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Advice
Hi all,
I’m currently a 2nd-year student at Victoria University of Wellington, studying Data Science and Information Systems. Recently, I’ve been seriously considering dropping out to pursue a career in aviation. The Air New Zealand Cadetship is opening soon, and I plan to apply, but I know it’s extremely competitive and the chances of getting in are slim. If that doesn’t work out, I’m unsure how realistic it is to fund flight training myself in New Zealand, as the costs are very high and would be a serious financial commitment. I’d love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation—switching from a non-aviation degree to flying, or leaving university entirely to chase a pilot career. How did you manage the costs, and was it worth it in the long run? I’m also wondering:
Any advice, personal experiences, or even cautionary tales would be really appreciated. I’m trying to balance my passion for flying with the reality of finances and job prospects, and hearing from those who’ve been there would be invaluable. Thanks in advance. |
Finish your degree. Start work in your field. Use all your spare income learning to fly and eventually a CPL. You can do this inside two years, ATPL and CPL theory will be childishly simple for anyone with a STEM based degree.
Thats it! Then join the endlessly long queue of freshly minted CPL holders looking for their first job. Jobs that will pay you a quarter of what you’re currently being paid in the data wrangling game.True, money isn’t everything and flying for a living is fun … until one day it isn’t. If and when that day ever comes, you will have the qualifications to ease back into I.T. ps.. airline flying ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. |
As someone who is working in an aviation data science related field, I offer the following.
You will get similar if not better pay, as an aviation data scientist. (Think net zero targets, fuel burn, contrail minimisation, etc) You will get every night/weekend at home. You will be able to make firm commitments beyond the next roster cycle. You can still work for an airline if you want. You will be able to afford to buy a house. You may even be able to afford to buy a house and do the type of flying you want to do. And lastly, most of the data jobs I know of are pretty much all WFH. Id stick with the degree... |
Similar advice. Continue the degree (or if it's stultifyingly boring, change the degree slightly to something that ignites your passion). It will be easier to get the degree now than later in your career whe you have increased responsibilities at work and at home.
Transitioning from study to 8 hours behind a desk might be a bit of a shock initially, it pays to have some outside pursuits to stimulate your brain and give your life some extra dimensions -> Pursue flying training outside of study/ work. |
...oh and if you stick with the degree. Do as many geospatial related subjects as you can.
Alpha |
Thankyou to all who have replied I will I think finish my degree first cause it’s still one of the best degrees you can study and see where that takes me and if I feel unfulfilled and uninspired like I am feeling right now studying the major I will then look to switch. 🙏🏽 Thankyou all
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Finish your degree and get a well paying job with your degree to finance your flight training. Train on the weekends or days off paying as you go. When you’re done and qualified for your first entry level flying job, expect a huge pay cut to gain the experience required for better paying flying positions. Best part doing it this way, you’ll be debt free and will have a back up career if things don’t go to plan or there’s a downturn in the aviation industry and you’re forced out of flying for period of time.
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I see you already have an ATPL?
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