Education: What A Levels and Degree (if any)?!(Apr '09)
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It does matter where you are. In many countries, other countries' degrees are not recognised for job qualification purposes. There are several good reasons for this; a US MBA, for instance, would have little relevance in UK.
Scroggs
Scroggs
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I am 13 and by the time i get to let say 20 and i have good degrees and $h*t..technology might have already changed..there might not even need a pilot to fly a plane
i went inside a cockpit which was shown by the captain himself and i saw how different it was 2-3 years ago. I dont know how fast technology would grow..should i try my best to fufill my dreams trying my best to improve my shaky maths and pretty good science or just forget about it
J_R
i went inside a cockpit which was shown by the captain himself and i saw how different it was 2-3 years ago. I dont know how fast technology would grow..should i try my best to fufill my dreams trying my best to improve my shaky maths and pretty good science or just forget about it J_R
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Education A Level/AS Degree/BS Degree
Chaps,
With all the threads on education and which level should be reached ideally, I have some questions remaining. I have decided to take the cabair modular route (Due to job) but having originally looked at a full time course, it would appear A Level/Degree are minimum requirement, especially in Math’s and Physics. Since I have GCSE's and A-Levels, but not exactly spectacular grades, I was contemplating taking them again.
If you would have the option, would you do?
1. 2 A Levels – Math’s/Physics
2. Online Aviation Associate Degree from a US University
Thanks
With all the threads on education and which level should be reached ideally, I have some questions remaining. I have decided to take the cabair modular route (Due to job) but having originally looked at a full time course, it would appear A Level/Degree are minimum requirement, especially in Math’s and Physics. Since I have GCSE's and A-Levels, but not exactly spectacular grades, I was contemplating taking them again.
If you would have the option, would you do?
1. 2 A Levels – Math’s/Physics
2. Online Aviation Associate Degree from a US University
Thanks
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If you want to do an Aviation degree and stay in the UK, related to becoming a pilot, London Metropolitan University does one. Its called Aviation Management and Operations (Pilots Pathway). Its only a two year foundation degree but involves the basics of aviation and also includes the 6 month residential course for your ATPL's that London Metropolitan do. The degree also involves you getting a PPL and CPL however this must be funded by yourself and can be done anywhere.
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or maybe you can train to become a cadet pilot in hk for a start. Cathay pacific requirements only need these to become a cadet pilot and as you work your way up.
5 passes in HKCEE / GCSE (O Level), including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in HKAL / GCE A Level, preferably in Science
OR
a Degree or Diploma in any discipline (or the equivalent educational standard obtained overseas)
i have no idea what i am taking about now....
...
5 passes in HKCEE / GCSE (O Level), including Physics and Mathematics, together with 2 passes in HKAL / GCE A Level, preferably in Science
OR
a Degree or Diploma in any discipline (or the equivalent educational standard obtained overseas)
i have no idea what i am taking about now.......
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university
I'm about ot start sixth form and i want to go to university. I was just wondering if there is a degree that will help my chances of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Also if theres any advice on sponsorship. How, where to go and what to do ?
Because i think getting a commercial pilots licence is bloody expensive.
Also if theres any advice on sponsorship. How, where to go and what to do ?
Because i think getting a commercial pilots licence is bloody expensive.
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Hey, i dont know to much really, i am more or less where you are just alot older =(
But here is what i have made out so far, be it wrong or write? A Degree is a good thing to have, makes you stand out and gives you a fall back option as well as increasing knowledge and just making you a mature adult i guess. I have got a Uni course studying Airline transport and pilot skills and they offer a Cabair training scheme also, i think this is great but i am not too sure about Cabair?
I applied to CTC Wings as i belive this is the best course, and if i was 18 again i would apply and if they said no then i would do a degree and apply again after. CTC Wings felt more secure than CCAT or OAT.
But here is what i have made out so far, be it wrong or write? A Degree is a good thing to have, makes you stand out and gives you a fall back option as well as increasing knowledge and just making you a mature adult i guess. I have got a Uni course studying Airline transport and pilot skills and they offer a Cabair training scheme also, i think this is great but i am not too sure about Cabair?
I applied to CTC Wings as i belive this is the best course, and if i was 18 again i would apply and if they said no then i would do a degree and apply again after. CTC Wings felt more secure than CCAT or OAT.
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Personally I abandoned a-levels to fly, and came out smelling of roses. I know this is only an option if youve got the money, and depends on lots of factors like the job market. I wont even pretend it wasnt a hard road, but its something to think about. All the time youre in School/College/University you wont have a frozen ATPL and therefore noone will give you a job.
Its my observation that those airlines running sponsorships ask for a level of acedemic achievement (e.g. A levels) in order that they can sleep safe at night in the knowledge your'e not going to waste their money failing the exams.
On the other hand I know of at least one person who got on to a sponsored course which asked for 2 a-levels, he had none but had already passed the ATPL writtens. Given that you'd have to do these anyhow, it might be worth giving this avenue a look.
If you are resigned to doing a-levels then how about dropping the UCAS points scoring crap like general studies etc, do 2 reasonable a-levels and look at doing an open study course for the technical subjects at the same time, after all, the dates that you take the exams for these will be flexible as well. Its also worth looking at doing a PPL at the same time. However you occupy the bulk of your time, the more flying you do the better!
regards and the best of luck!
HS125
Its my observation that those airlines running sponsorships ask for a level of acedemic achievement (e.g. A levels) in order that they can sleep safe at night in the knowledge your'e not going to waste their money failing the exams.
On the other hand I know of at least one person who got on to a sponsored course which asked for 2 a-levels, he had none but had already passed the ATPL writtens. Given that you'd have to do these anyhow, it might be worth giving this avenue a look.
If you are resigned to doing a-levels then how about dropping the UCAS points scoring crap like general studies etc, do 2 reasonable a-levels and look at doing an open study course for the technical subjects at the same time, after all, the dates that you take the exams for these will be flexible as well. Its also worth looking at doing a PPL at the same time. However you occupy the bulk of your time, the more flying you do the better!
regards and the best of luck!
HS125
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From my point of view, regardless of whatever career you want to go into - a degree is a must.
From an aviation career perspective - in particular, the role of an airline pilot - I doubt that a 3/4 year degree (in terms of subject matter) - is going to make the difference between whether you make it or not.
But a degree offers you something, which, unless you've done it - you can't really comment upon.
We leave home (some of us - for the first time) - and learn to cook / clean (some of us do) / wash / iron. The important word here is that you develop some independence.
You've got to engage in some study at some point during the 3/4 year course. You learn self-discipline.
For those that decide to take their degree seriously and refuse to spend 3/4 years p*ssing it up against a wall - you also have to work bloody hard and occassionally make a few sacrifices to study when you'd rather be out having a bit of fun. Of course, here you learn to prioritise and show forward thinking
These skills are all extra-curricular, and usually form just a small part of actually learning something to do with your subject.
You grow up a lot between 18-22 - and your situation and responsibilities change. Your attitudes and goals can change - and you have a much clearer idea of a) Where you want to be, and b) How you're going to get there.
If I was to advise any young(ish) person of 16/17/18 years of age who was serious about becoming a pilot - I would advise going to university first. There's jobs out there now - they'll still be there in 3 or 4 years time. University is not just about a subject education - it's about a life education - and it will prove priceless in years to come.
From an aviation career perspective - in particular, the role of an airline pilot - I doubt that a 3/4 year degree (in terms of subject matter) - is going to make the difference between whether you make it or not.
But a degree offers you something, which, unless you've done it - you can't really comment upon.
We leave home (some of us - for the first time) - and learn to cook / clean (some of us do) / wash / iron. The important word here is that you develop some independence.
You've got to engage in some study at some point during the 3/4 year course. You learn self-discipline.
For those that decide to take their degree seriously and refuse to spend 3/4 years p*ssing it up against a wall - you also have to work bloody hard and occassionally make a few sacrifices to study when you'd rather be out having a bit of fun. Of course, here you learn to prioritise and show forward thinking
These skills are all extra-curricular, and usually form just a small part of actually learning something to do with your subject.
You grow up a lot between 18-22 - and your situation and responsibilities change. Your attitudes and goals can change - and you have a much clearer idea of a) Where you want to be, and b) How you're going to get there.
If I was to advise any young(ish) person of 16/17/18 years of age who was serious about becoming a pilot - I would advise going to university first. There's jobs out there now - they'll still be there in 3 or 4 years time. University is not just about a subject education - it's about a life education - and it will prove priceless in years to come.
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Well, i have found a good degree course (for most!)
having had a dream to fly since 5, and knowing that uni is a must - for experience and the qualification after, i tried to combine the two. check out BCUC (Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College - High Wycombe) providing i get the grade this summer - could be going onto Aviation Technology With Commercial Pilot Training - training for 3 years towards frozen ATPL along-side the degree.
check it out - they do it for just PPL too!
just thought i'd share it as it made me jump when i found out that you could do both!
having had a dream to fly since 5, and knowing that uni is a must - for experience and the qualification after, i tried to combine the two. check out BCUC (Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College - High Wycombe) providing i get the grade this summer - could be going onto Aviation Technology With Commercial Pilot Training - training for 3 years towards frozen ATPL along-side the degree.
check it out - they do it for just PPL too!
just thought i'd share it as it made me jump when i found out that you could do both!
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I've looked into that course out of interest and they're very helpful. I'm still not sure uni is for me, after doing a year at Leeds, so don't think i'll go for that sort of thing, but it's a possibility and i won't rule anything out just yet.
Delay in degree results?
HI-ive just finished university and am in the unfortuante position of having having (very likely) my degree clasification results withheld due to the lecturers strike.
This is obviously a big problem as i cant apply for work and flying school places until i have my degree classification to meet the min. entry requirements.
Does anybody in the know have any information about how flying school are coping with this?Is any special dispensation being made to accomadate this delay in grades-or do I have to wait until the lecturer strike is resolved?
Any information would be greatly appreciated,
SI
This is obviously a big problem as i cant apply for work and flying school places until i have my degree classification to meet the min. entry requirements.
Does anybody in the know have any information about how flying school are coping with this?Is any special dispensation being made to accomadate this delay in grades-or do I have to wait until the lecturer strike is resolved?
Any information would be greatly appreciated,
SI
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A flying school generally won't care if you have a degree or not. A 'sponsored' scheme such as CTC or a school such as Oxford that has a selection process (of sorts) will not require you to have a degree. I'm not aware of a recent (i.e.last few years) flying sponsorship/scholarship/call-it-what-you-want scheme ever requiring a degree from applicants. The norm is a requirement for A levels to a certain standard but nothing further. However, good work getting your course finished, hope the finals went well and good luck when the results finally arrive!
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With the degree of Engineering ..
I'm thiniking of becoming a pilot since i'm 13 years old and now I will be graduated on july this year with the Degree of Machanical Enigneering in Aberdeen finally. Do i still stand a chance to become a qualified commercial pilot? 
May i know what is the procedure to get the PPL ? Do i need to pass the Class II or Class I medical before getting the PPL ?
I really need some suggestions, many many thanks for helps ...
May i know what is the procedure to get the PPL ? Do i need to pass the Class II or Class I medical before getting the PPL ? I really need some suggestions, many many thanks for helps ...
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For your PPL you only need a class 2 medical. However for a commercial pilot you will need a class 1. In your PPL you will learn general handling, emergency procedures and navigation, if you go to your local flying school they will tell you exactly what is involved in getting the PPL. The commercial route is a long and hard process however if you are willing to put in the work then obviously your dream job will pay off. I suggest you do some of your own research into it. Talk to some flying schools look at a few posts on here and you will find lots of information on the different routes to become a commercial pilot. It does cost a lot of money and there are questions raised about how easy it is to get a job, but people are doing it and people are getting jobs so it is possible. Hope this helps.
Ed
Ed
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Hi, I've just left a Music Degree due to similar circumstances as Sicky and since I'm 22 I need to make some decisions fast!
I'm currently studying an A-Level in Physics and I am also planning to do a PPL licence in the mean time. Obviously I want to take the quickest route possible and be financing the right things. What chance does anyone think I would have of getting on to any kind of Cadet scheme with a only the one A-Level in Physics and a PPL Licence. Would the PPL make up for the missing A-Level, maybe a CPL, or am I just better off funding my own training through to ATPL?
What does anyone else think?
Thanks
Dan
I'm currently studying an A-Level in Physics and I am also planning to do a PPL licence in the mean time. Obviously I want to take the quickest route possible and be financing the right things. What chance does anyone think I would have of getting on to any kind of Cadet scheme with a only the one A-Level in Physics and a PPL Licence. Would the PPL make up for the missing A-Level, maybe a CPL, or am I just better off funding my own training through to ATPL?
What does anyone else think?
Thanks
Dan
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physics A-level should help, how you finding it btw? i have just done the last 2 exams in physics to complete the A level! the PPL shows your keen, but i think in general (maybe wrong) people/employers look for an all rounded individual, you know...leadership, willingness to learn etc which is shown i your degree! i have recently done a pilapt aptitude test to get into commercial training with cabair, and that includes a maths and physics test to GCSE standard - as i said, Physics A-level should help (and therefore would help you with maths) but hey! its really up to you - apparently there is a demand for pilots, but they offer no sponsorship (if you know of any, please shout, id love to know!) so maybe self funding is the way whilst keeping on writing to companies - im new to this all too, but 1 thing for sure, its well exciting! good luck!
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IwannaBflying,
Finding it ok so far thanks, its been so long since I studied Physics at school, well it seems like it anyway! How have you found the A-Level course? Bet your relieved to be coming to the end! How did the pilapt aptitude test go btw?
You made a good point about the PPL and what employers would look for. I have decided to do an English Language A-Level now so that I have the two, probably the safest bet!? I'm still going to go ahead with the PPL, mainly so I can be in the sky as soon as poss but also because I have found particular scholarships that it could be useful for. Here's one worth looking at called the J.M Summers ATPL scholarship http://www.gapan.org/careers/scholarships/schols06.htm .
I'm sure you must of heard of the CTC Wings scholarship from other forums. If not here it is anyway http://www.ctcaviation.com/wings/0402.html . Hope they are any use to you.
Thanks for your advice, good luck with Cabair!!
Finding it ok so far thanks, its been so long since I studied Physics at school, well it seems like it anyway! How have you found the A-Level course? Bet your relieved to be coming to the end! How did the pilapt aptitude test go btw?
You made a good point about the PPL and what employers would look for. I have decided to do an English Language A-Level now so that I have the two, probably the safest bet!? I'm still going to go ahead with the PPL, mainly so I can be in the sky as soon as poss but also because I have found particular scholarships that it could be useful for. Here's one worth looking at called the J.M Summers ATPL scholarship http://www.gapan.org/careers/scholarships/schols06.htm .
I'm sure you must of heard of the CTC Wings scholarship from other forums. If not here it is anyway http://www.ctcaviation.com/wings/0402.html . Hope they are any use to you.
Thanks for your advice, good luck with Cabair!!