groundschool with no science in his or her portfolio will find it difficult going, hence some groundschools do 'priming' basic science courses for those whose physics and maths are a bit shaky!
If Chris88 would like to invite his headteacher to contact me for some education into the academic qualifications required of pilots, either military or civilian, I would be delighted to enlighten his current ignorance!
Scroggs
The process of obtaining the ATPL ground examination passes does not require maths beyond GCSE standard, nor does it require any great understanding of physics. An interest in sciences is undoubtedly helpful, however, and the student who attempts the ATPL groundschool with no science in his or her portfolio will find it difficult going, hence some groundschools do 'priming' basic science courses for those whose physics and maths are a bit shaky!
If Chris88 would like to invite his headteacher to contact me for some education into the academic qualifications required of pilots, either military or civilian, I would be delighted to enlighten his current ignorance!
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The only scheme which ever required Maths and Physics was Britannia (ThompsonFly). No other scheme has ever cared about it, and with no sponsored schemes about at the moment, it is only the fact that one has a licence that is the discriminating factor.
Do what you want, and what you will be good at, or you will cock up your chances of having good grades; and if you don't go into aviation ultimately, you won't get the best jobs either.
Do what you want, and what you will be good at, or you will cock up your chances of having good grades; and if you don't go into aviation ultimately, you won't get the best jobs either.
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Thank you very much everyone, you've all been a great help.
I've spoken to my Headteacher and he's letting me do my original choices for A-Level, which is a great help.
Thanks again
Chris
I've spoken to my Headteacher and he's letting me do my original choices for A-Level, which is a great help.
Thanks again
Chris
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Chris 88.
I suggest you print out these posts and take them to your head teacher as he obviously has no idea.
I got told the same thing when I was at school. Must have maths and physics bla bla bla. That is some out dated career advice that is usually read out of a book. If your teacher got of his back side and researched his pupils desired career paths then he may be able to help them a bit more. I didn't evan have a pass in science at GCSE. I scraped through 7 C grades at GCSE and 3 D's at 'A' Level - Business Studies, Economics & History. I just wasn't interested in school and the uninspiring teachers that lived in their small minded world. I was once told by my head of year to quote " keep my feet on the ground and get a more realistic job "
I like you had already started flying at school but this did not convince my teachers and I don't think they even believed me when I told then I was having flying lessons.
I left school and paid for my flying through a small cleaning business that I started and then I got sponsored through my ATPL. I then built my hours before my first good job (as I did not get sponsored by a large airline, but had a great training still).
I don't want to blow my own trumpet as we are all pilots here but I am now 23 and fly a nice shiney Jet for an airline. Not thats its about money by I now earn more than any of those a%*swhole teachers that are twice the age of me. I also run a small aviation based business.
Some day I will return to visit those teachers and show them what I did with there inaccurate career advice. I'm sure you will do the same one day too.
Alot of young lads and gals want to become pilots. So it surprises me that schools do not even have accurate infomation on how to join the profession.
Stick to what you want to do. I bit of advice, if you want to be a pilot take your career advice off pilots. Those guys will want to help you and give you the advice you are asking for.
Another thing try to get some work experience at airline/GA operators/local airfields etc. That will look good on your CV when going for training schemes and jobs. Just hang around your local flying club making friends and contacts trying to pinch free rides and learn about aeroplanes etc.
Just pick the 'A' Levels you want to do and the ones that you will do best at. By the sounds of it you are picking some solid scientific and core subjects which will stand you in good stead for Uni etc.
All the best and good luck. If you want to PM or email me please feel free.
Kind Regards,
Headyheights.
I suggest you print out these posts and take them to your head teacher as he obviously has no idea.
I got told the same thing when I was at school. Must have maths and physics bla bla bla. That is some out dated career advice that is usually read out of a book. If your teacher got of his back side and researched his pupils desired career paths then he may be able to help them a bit more. I didn't evan have a pass in science at GCSE. I scraped through 7 C grades at GCSE and 3 D's at 'A' Level - Business Studies, Economics & History. I just wasn't interested in school and the uninspiring teachers that lived in their small minded world. I was once told by my head of year to quote " keep my feet on the ground and get a more realistic job "
I like you had already started flying at school but this did not convince my teachers and I don't think they even believed me when I told then I was having flying lessons.
I left school and paid for my flying through a small cleaning business that I started and then I got sponsored through my ATPL. I then built my hours before my first good job (as I did not get sponsored by a large airline, but had a great training still).
I don't want to blow my own trumpet as we are all pilots here but I am now 23 and fly a nice shiney Jet for an airline. Not thats its about money by I now earn more than any of those a%*swhole teachers that are twice the age of me. I also run a small aviation based business.
Some day I will return to visit those teachers and show them what I did with there inaccurate career advice. I'm sure you will do the same one day too.
Alot of young lads and gals want to become pilots. So it surprises me that schools do not even have accurate infomation on how to join the profession.
Stick to what you want to do. I bit of advice, if you want to be a pilot take your career advice off pilots. Those guys will want to help you and give you the advice you are asking for.
Another thing try to get some work experience at airline/GA operators/local airfields etc. That will look good on your CV when going for training schemes and jobs. Just hang around your local flying club making friends and contacts trying to pinch free rides and learn about aeroplanes etc.
Just pick the 'A' Levels you want to do and the ones that you will do best at. By the sounds of it you are picking some solid scientific and core subjects which will stand you in good stead for Uni etc.
All the best and good luck. If you want to PM or email me please feel free.
Kind Regards,
Headyheights.
Está servira para distraerle.
In my ever so humble experience, given the appalling state of education in the UK, with regard to foreign languages, this aspect should not be overlooked. The English are congenitally lazy about learning foreign toungues and the present government seems determined to compound that apathy. I am fully aware that English is the official aviation language however, when interviewing for airlines whose national mother tongue is not English; I have always found it a great plus either to speak a couple of foreign languages reasonably well or at least to demonstrate an aptitude to learn. I seem to think that the back pages of FI are concentrating on this quite a bit these days.
I wouldn't recommend Cantonese but German, French and especially Spanish, are extemely useful adjuncts to one's qualifications, even if your proficiency is self studied.
In any event, even if it doesn't help you get that shiny job, you'll have a better chance with the ladies on the overseas stops
Oh yes, as an afterthought, you\'re head teacher is talking rubbish. Remember what the Naval word HEAD means.
Good luck Old Beano
Está servira para distraerle.
Chris88You will not be a happy bunny to see that KLM flight academy have an advertisement in today's FI, page 61.
They are looking for Flight Instructors to start up the ladder with KLM, in Holland. Apart from various other qualifications which you do not yet have, they require:
'Appropriate secondary education including English, Mathematics and Physics.'
Things will change a lot before you have their minimum flight requirements but why don't you drop them an e mail just for the fun of the try?
[email protected]
Best of luck
cc
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I only got into flying after I left school; if I'd mentioned it to my school careers department I think it would have put me off for life!
You do not need any qualifications in maths or physics to be a pilot. However, you may stand a better chance of getting some scholarships and sponsorships if you have them.
Above all, I would pick subjects that you enjoy and are good at. Good grades are good grades, whatever subjects they are in.
Try to get a flying scholarship through the Air Cadets, and as soon as you are 17 apply for the GAPAN and Air League Scholarships, as they can give you a great start to your career.
Good luck!
Al
You do not need any qualifications in maths or physics to be a pilot. However, you may stand a better chance of getting some scholarships and sponsorships if you have them.
Above all, I would pick subjects that you enjoy and are good at. Good grades are good grades, whatever subjects they are in.
Try to get a flying scholarship through the Air Cadets, and as soon as you are 17 apply for the GAPAN and Air League Scholarships, as they can give you a great start to your career.
Good luck!
Al
Está servira para distraerle.
Indeed. It is true. I was useless at mathematics and never did physics. Just be thankful that Great Circle and Rhumb line AIR PLOTS are out of the syllabus. They weren't when I suffered them in ZA. I still got the necessary licences.
