Uni Degree
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Uni Degree
Hi guys,
What are your opinions in regards to obtaining a relevant degree in aviation? If you have one has this enhanced your career as a pilot?(not management) or is one better off just doing the relevant CPL ATpl etc and doing the hard yards up north etc. Is a degree relevant to GA or only airlines?
What are your opinions in regards to obtaining a relevant degree in aviation? If you have one has this enhanced your career as a pilot?(not management) or is one better off just doing the relevant CPL ATpl etc and doing the hard yards up north etc. Is a degree relevant to GA or only airlines?
Prevailing view on pprune seems to be that degrees dont help much. They do show that you can stick at something difficult i.e. commit to something, and they give you the opportunity to get some excellent contacts however.
I don't have one, and I'd wager the 2 posters above me don't have one either
I don't have one, and I'd wager the 2 posters above me don't have one either
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I have an Aviation Degree, and i must admit that whilst i do not regret doing my degree, this day and age your time and money could be better spent getting your CPL over with and getting straight out into the industry.
Having said that, if you plan on heading overseas, some European airlines require you to have an Aviation Degree. I Certainly made some good contacts/friends, and learnt more than you would learn from just doing your ATPL's thanks to specialist lecturers, but i have heard it direct from the horse's mouth(friend who at one stage was part of the selection panel for a prestigous airline).
Q: If you had two applicants that had the exact same Total time, except one had a degree who would you choose?
A: "Having an Aviation degree does not necessarily give someone that much of an advantage. The first thing we look for is Experience(or more accurately Age vs Experience-Total time), then we look at your Psyche(decision making skills, ability to lead etc). If SOMEHOW after all of this the two applicants were still on level playing field, then maybe an aviation degree would be a deciding factor in who gets the job, but this is very unlikely".
Having said that, if you plan on heading overseas, some European airlines require you to have an Aviation Degree. I Certainly made some good contacts/friends, and learnt more than you would learn from just doing your ATPL's thanks to specialist lecturers, but i have heard it direct from the horse's mouth(friend who at one stage was part of the selection panel for a prestigous airline).
Q: If you had two applicants that had the exact same Total time, except one had a degree who would you choose?
A: "Having an Aviation degree does not necessarily give someone that much of an advantage. The first thing we look for is Experience(or more accurately Age vs Experience-Total time), then we look at your Psyche(decision making skills, ability to lead etc). If SOMEHOW after all of this the two applicants were still on level playing field, then maybe an aviation degree would be a deciding factor in who gets the job, but this is very unlikely".
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I'm not so sure about a Bachelor of Aviation but a Bachelor of Science (Aviation) seems to translate a bit better even amongst pilot employers. The big difference, at least at ECU, seems to be replacing the physics and some other units with units like Maint Conrol or something like that (don't quote me).
I have a BSc (Aviation) and whilst it did take longer I am convinced that it afforded me the opportunity to learn in an environment in which I could pursue the depth of understanding I desired. Having said that, plenty of people in the degree coasted through and got passing marks.
Another great aspect of the degree was simply personal development. I chose a minor area of study totally different from Aviation and I'm very grateful for the skills it gave me.
If you've already got a CPL you can cut the degree down to two years from three (provided you're willing to do two more non-aviation make-up units).
Lastly, if you want a gig with QF and you haven't done the maths and physics HSCs a Bachelor's degree of any kind (Bachelor of Underwater Basket Weaving) will do.
FRQ CB
I have a BSc (Aviation) and whilst it did take longer I am convinced that it afforded me the opportunity to learn in an environment in which I could pursue the depth of understanding I desired. Having said that, plenty of people in the degree coasted through and got passing marks.
Another great aspect of the degree was simply personal development. I chose a minor area of study totally different from Aviation and I'm very grateful for the skills it gave me.
If you've already got a CPL you can cut the degree down to two years from three (provided you're willing to do two more non-aviation make-up units).
Lastly, if you want a gig with QF and you haven't done the maths and physics HSCs a Bachelor's degree of any kind (Bachelor of Underwater Basket Weaving) will do.
FRQ CB
Last edited by FRQ Charlie Bravo; 9th Nov 2008 at 14:41.
Go and do a non aviation Bachelor of something at a decent uni. Science, economics, whatever.
Then you have the grounds for a backup career if you lose your medical, and a degree that might help you to separate the wheat from the chaff in your flying career.
Remember, it's not necessarily what you learn in a Bachelor degree at uni - it's the skills you develop in learning that are valuable.
Then you have the grounds for a backup career if you lose your medical, and a degree that might help you to separate the wheat from the chaff in your flying career.
Remember, it's not necessarily what you learn in a Bachelor degree at uni - it's the skills you develop in learning that are valuable.
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I also have a Bsc (Civil Aviation) and agree with what FRQ Charlie Bravo said.
One other thing now worth considering is the fact that with an Aviation Degree, you can get your flying fees up to approx $82 000 put on a HELP debt (Interest free!). So if you are strapped for cash at the moment, this is definitely a good way to go.
One other thing now worth considering is the fact that with an Aviation Degree, you can get your flying fees up to approx $82 000 put on a HELP debt (Interest free!). So if you are strapped for cash at the moment, this is definitely a good way to go.
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I am in the same situation, applied for the Diploma course, and have a interview soon. Although, on the same day of the interview I also have a few other sessions booked with several flying schools.
I just want to get straight into it, and not to impressed with all the Uni fees.
I just want to get straight into it, and not to impressed with all the Uni fees.
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Yes, If being enrolled in a uni degree qualifies you for FEE HELP (to help pay for flying expenses) that would definitely be a big tick in the degree "Pro" box.
Horses for courses.
FRQ CB
Horses for courses.
FRQ CB
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Thanks for your advice guys.
I have been running my own business for the last 2 years, so hopefully that will count for something in regards to the future employments stakes, in the life experience category anyway.
I would love to be able to HECS the rest of my flight training but from what I can gather these are full time courses only, which is out of the question whilst running a small business.
I was actually looking at this CQUniversity Student Handbook
Or judging by the above advice I should probably just attend a good ground school for the relevant theory
I have been running my own business for the last 2 years, so hopefully that will count for something in regards to the future employments stakes, in the life experience category anyway.
I would love to be able to HECS the rest of my flight training but from what I can gather these are full time courses only, which is out of the question whilst running a small business.
I was actually looking at this CQUniversity Student Handbook
Or judging by the above advice I should probably just attend a good ground school for the relevant theory
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It can help, but
I have a masters in aviation management but did that after 30 years in the industry. Got me into a management position but I don't know if that would have happened if I did the degree first though
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Computer Science and currently doing Masters of Av Management. As people said above, it will pretty much not help you at all in getting that first (or second or third) job. Airlines say they like to see a degree because it shows commitment towards something long-term, but its still a weak factor in their decision to hire you compared to psyche and experience.
If you do a degree, do one in a completely different field as a backup plan. From what I've heard, you don't really learn anything in an Aviation degree that you wouldn't learn from CPL / ATPL studies or from just reading a book anyway.
toronto_flyer
If you do a degree, do one in a completely different field as a backup plan. From what I've heard, you don't really learn anything in an Aviation degree that you wouldn't learn from CPL / ATPL studies or from just reading a book anyway.
toronto_flyer
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Got a Bachelor of Nursing and as a result am now a registered nurse. 100% employment rate, a qualification that can take you to any country whenever you want, can be a lot of fun (and can also be utter ****e... much like aviation really) and the best part is that its not a desk job. Oh, and its only 3 years, its in the cheapest HECS band and was one of the few degrees that was able to avoid the 25% HECS price rise a few years ago.
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BSc (Chemistry) never used it..went to University to play basketball and look at the girls..waste of time. Now I'm 35 with my first turbine job..5 years behind
On second thoughts..the girls were worth it!
On second thoughts..the girls were worth it!
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Stallie's post is succinctly pertinent ..
Keep in mind that one of the risks of flying is the possibility of medical disqualification and .. out you go. Depending on the marketplace, most flying jobs should be viewed as being a bit tenous when it comes to longevity.
Having a (marketable) degree gives you either a fall back or a second career while you are flying as well as a fall back. Aviation degrees probably are a bit too narrow to fit this definition comfortably and are better viewed as indicating a study and application attitude which the other guy has to demonstrate by other means. However, a useful aviation degree .. especially if you back it up with an MBA or accounting/law degree .. might open a few doors in airline management.
I can think of a number of airline folk who went down this sort of path .. a number of Oz airline folk with engineering, science, etc degrees. Indeed, I can bring to mind one fine fellow, now long retired, who flew for ANA years ago, then picked up his medical tickets, worked forever as a GP ... picked up an electronics engineering degree .. and then made a further fortune in avionics... well known to many of the older pilot fraternity in the SE quarter.
Do the airlines have much interest ? .. hard to say. Certainly my engineering background gave me some credit for having far fewer hours than my colleagues when it came to getting into airline flying. So, for instance, on my airline intake, I was the second oldest (by a month or two) .. had about a tenth of his hours ... and half the hours of the youngest ...
Does a university qualification make you a wonder boy ? .. of course not and, in general, little, if any, of the stuff you study has any direct relevance to the flying game.
Keep in mind that one of the risks of flying is the possibility of medical disqualification and .. out you go. Depending on the marketplace, most flying jobs should be viewed as being a bit tenous when it comes to longevity.
Having a (marketable) degree gives you either a fall back or a second career while you are flying as well as a fall back. Aviation degrees probably are a bit too narrow to fit this definition comfortably and are better viewed as indicating a study and application attitude which the other guy has to demonstrate by other means. However, a useful aviation degree .. especially if you back it up with an MBA or accounting/law degree .. might open a few doors in airline management.
I can think of a number of airline folk who went down this sort of path .. a number of Oz airline folk with engineering, science, etc degrees. Indeed, I can bring to mind one fine fellow, now long retired, who flew for ANA years ago, then picked up his medical tickets, worked forever as a GP ... picked up an electronics engineering degree .. and then made a further fortune in avionics... well known to many of the older pilot fraternity in the SE quarter.
Do the airlines have much interest ? .. hard to say. Certainly my engineering background gave me some credit for having far fewer hours than my colleagues when it came to getting into airline flying. So, for instance, on my airline intake, I was the second oldest (by a month or two) .. had about a tenth of his hours ... and half the hours of the youngest ...
Does a university qualification make you a wonder boy ? .. of course not and, in general, little, if any, of the stuff you study has any direct relevance to the flying game.
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WilliamOK,
I've got a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce but I'm employed as a pilot. It's of no assistance to me in my current position but hopefully it'll help me one day... probably when I'm old and can't see past the glareshield!
I don't think going straight into the industry is a bad idea providing that you have the maturity and that you're certain that it's what you want to do. I could have saved 5 years of my life by going straight into flying but it would have been an audacious move in hindsight... particularly given the cyclical nature of the industry.
I've got a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce but I'm employed as a pilot. It's of no assistance to me in my current position but hopefully it'll help me one day... probably when I'm old and can't see past the glareshield!
I don't think going straight into the industry is a bad idea providing that you have the maturity and that you're certain that it's what you want to do. I could have saved 5 years of my life by going straight into flying but it would have been an audacious move in hindsight... particularly given the cyclical nature of the industry.
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Having a Bachelor of Aviation degree and the relevant flying qualifications have a number of advantages:
It puts you further up the queue when applying for a job in an airline.
It gives you a head start for any pilot management position.
It is a backstop if you ever lose your medical.
It gives you a much better knowledge of the total aviation environment.
There are some overseas airlines that require a degree as a condition of employment.
It puts you further up the queue when applying for a job in an airline.
It gives you a head start for any pilot management position.
It is a backstop if you ever lose your medical.
It gives you a much better knowledge of the total aviation environment.
There are some overseas airlines that require a degree as a condition of employment.
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I am in year 12 and have applied for both Architectural and Industrial Design degrees. These I know won't have any affect on gaining employment in Aviation...
Mostly I wanted to know if it was possible to do both design and flying, which I think I might be able to pull off.
One thing that I am definately concerned about is the nature of the industry in that if you get your timing wrong can end up never getting to the top, the cyclical nature as cudza puts it. Hence, I want to have the ability to fall back onto something else I enjoy doing.
Anyway this is getting a little off the topic.
Mostly I wanted to know if it was possible to do both design and flying, which I think I might be able to pull off.
One thing that I am definately concerned about is the nature of the industry in that if you get your timing wrong can end up never getting to the top, the cyclical nature as cudza puts it. Hence, I want to have the ability to fall back onto something else I enjoy doing.
Anyway this is getting a little off the topic.