aeronautical engineering degree
Just to add..
I noticed the Cathay Pacific Airlines cadet pilot programme requires that you hold a Degree in their requirements. I know this is different than going straight into the job itself but just thought I would add.
Cathay Pacific - Careers : Careers Home
********************
Maurice,
Are you studying the Aeronautical Degree?
Dave
I noticed the Cathay Pacific Airlines cadet pilot programme requires that you hold a Degree in their requirements. I know this is different than going straight into the job itself but just thought I would add.
Cathay Pacific - Careers : Careers Home
********************
Maurice,
Are you studying the Aeronautical Degree?
Dave
Educated Hillbilly
Djfingers crossed, I should add it will depend what your specialisation was in industry as to how easy it will be to get contract work again. On the mechanical side of things there has been no real radical changes in the last twenty years, also when you consider how long some projects lasted (Merlin, nearly 20 years from concept to production) then a 5 to 10 year break would not see you that far out the loop.
But on the Avionic/s side of things a five year gap would probably have more of an impact.
Anyway I have returned to engineering on two occasions, first time after completing the initial training (cpl/MEIR fATPL) and the second time as described before.
Theycallmemaurice,
If some one intends to be pilot then I too find it staggering that they wouldn't study an aviation related degree. However once you start searching for flying jobs you will soon become very demoralised at how little credit you will get for an aero degree. A high percentage of the pilots out there will only have studied the technical side to the ATPL level; therefore it shows you can still safely operate an aircraft without properly understanding the technical aspects.
But on the Avionic/s side of things a five year gap would probably have more of an impact.
Anyway I have returned to engineering on two occasions, first time after completing the initial training (cpl/MEIR fATPL) and the second time as described before.
Theycallmemaurice,
If some one intends to be pilot then I too find it staggering that they wouldn't study an aviation related degree. However once you start searching for flying jobs you will soon become very demoralised at how little credit you will get for an aero degree. A high percentage of the pilots out there will only have studied the technical side to the ATPL level; therefore it shows you can still safely operate an aircraft without properly understanding the technical aspects.
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Hey,
newbie here and a recent aero eng graduate. Im not working in the industry but I guess I graduated at the wrong time! All i can say is i would highly recommend an aero eng degree even if you want to fly afterwards. You'll gain good life experience in college and be that bit maturer once your finished...hopefully!
Its always good to have a backup plan, which is why I did it. Plus it shows you can commit to and succeed a tough 4 year course. It may not be the deciding factor on landing in the FO seat but it sure as hell wont be frowned upon! 
newbie here and a recent aero eng graduate. Im not working in the industry but I guess I graduated at the wrong time! All i can say is i would highly recommend an aero eng degree even if you want to fly afterwards. You'll gain good life experience in college and be that bit maturer once your finished...hopefully!
Its always good to have a backup plan, which is why I did it. Plus it shows you can commit to and succeed a tough 4 year course. It may not be the deciding factor on landing in the FO seat but it sure as hell wont be frowned upon!
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If you are planning to become a professional pilot you should start thinking like on.
A professional pilot does the extra effort to make sure hies plans can be completed, he carries the extra fuel so he can make it to hies alternate, should it not be possible to land at destination.
So start your journey by uplifting a careerer that are relevant to aviation and can be used as an alternate if you cant land a desirable flying job.
A professional pilot does the extra effort to make sure hies plans can be completed, he carries the extra fuel so he can make it to hies alternate, should it not be possible to land at destination.
So start your journey by uplifting a careerer that are relevant to aviation and can be used as an alternate if you cant land a desirable flying job.
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5 passes in Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination / GCSE (O Level) including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination / GCE A Level, Science subjects preferred OR
Passes in Physics and Mathematics to year 10 and completed high school with the required university entrance qualifications, Science subjects preferred OR
Hold a degree or diploma in any discipline.
Passes in Physics and Mathematics to year 10 and completed high school with the required university entrance qualifications, Science subjects preferred OR
Hold a degree or diploma in any discipline.
Okay again I will say it "Go and get a degree". Don't do it in Aeronautical Engineering for the sake of it though - especially if you have no intention of ever wishing to work in AE or hate it or don't have the aptitude for it.
Do something you love, something that will be a good back up and something you will pass. (Try to resist the rubbish ones though - you know the ones).
I'd also just like to point out one of the niggles though that these threads always bring up. Holding a degree does not prove maturity, dedication, determination or some magical level of aptitude. Yes they are useful, yes, by all means if you have the opportunity to get one you should, but beware anyone who says that having a degree makes you a better person - this person is most likely a t@sser.
I have lived with graduates and non graduates and it was never a determining factor in who was better at their job, or more clever or for that matter more able to look after themselves on a day to day basis.
Sorry just needed to clear that one up.
Last edited by Matt101; 16th Jan 2010 at 18:37.
Hi Matt,
Yes I did see that. I should of made it more clear in my above post that the Degree was an optional requirement. (Rushing as usual) Thanks for the correction.
It does go to show that a Degree is not a total waste if you are thinking of becoming a pilot through a Cadet Programme, but as mentioned it's not needed either.
Dave
Yes I did see that. I should of made it more clear in my above post that the Degree was an optional requirement. (Rushing as usual) Thanks for the correction.
It does go to show that a Degree is not a total waste if you are thinking of becoming a pilot through a Cadet Programme, but as mentioned it's not needed either.
Dave
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Hope this helps
Dear Grey,
Let me introduce myself, I am a 4th year (and final year) undergraduate student currently studying Masters of Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London. I want to share my background with you so it may help you to make your decision. At the age of 16, I started flying Vigilant gliders with the Royal Air Force CCF (Combat Cadet Force) at Samlesbury, England. I was fortunate to be awarded with a gliding scholarship and had achieved a solo flight at the age of 17 (before I could drive). The trainings I received were tremendously enjoyable and I wouldn’t swap it for anything. And at that moment, I knew instantly I wanted to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
I am not from a wealthy background; I could afford school because of scholarships. I was never in a position where I could afford the expensive flying hours required to gain any pilot licences, nevermind the ‘inexpensive’ PPL. So I had two options, study a degree or join the RAF for 18 years.
So there I was at the age of 17, filling out my UCAS form, I knew Aeronautics was the best choice for me because it is something to do with planes and aviation. And I did Maths & Physics for A-levels. I enjoyed solving problems you see. I was absolutely delighted to have made it into Imperial, but then to find out the course was (and it still is) seriously difficult. However, I have met so many great friends during my time here and met great students and staff who share the passion for aviation. That is a network of friends you cannot find if you decided to go on and do fATPL.
In essence, the degree has matured my overall attributes required to become a pilot. I learnt to deal with difficult situations, both personally and academically. I have become a better team player by working in internships during my summer holidays. My communication skills have definitely improved as I interact with people from different cultural background every day. So all in all, I believe it is an all-round talented pilot that airliners are looking for, especially if you are thinking to apply for top airliners. It’s not just a licence with low hours and no type rating.
My next step is to get into the cadet pilot program for X airline and recently I have received an invitation for 1st interview. I’m still in my early 20s and I am confident I can always get a fATPL in my 40+ years career path (provided I stay medically fit), but I can’t always graduate with one of the most prestigious and rewarding Engineering degree.
Let me tell you why I think Aeronautics is a prestigious Engineering degree. I actually get to design a plane for my final year project. I am aiming to reconstruct a Grob Tutor, so I'll be doing calculations on the flight dynamics and the aerodynamics aspects of the aircraft. (I'm not really a structural guy). The initial model will be tested in X-plane during the early stages. Eventually, as my model iterates and hopefully improve in its dynamics. I will be given an unique opportunity to test it in a FAA-approved full motion Flight Simulator in our department (costs 5 million pounds). It excites me because I know it is only an Aeronautical Engineering degree which gives me this opportunity. How many ATPL pilots in this world can say at FL350, they know how to design a plane?
Nevertheless, I know it doesn't really help you in terms of actually becoming an professional pilot. But look at Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton for example, they are both exceptional drivers. They drive their F1s to limits, because they know every aspect of driving and excel both technically and practically. I think you get my point there. To become someone good, you have to be exceptional first.
I really hope speaking from a personal point of view has helped you making your decision.
Best Regards,
Raven777
P.S. During my time here, I have met the most amazing girl, who shares the same passion and background as me. I cannot tell you how weird but yet amazing to find someone so similar to me. It’s the degree that brought us together. But I let her go though, the only thing in life I regret. Don't make the same mistake as me, what ever you decide it's likely to be a good one but make sure it's something you wouldn't regret in the future.
Let me introduce myself, I am a 4th year (and final year) undergraduate student currently studying Masters of Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London. I want to share my background with you so it may help you to make your decision. At the age of 16, I started flying Vigilant gliders with the Royal Air Force CCF (Combat Cadet Force) at Samlesbury, England. I was fortunate to be awarded with a gliding scholarship and had achieved a solo flight at the age of 17 (before I could drive). The trainings I received were tremendously enjoyable and I wouldn’t swap it for anything. And at that moment, I knew instantly I wanted to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
I am not from a wealthy background; I could afford school because of scholarships. I was never in a position where I could afford the expensive flying hours required to gain any pilot licences, nevermind the ‘inexpensive’ PPL. So I had two options, study a degree or join the RAF for 18 years.
So there I was at the age of 17, filling out my UCAS form, I knew Aeronautics was the best choice for me because it is something to do with planes and aviation. And I did Maths & Physics for A-levels. I enjoyed solving problems you see. I was absolutely delighted to have made it into Imperial, but then to find out the course was (and it still is) seriously difficult. However, I have met so many great friends during my time here and met great students and staff who share the passion for aviation. That is a network of friends you cannot find if you decided to go on and do fATPL.
In essence, the degree has matured my overall attributes required to become a pilot. I learnt to deal with difficult situations, both personally and academically. I have become a better team player by working in internships during my summer holidays. My communication skills have definitely improved as I interact with people from different cultural background every day. So all in all, I believe it is an all-round talented pilot that airliners are looking for, especially if you are thinking to apply for top airliners. It’s not just a licence with low hours and no type rating.
My next step is to get into the cadet pilot program for X airline and recently I have received an invitation for 1st interview. I’m still in my early 20s and I am confident I can always get a fATPL in my 40+ years career path (provided I stay medically fit), but I can’t always graduate with one of the most prestigious and rewarding Engineering degree.
Let me tell you why I think Aeronautics is a prestigious Engineering degree. I actually get to design a plane for my final year project. I am aiming to reconstruct a Grob Tutor, so I'll be doing calculations on the flight dynamics and the aerodynamics aspects of the aircraft. (I'm not really a structural guy). The initial model will be tested in X-plane during the early stages. Eventually, as my model iterates and hopefully improve in its dynamics. I will be given an unique opportunity to test it in a FAA-approved full motion Flight Simulator in our department (costs 5 million pounds). It excites me because I know it is only an Aeronautical Engineering degree which gives me this opportunity. How many ATPL pilots in this world can say at FL350, they know how to design a plane?
Nevertheless, I know it doesn't really help you in terms of actually becoming an professional pilot. But look at Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton for example, they are both exceptional drivers. They drive their F1s to limits, because they know every aspect of driving and excel both technically and practically. I think you get my point there. To become someone good, you have to be exceptional first.
I really hope speaking from a personal point of view has helped you making your decision.
Best Regards,
Raven777
P.S. During my time here, I have met the most amazing girl, who shares the same passion and background as me. I cannot tell you how weird but yet amazing to find someone so similar to me. It’s the degree that brought us together. But I let her go though, the only thing in life I regret. Don't make the same mistake as me, what ever you decide it's likely to be a good one but make sure it's something you wouldn't regret in the future.
Last edited by raven777; 21st Jan 2010 at 04:48.
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beware anyone who says that having a degree makes you a better person - this person is most likely a t@sser
What most people don't understand is that you should only get a degree if you want to,but not because "it should be a requirement for all commercial pilots".
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BUT I must say that the social skills I manage to grasp during my university days were invaluable. I'm not saying go to university and come out a necessarily better person but it definitely gives you the opportunity to round your character. Of course going into paid employment will offer the same opportunities.
Take two of the house mates I have had in my life; the first during university studying somethingology. The only thing he was committed to for the few years I knew him was his bong and not washing. Not to say he wasn't very interesting and a good (yet smelly) mate but god help him in the real world clasping his 2:2 and an ounce.
The other didn't go to uni, self improved at a city business, did the courses necessary, now may be looking at distance learning with the OU but in the meantime has been very successful - worked hard to achieve.
There are plenty of examples I could think of the other way around though, I just get slightly uncomfortable with generalisations, especially this one
On the aircraft front, I love learning about the intricacies of the aircraft I am flying but the day the skipper comes to me and asks me to go back and have a look at the turbine is a day we are all in trouble. (Not only do I not hole a degree which would enable me to deal with such things I am doubtful as to my ability to speed tape her up at FL370).
My main point remains: Got the opportunity, go to uni, but do it for the right reasons and do the right course for you.
Educated Hillbilly
djfingerscrossed,
Just to clarfiy, this is my second time back in engineering. Anyway PM me if you want some pointers on getting to back to engineering.
As said first time after CPL/IR, then contracted for a couple of years, then became a full time instructor and gained a turbo prop job; laid off from tp job in 08 and returned to engineering contracting again.
Just shows you can jump between engineering and flying and I expect I will for the remainder of my career.
Raven777, make the most of your design project because this is probably the last and only time you will design a whole aircraft. The majority of jobs in industry will only involve working on a a small part or a sub system of an aircraft and you will rarely see a whole airframe. There are exceptions, but many of the DEGs at Airbus these days rarely do anything technical they just manage and liases with sub contract houses. After a while you realise that mechanical engineering is pretty much the same irrespective of what vehicle the part or system is from.
Any of the companies where you could work on a whole airframe rarely got the thing certified and even rarer made any money (examples Farnborough F1, Centaur Seaplane , CMC Leopard).
I don't mean to sound negative, but the good thing about aero engineering is contract rates for mid-experienced engineers are in the region of 28-35 pounds per hour.
Just to clarfiy, this is my second time back in engineering. Anyway PM me if you want some pointers on getting to back to engineering.
As said first time after CPL/IR, then contracted for a couple of years, then became a full time instructor and gained a turbo prop job; laid off from tp job in 08 and returned to engineering contracting again.
Just shows you can jump between engineering and flying and I expect I will for the remainder of my career.
Raven777, make the most of your design project because this is probably the last and only time you will design a whole aircraft. The majority of jobs in industry will only involve working on a a small part or a sub system of an aircraft and you will rarely see a whole airframe. There are exceptions, but many of the DEGs at Airbus these days rarely do anything technical they just manage and liases with sub contract houses. After a while you realise that mechanical engineering is pretty much the same irrespective of what vehicle the part or system is from.
Any of the companies where you could work on a whole airframe rarely got the thing certified and even rarer made any money (examples Farnborough F1, Centaur Seaplane , CMC Leopard).
I don't mean to sound negative, but the good thing about aero engineering is contract rates for mid-experienced engineers are in the region of 28-35 pounds per hour.
