Uni or not? (Merged 2013)
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Just to add my few pence worth to this thread.
Like probably many others (I use that phrase loosely) - I have an undergraduate and postgraduate degree behind me. Whilst a student I pretty much couldn't afford anything, let alone afford to learn to fly "off my own back".
Did it help me?!
Well apart from being seen as "educated" which in my culture is seen as being negatively portrayed if you do not have a degree but there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that those without a degree are not successful and in fact a few people I know have gone on to become millionaires through luck and grafting having the balls to shun both college and university.
University will give you opportunities to experience a life which is set around people of similar mindset's to you. As already pointed out getting involved in extra curricular activities such as the annual trek to Nepal, raising money for the charity during the annual "RAG" week or even joining an "Air Squadron" and having some fun at the same time! Meeting people and opening your mind to new experiences and making friends along the way.
What it did do for me though.. is allow me to target openings to firm's that allowed me to skill up in technology and cut loose as a Contractor which has pretty much allowed me to travel and see the world.. and paid for the first stage of my license!
Throughout university I worked as a Bus Driver with a PSV License.. whilst friends flipped burgers in McDonalds or did other jobs.. I loved the feel of being out driving around as a 20 year old and iit paid for "tuition" and I got comfortable.
Even now I could walk into a PSV Operation and work part time if I needed.. The license like flying will be there for life (subject to Medical).
Use university as a "stepping stone" to a different chapter.. but the comments about it not allowing you to fly internationally or fly at all for that matter are nonsense!
Like probably many others (I use that phrase loosely) - I have an undergraduate and postgraduate degree behind me. Whilst a student I pretty much couldn't afford anything, let alone afford to learn to fly "off my own back".
Did it help me?!
Well apart from being seen as "educated" which in my culture is seen as being negatively portrayed if you do not have a degree but there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that those without a degree are not successful and in fact a few people I know have gone on to become millionaires through luck and grafting having the balls to shun both college and university.
University will give you opportunities to experience a life which is set around people of similar mindset's to you. As already pointed out getting involved in extra curricular activities such as the annual trek to Nepal, raising money for the charity during the annual "RAG" week or even joining an "Air Squadron" and having some fun at the same time! Meeting people and opening your mind to new experiences and making friends along the way.
What it did do for me though.. is allow me to target openings to firm's that allowed me to skill up in technology and cut loose as a Contractor which has pretty much allowed me to travel and see the world.. and paid for the first stage of my license!
Throughout university I worked as a Bus Driver with a PSV License.. whilst friends flipped burgers in McDonalds or did other jobs.. I loved the feel of being out driving around as a 20 year old and iit paid for "tuition" and I got comfortable.
Even now I could walk into a PSV Operation and work part time if I needed.. The license like flying will be there for life (subject to Medical).
Use university as a "stepping stone" to a different chapter.. but the comments about it not allowing you to fly internationally or fly at all for that matter are nonsense!
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If I can add my $0.02, I've just finished my second year of a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. My instructor told me about a student who got his CPL - that is, with no degree - at 19, and the week after obtaining his CPL, was working up in North Queensland.
My pathway is to hold both a CPL and an MECIR, as well as my BA, by the end of 2016, by which time I'll be 22.
The way I see it, if nothing else, a degree will show dedication to the completion of a task, and I think CFIs will take this into account. Not to mention I've really enjoyed my two years so far.
In Oz, at least, while a degree isn't required to work in the airlines, it's common knowledge that an airline like Qantas (if they're even around when it's time for me to apply for the airlines) wants their pilots to have a formal education outside aviation.
My pathway is to hold both a CPL and an MECIR, as well as my BA, by the end of 2016, by which time I'll be 22.
The way I see it, if nothing else, a degree will show dedication to the completion of a task, and I think CFIs will take this into account. Not to mention I've really enjoyed my two years so far.
In Oz, at least, while a degree isn't required to work in the airlines, it's common knowledge that an airline like Qantas (if they're even around when it's time for me to apply for the airlines) wants their pilots to have a formal education outside aviation.
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Aspirant pilot needs advice :)
Hey guys,
New to this, and although it has been asked before i managed to not find anything in one place, so will ask everything here. Apologies if i wind you up with questions in a period where everyone deserves relax.
1) I'm finishing my 'A Levels' here in the UK, but I'm undecided if i should go to a university in USA to study pilot studies where after 4 years you become a pilot with all the licenses, or should i go for the modular route and complete my PPL in the USA (EASA) and then Oxford to do ATPL/CPL.
2) Will it be worth going to a USA university to complete my pilot training or shall i do it pay as you go from private pilot training schools?
3) Which are the best unis, apart from ERAU and EDU that do the pilot training course? People told me to call them but upon calling them, they said they do some type of Aeronautical Science which allows you to be a pilot (??) - If you think private pilot schools, which one is the most reliable and can vouch for to get my PPL?
4) I've got offers from top Law schools in the UK (I applied to do Law in uni), such as Durham, UCL. But will it be worth it to spend 3 years doing Law undergraduate and then spend another year or two to finish off my pilot training? By the time i'll be a pilot i'll be close to 23-24. I know it's not related but i had interest in Law before i fancied a career in Aviation.
Thanks in advance peeps and merry Xmas
New to this, and although it has been asked before i managed to not find anything in one place, so will ask everything here. Apologies if i wind you up with questions in a period where everyone deserves relax.
1) I'm finishing my 'A Levels' here in the UK, but I'm undecided if i should go to a university in USA to study pilot studies where after 4 years you become a pilot with all the licenses, or should i go for the modular route and complete my PPL in the USA (EASA) and then Oxford to do ATPL/CPL.
2) Will it be worth going to a USA university to complete my pilot training or shall i do it pay as you go from private pilot training schools?
3) Which are the best unis, apart from ERAU and EDU that do the pilot training course? People told me to call them but upon calling them, they said they do some type of Aeronautical Science which allows you to be a pilot (??) - If you think private pilot schools, which one is the most reliable and can vouch for to get my PPL?
4) I've got offers from top Law schools in the UK (I applied to do Law in uni), such as Durham, UCL. But will it be worth it to spend 3 years doing Law undergraduate and then spend another year or two to finish off my pilot training? By the time i'll be a pilot i'll be close to 23-24. I know it's not related but i had interest in Law before i fancied a career in Aviation.
Thanks in advance peeps and merry Xmas
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Aspirant pilot needs advice :)
With the market as it is, I would get my law degree and fly as a hobby.
Sorry to be the first and to be so negative.
I do wish you the best in whatever choice you subsequently make however, and a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you.
Sorry to be the first and to be so negative.
I do wish you the best in whatever choice you subsequently make however, and a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you.
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Aspirant pilot needs advice :)
My advice would be to go and get your law degree. Fly as a hobby in the meantime and get a feel for the industry.
After you have got your law degree make another informed decision on the merits of gaining an ATPL.
Good luck.
After you have got your law degree make another informed decision on the merits of gaining an ATPL.
Good luck.
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Thanks guys, negative is better, at least i know what's going on
My main question tho, is should i do the pilot training in an American university spending 4 years (which i heard airlines like it, doing it as a unit degree) or should i go and follow my friends, and do it PAYasYouGo?(which i heard Airlines don't like it very much because it has not been done in one go. They've done PPL and hour building in USA, ATPL and CPL at Oxford.
Merry XMas eveyone and have a wonderful new year!
My main question tho, is should i do the pilot training in an American university spending 4 years (which i heard airlines like it, doing it as a unit degree) or should i go and follow my friends, and do it PAYasYouGo?(which i heard Airlines don't like it very much because it has not been done in one go. They've done PPL and hour building in USA, ATPL and CPL at Oxford.
Merry XMas eveyone and have a wonderful new year!
Last edited by Rian711; 26th Dec 2014 at 11:01.
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University vs Pilot School HELP PLEASE!
Hi everyone,
My name is Isaac and I am currently sudying British Secondary Education in Spain. My dream is to become a professional pilot.
My big doubt is weather I should go straight to somewhare like CTC, or maybe study Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies. I quite like the second option, because I have something to fall back on, but my priority is becomeing a pilot and I don't want to spend 3 years at uni to then have to spend another 2 in a pilot school while acummulating debt and not having a job.
My name is Isaac and I am currently sudying British Secondary Education in Spain. My dream is to become a professional pilot.
My big doubt is weather I should go straight to somewhare like CTC, or maybe study Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies. I quite like the second option, because I have something to fall back on, but my priority is becomeing a pilot and I don't want to spend 3 years at uni to then have to spend another 2 in a pilot school while acummulating debt and not having a job.
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Go to Uni
Isaac go to Uni first! The experience will bring you more maturity and personality, and before embarking in any kind of flight training do a PPL because maybe you will realise that flying is not what you had thought at the beginning!
Buenos vuelos!
Buenos vuelos!
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Hello boys and girls! I'm new to the forum and I see that questions like these have been answered before but my situation is a little different so I'll try here.
I am 22 years old and I'm just about to graduate from University with a degree in economics. As a Private Pilot I have decided that I want to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. Now, my goal is to get through the training and work my way up to an Airline which nowadays is not a peace of a cake anymore. But, in the future, even if chances are slim, I would perhaps want to be able to take my career to another level by becoming a civil test pilot, becoming a consultant or many of the other roads a civilian pilot could follow. I know that a technical degree is beneficial if you are aiming towards these things but I am not sure if I really want to study 3 or 5 more years pursuing a engineering degree or the like just for the fun of learning and getting the degree. So I am in need of some advice. Is it worth pursuing it with the potential benefits for my flying career or is it best just to start flying which is my passion.
Thanks!
I am 22 years old and I'm just about to graduate from University with a degree in economics. As a Private Pilot I have decided that I want to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. Now, my goal is to get through the training and work my way up to an Airline which nowadays is not a peace of a cake anymore. But, in the future, even if chances are slim, I would perhaps want to be able to take my career to another level by becoming a civil test pilot, becoming a consultant or many of the other roads a civilian pilot could follow. I know that a technical degree is beneficial if you are aiming towards these things but I am not sure if I really want to study 3 or 5 more years pursuing a engineering degree or the like just for the fun of learning and getting the degree. So I am in need of some advice. Is it worth pursuing it with the potential benefits for my flying career or is it best just to start flying which is my passion.
Thanks!
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I had the choice of continuing with education, but after A Levels, I was well settled with the idea of going straight into training. Best decision I ever made, younger the better
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Not another uni thread!
Hey guys, so first off this isn't really a "should I or shouldn't I go to uni" thread, it's a smidge different and I was hoping to get your viewpoints.
So I did my schooling in Canada, where we don't have GCSEs and A Levels. I did an equivalency through NARIC and all I really got out of it was a certificate that said I have a "GCSE level of education" - nothing specific. Now, I'm already planning on going to uni through long-distance education either through the Open University or University of London's program. My question boils down to this: Will (generally speaking, because I know there are a ton of factors that go into this) an airline prefer that I do A Levels, or even upgrade my GCSEs, or would being enrolled and studying at a university be more beneficial and I wouldn't really need to bother with A Levels?
Cheers
So I did my schooling in Canada, where we don't have GCSEs and A Levels. I did an equivalency through NARIC and all I really got out of it was a certificate that said I have a "GCSE level of education" - nothing specific. Now, I'm already planning on going to uni through long-distance education either through the Open University or University of London's program. My question boils down to this: Will (generally speaking, because I know there are a ton of factors that go into this) an airline prefer that I do A Levels, or even upgrade my GCSEs, or would being enrolled and studying at a university be more beneficial and I wouldn't really need to bother with A Levels?
Cheers
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As far as my knowledge about the uk academy qualifications are, I am quite sure you can't enroll into an uni degree without having A-levels. Just for curiosity, does your actual level of education allows you to step directly into uni in Canada? If yes the best option might be to get a degree in Canada and then move to uk. Even so the actual hiring situation in EU is very bad and in my opinion, you should stay and get your license as well as start your career there. It's far cheaper and there are more chance to find a job than EU. Think twice before moving and if you have already done it, go back in Canada if you want a proper job without paying for any single rating or even for a job. Anyway gcses are required to start an atpl course, but obviously good A-levels or even a uni degree looks better in a CV.
Last edited by pakythepilot; 23rd Mar 2015 at 10:42.
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Uni advice
Hi all,
I am 18, almost 19 years old and am studying management at university here in England, however it has always been my ambition to become a pilot, preferably working for an airline. Apart from piloting, no other job seems interesting to me, and my course is getting ridiculously boring, as I have been there for about 5 months and am yet to find a bit of what I am doing that I would want to work in, I feel any job related to management isn't for me, and I find it very tedious, however all of my friends doing the course all love it, which must mean I should enjoy some aspect a little in theory? However it almost scares me that this could be my future. I am at university as my dad was reluctant to help fund my flying due to no guarantee of a job once id gained the sufficient licences and hours, and wants me to get a backup. After looking at many university courses I found none that stood out, so I chose one focusing on management and it, thinking I would like some aspect enough to want a job in the sector, however it has just reaffirmed to me the fact that the job I truly have a passion to attain has no equal, and a job in management or it would not be for me, especially after being in many offices and seeing the day to day life of someone in a similar role, I have absolutely no interest, that and the fact that I will amass a debt in the tens of thousands if I continue. I understand fully that my dad wants me to have a backup plan in place in the event I cannot fly any longer, however a related job, such as a pilot not working for an airline working charter flights, or working as an ATC actually interest me. And if I couldn't find a job inside aviation, something more physical and practical, such as working in public services, such as in the police, as a coast guard, firefighter etc. would make me much happier than a job related to the subjects I am specialising in at university. I have another 3 years at university however completing this degree, to me, seems a waste of time as I would look for a job outside of related fields in order to be happy, as I feel that while money is somewhat important, what is the point in spending the majority of your life doing something you borderline detest? I am just looking for some guidance and I thank you all for reading.
I am 18, almost 19 years old and am studying management at university here in England, however it has always been my ambition to become a pilot, preferably working for an airline. Apart from piloting, no other job seems interesting to me, and my course is getting ridiculously boring, as I have been there for about 5 months and am yet to find a bit of what I am doing that I would want to work in, I feel any job related to management isn't for me, and I find it very tedious, however all of my friends doing the course all love it, which must mean I should enjoy some aspect a little in theory? However it almost scares me that this could be my future. I am at university as my dad was reluctant to help fund my flying due to no guarantee of a job once id gained the sufficient licences and hours, and wants me to get a backup. After looking at many university courses I found none that stood out, so I chose one focusing on management and it, thinking I would like some aspect enough to want a job in the sector, however it has just reaffirmed to me the fact that the job I truly have a passion to attain has no equal, and a job in management or it would not be for me, especially after being in many offices and seeing the day to day life of someone in a similar role, I have absolutely no interest, that and the fact that I will amass a debt in the tens of thousands if I continue. I understand fully that my dad wants me to have a backup plan in place in the event I cannot fly any longer, however a related job, such as a pilot not working for an airline working charter flights, or working as an ATC actually interest me. And if I couldn't find a job inside aviation, something more physical and practical, such as working in public services, such as in the police, as a coast guard, firefighter etc. would make me much happier than a job related to the subjects I am specialising in at university. I have another 3 years at university however completing this degree, to me, seems a waste of time as I would look for a job outside of related fields in order to be happy, as I feel that while money is somewhat important, what is the point in spending the majority of your life doing something you borderline detest? I am just looking for some guidance and I thank you all for reading.
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What are the realistic chances of me securing a job as aircrew in the FAA?
Okay, so I know the question in the title is a bit of a broad one, but let me explain.
I have offers from universities to study music production at degree level. I applied to university as I didn't want to risk failing to land a place elsewhere and being stuck at home after my A levels. Since recieving my offers I have been speaking with old friends of mine who have since applied to the military, and annoyingly it has reignited my initial dreams of being aircrew in the military. For various reasons I have always wanted to be a pilot, however due to my not 20/20 vision, the RAF never really posed as a choice, and for that reason I looked into the Navy and for a long while I was set on joining. My dilemma is that although I have heard about how great an officer career in the Navy can be - I don't see myself sticking out a job in Warfare or anything other than aircrew for that matter. Realistically, If I was to get through FAT's, the AIB and all the medicals etc, how is the current situation on drafts for the FAA and do I stand any chance of becoming a pilot? I am very lucky to recieve the offers I did from university, but I would happily sacrifice that place if there was a fair chance I could land a place at BRNC.
I know you can't answer for certain, but I suppose I'm basically asking is if the RN are taking on pilots?
Sorry for the lengthy question, and thank you in advance for any responses.
I have offers from universities to study music production at degree level. I applied to university as I didn't want to risk failing to land a place elsewhere and being stuck at home after my A levels. Since recieving my offers I have been speaking with old friends of mine who have since applied to the military, and annoyingly it has reignited my initial dreams of being aircrew in the military. For various reasons I have always wanted to be a pilot, however due to my not 20/20 vision, the RAF never really posed as a choice, and for that reason I looked into the Navy and for a long while I was set on joining. My dilemma is that although I have heard about how great an officer career in the Navy can be - I don't see myself sticking out a job in Warfare or anything other than aircrew for that matter. Realistically, If I was to get through FAT's, the AIB and all the medicals etc, how is the current situation on drafts for the FAA and do I stand any chance of becoming a pilot? I am very lucky to recieve the offers I did from university, but I would happily sacrifice that place if there was a fair chance I could land a place at BRNC.
I know you can't answer for certain, but I suppose I'm basically asking is if the RN are taking on pilots?
Sorry for the lengthy question, and thank you in advance for any responses.
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What to do, work and save or College.
Hey all,
Thought i would put up a thread on my position on deciding whether to go to college, stay in my full time job with decent pay, save up for the next while and fund an Integrated ATPL course.
Im 26 now, I have a few hours logged so far doing PPL. I am currently employed the last 9 years. I still have the position for the next 11 years all going well if i want. What I was thinking was leaving next year to go to UNI to do a degree. At that stage if i graduated i would be 30-31 years of age. In between that and now I will be applying for Aer Lingus cadetship, which is quite hard to get a place. I have the level of education required to apply so why not, but previous cadets that were chosen had graduated with impressive degrees etc.
So this had me thinking. Having the military behind me and other things could stand to me i dont know, but i will find out.
Would saving for the next while be the right move, as I could shoot myself in the foot leaving a full time position, go to uni with no money for the next few years but yet i could be saving for that time in work? Possibly do a part time course in the evenings, I doubt i will be overseas for the next while so could be an option.
What would some people do in my position?
I know this thread should probably be for a careers advisor lol but anyway, someone might have done this, the advice i need could be here, or ideas.
Little long but just looking to see other thoughts. Thanks
Thought i would put up a thread on my position on deciding whether to go to college, stay in my full time job with decent pay, save up for the next while and fund an Integrated ATPL course.
Im 26 now, I have a few hours logged so far doing PPL. I am currently employed the last 9 years. I still have the position for the next 11 years all going well if i want. What I was thinking was leaving next year to go to UNI to do a degree. At that stage if i graduated i would be 30-31 years of age. In between that and now I will be applying for Aer Lingus cadetship, which is quite hard to get a place. I have the level of education required to apply so why not, but previous cadets that were chosen had graduated with impressive degrees etc.
So this had me thinking. Having the military behind me and other things could stand to me i dont know, but i will find out.
Would saving for the next while be the right move, as I could shoot myself in the foot leaving a full time position, go to uni with no money for the next few years but yet i could be saving for that time in work? Possibly do a part time course in the evenings, I doubt i will be overseas for the next while so could be an option.
What would some people do in my position?
I know this thread should probably be for a careers advisor lol but anyway, someone might have done this, the advice i need could be here, or ideas.
Little long but just looking to see other thoughts. Thanks
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Just a question,
You go to uni, gain a degree and start flying training. You get a job with a very good airline on decent Ts and Cs.
Unfortunately at 45 you lose your med cat and therefore cannot continue as a pilot.
Exactly how is the degree you have going to help you? It was completed 22 years ago and you are no more qualified and less current than all of the recent graduates in said field. You have also demonstrated that you would rather do something else than employed in that role.
I read a lot here about " something to fall back on " and it may well be exactly that but in many cases it wont be.
Im not trying to burst any bubbles here I just want people to make the most informed decision.
I meet many people who due lack of knowledge are making or have made the wrong decision.
You go to uni, gain a degree and start flying training. You get a job with a very good airline on decent Ts and Cs.
Unfortunately at 45 you lose your med cat and therefore cannot continue as a pilot.
Exactly how is the degree you have going to help you? It was completed 22 years ago and you are no more qualified and less current than all of the recent graduates in said field. You have also demonstrated that you would rather do something else than employed in that role.
I read a lot here about " something to fall back on " and it may well be exactly that but in many cases it wont be.
Im not trying to burst any bubbles here I just want people to make the most informed decision.
I meet many people who due lack of knowledge are making or have made the wrong decision.
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Need advise on the path to becoming a Pilot (for an airline)?
Hi PPruNe
I'm currently pursuing my BEng in Aeronautical Engineering. (note: By the time I finish my degree I would be 23 y/o.) After which I plan to undergo pilot training.
However, I want tocomplete a masters in Air Transport Management (1 year) or Airport Planning and Management (1 year) from Cranfield University after my BEng.
My question is, should I directly pursue pilot training after my degree is over? or should I complete my masters before pursuing pilot training? If I do the latter I would be 25 y/o by the time I begin pilot training... feel as though that would put me at a disadvantage when applying to become a starting first officer.
My eventual career goal is to be in a high level management position of an airline while also being a pilot.
Looking forward to some thorough advise. Thank you.
I'm currently pursuing my BEng in Aeronautical Engineering. (note: By the time I finish my degree I would be 23 y/o.) After which I plan to undergo pilot training.
However, I want tocomplete a masters in Air Transport Management (1 year) or Airport Planning and Management (1 year) from Cranfield University after my BEng.
My question is, should I directly pursue pilot training after my degree is over? or should I complete my masters before pursuing pilot training? If I do the latter I would be 25 y/o by the time I begin pilot training... feel as though that would put me at a disadvantage when applying to become a starting first officer.
My eventual career goal is to be in a high level management position of an airline while also being a pilot.
Looking forward to some thorough advise. Thank you.