The Time Has Come - What Shall I Do
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Time Has Come - What Shall I Do
The time has come for me to begin to think what im going to do after college, im taking my AS level exams in January and will be aplying to Universities in the summer so i need to begin to think what i am going to do.
Wilkl i go to university and study for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering or one of the more Aviation orientated degrees or shall i get my self a job and a professional studies loan and begin to hour build abroad then do my CPL etc...
I was just wondering if anyone had any advice about what they would do in my situation and also the best places to train or hour build around the world with average prices etc...
Thanks in advance and Merry XMAS
Wilkl i go to university and study for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering or one of the more Aviation orientated degrees or shall i get my self a job and a professional studies loan and begin to hour build abroad then do my CPL etc...
I was just wondering if anyone had any advice about what they would do in my situation and also the best places to train or hour build around the world with average prices etc...
Thanks in advance and Merry XMAS
Chieftan o'the Pudden Race
Join Date: Nov 1997
Location: Scotland usually, and often other parts of Europe
Age: 55
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do the degree. Aeronautical Engineering is, I believe, quite a useful one to have. (Maybe Tunneler can give you a bit more info on this). Having a secondary career to fall back on should the aviation career not quite go according to plan is a very useful.
Also there are other useful attractions to going to University such as the UAS, beer, lose women and beer. It also gives you an extra three or four years to contemplate all the options.
Aviation is not the healthiest industry at the moment, so it may make sense to wait a while to see what happens with the world economy and various wars.
Also there are other useful attractions to going to University such as the UAS, beer, lose women and beer. It also gives you an extra three or four years to contemplate all the options.
Aviation is not the healthiest industry at the moment, so it may make sense to wait a while to see what happens with the world economy and various wars.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: In an office job
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At 27 with a degree in mechanical engineering and a HND in aeronautical engineering, I have managed to start a career as a project/systems engineer that gave me a small head start in salary. Being in this situation has made me feel more secure about my future as a ‘pilot to be’ or not and also put me in a more financial safe position to pursue my ambition to be a pilot. The downside is that it is 6 or more years (after paying off uni debts and getting your own house) less of my life that I will not be a pilot. But in return you will always have something to fall back on, a great experience of uni life which will always be remembered, and now that I am currently studying for my ATPLs the degree has given me a quicker and easier understanding of most of the engineering related subjects. I would not change my route if I could do it all again.
Hope this helps you make a decision
mint
Hope this helps you make a decision
mint
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Age: 43
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree. I regret missing out on the university experience and after Sept 11 somewhat regretted going straight into the airline industry. Its good to have something else to fall back on. In addition, there may be more chance of picking up a sponsoship in a few years time perhaps saving you cash.
All the best!!!
All the best!!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks guys, the uni route definately sounds better. Ive been looking at london guildhall doundation degreest and other aviation degrees. Ive noticed there are a few degrees where you get the flying in with it, could anyone give me any information about this please.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Age: 43
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was looking at that too the other day. The intergrated degree at London Guildhall looks really good. If I was starting out again and had the money I would go for that personally. You get a degree behind you, university life and a CPL/IR.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: wherever they let me
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From what I remember of discussions on this forum a wee while ago about the LGU Foundation Degree with the CPL/IR in the course cost around 80k. Do a search and see what comes up.
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Africa
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PWP
If you do go to University make sure it is something you really want to do and for the right reasons. It would be a waste to spend 3 years looking out of the window at every aeroplane that flies past and thinking I would rather be up there
If you have your heart set on flying then flying is what you must do. I would say try to create as many options for yourself as possible - study something aviation-related, join the University Air Squadron, work/save for some flying hours yourself, and also apply to any (part)sponsorship that is on offer.
If an opportunity came along to fly full-time then I wouldn't say no. You can always take up/continue the studies once you are employed as a pilot... it would give you another goal to pursue then.
Remember that people always have 20/20 hindsight with whatever advice they give and those who were fortunate enough to start in aviation straight from school will, like the rest of us, at some point think that maybe another route would have been better for them....
Whatever you do good luck and keep us posted!
Cheers
CM
If you do go to University make sure it is something you really want to do and for the right reasons. It would be a waste to spend 3 years looking out of the window at every aeroplane that flies past and thinking I would rather be up there
If you have your heart set on flying then flying is what you must do. I would say try to create as many options for yourself as possible - study something aviation-related, join the University Air Squadron, work/save for some flying hours yourself, and also apply to any (part)sponsorship that is on offer.
If an opportunity came along to fly full-time then I wouldn't say no. You can always take up/continue the studies once you are employed as a pilot... it would give you another goal to pursue then.
Remember that people always have 20/20 hindsight with whatever advice they give and those who were fortunate enough to start in aviation straight from school will, like the rest of us, at some point think that maybe another route would have been better for them....
Whatever you do good luck and keep us posted!
Cheers
CM
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Clogmaster. Ive just been looking at the 4 year degree in Aviation Management and Flight Operations offered in Florida by Jacksonville University in conjunction with Comair. It sounds just like what i want to do, or at least it sounds very appetising.
Does anyone have any information about this degree course ie prices, entry requirements.
Thanks
Does anyone have any information about this degree course ie prices, entry requirements.
Thanks
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: MAN
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Piper from someone who is doing Aero Engineering and enjoying it loads. I would recomend the degree. Lots of Maths involved however 
.
With regard to the UAS and doing Aero Engineering. The students who do less intense degrees have far more time to fly.
You will find that Aero is a full time table course.
I do enjoy the course and the UAS , but the UAS is a large commitment
Just a thought.
Good Luck,
Jonathan
. With regard to the UAS and doing Aero Engineering. The students who do less intense degrees have far more time to fly.
You will find that Aero is a full time table course.
I do enjoy the course and the UAS , but the UAS is a large commitment
Just a thought.
Good Luck,
Jonathan
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi all,
Im 18 years old and was in the exact same possition. I did my GCSE's and started a seven year Motorsport engineering diploma at Brooklands. After about 2 months I decided to 'drop out' and concentrate on my flying. I live directly under Heathrow 090R and seeing the planes day in day out is a real inspiration. It was a massive decision to leave education compleatly, but one I havent yet regreated. Im 1/2 through my PPL and really enjoying it. The weathers not to good at the moment so flyings at a minimum.
I know im comming from a different angle to the other posts, but I just wanna throw my views in. Leaving education compleatly IS a risky move (nothing to fall back on ect), but Im not struggling at the moment and I got poorish GCSE's. A great example is of my current flying instructor, He got expelled from school twice and got poor GCSE's, he did no AS/A Levels and worked at Homebase for 2 years whilst learning to fly. Now hes starting with an airline next year. You have to put into consideration the pro's and con's of doing it this way tho. You maybe building up your hours quickly and maybe making good progress, but as mentioned before "you have nothing to fall back on". Getting a Career Development Loan is a highly recomended move if leaving full time education. HSBC and Loydes TSB both offer this serice. Im a step away from getting my loan. £25,000 is the maximum amount and that'll get you a decent way. You mentioned going overseas to do your licences...can be risky. Some countries licences might not be compatible with the UK's. i.e. If in the States a PPL would cost a lot cheaper but is not fully compatible with the UK. This would result in a further exam and skills test over here...£££'s adds up. On the other hand I do know a very good South African flying school (Port Elizabeth), and I highly recommend it. The South African Rand is very good to the pound and will save you thousands. The school is a full time commitment for 2 years and would cost you around £17,000 to get you frozen ATPL. If you want more info just ask.
Good luck in what ever you do.
Brad
Im 18 years old and was in the exact same possition. I did my GCSE's and started a seven year Motorsport engineering diploma at Brooklands. After about 2 months I decided to 'drop out' and concentrate on my flying. I live directly under Heathrow 090R and seeing the planes day in day out is a real inspiration. It was a massive decision to leave education compleatly, but one I havent yet regreated. Im 1/2 through my PPL and really enjoying it. The weathers not to good at the moment so flyings at a minimum.
I know im comming from a different angle to the other posts, but I just wanna throw my views in. Leaving education compleatly IS a risky move (nothing to fall back on ect), but Im not struggling at the moment and I got poorish GCSE's. A great example is of my current flying instructor, He got expelled from school twice and got poor GCSE's, he did no AS/A Levels and worked at Homebase for 2 years whilst learning to fly. Now hes starting with an airline next year. You have to put into consideration the pro's and con's of doing it this way tho. You maybe building up your hours quickly and maybe making good progress, but as mentioned before "you have nothing to fall back on". Getting a Career Development Loan is a highly recomended move if leaving full time education. HSBC and Loydes TSB both offer this serice. Im a step away from getting my loan. £25,000 is the maximum amount and that'll get you a decent way. You mentioned going overseas to do your licences...can be risky. Some countries licences might not be compatible with the UK's. i.e. If in the States a PPL would cost a lot cheaper but is not fully compatible with the UK. This would result in a further exam and skills test over here...£££'s adds up. On the other hand I do know a very good South African flying school (Port Elizabeth), and I highly recommend it. The South African Rand is very good to the pound and will save you thousands. The school is a full time commitment for 2 years and would cost you around £17,000 to get you frozen ATPL. If you want more info just ask.
Good luck in what ever you do.
Brad
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi
I looked at the possibility of doing a South African PPL but by the time flights accom etc was worked out it didnt seem that much cheaper. I am doing my PPL in the UK but am looking at the possibility of going to Comair in florida and doing a 4 year degree in Airline Management and Flight Operations.
Does anyone know any information about this degree. Ive contacted Joacksonville University and Comair and am waiting for a reply.
Thanks for all your inputs guys its really appreciated
I looked at the possibility of doing a South African PPL but by the time flights accom etc was worked out it didnt seem that much cheaper. I am doing my PPL in the UK but am looking at the possibility of going to Comair in florida and doing a 4 year degree in Airline Management and Flight Operations.
Does anyone know any information about this degree. Ive contacted Joacksonville University and Comair and am waiting for a reply.
Thanks for all your inputs guys its really appreciated
Guest
Posts: n/a
that price is fully inclusive, flight and accom. its like a bording school.anyway, floridas excellent too. Have a look at this one,
JAA Approved Modular Flight Training on Floridas East Coast
PPL-MEP-CPL-IR-FI
Very good www.europeanflighttraining.comwww.europeanflighttraining.com
Brad
JAA Approved Modular Flight Training on Floridas East Coast
PPL-MEP-CPL-IR-FI
Very good www.europeanflighttraining.comwww.europeanflighttraining.com
Brad
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I graduated from Glasgow University this year with a Masters in Aero Eng. I have to say, I loved it! The course was hard work (not so much in the first 2 years though...boozing time!) but you get a great feeling of achievement at the end of it all and something to fall back on if flying doesn't work out. Aero is widely regarded by many as the hardest engineering degree, although Mech Eng people would argue otherwise!
The main things I got out of it though was loads of good mates, summers away (work in the US and Czech Rep, backpacking through Europe, 2 terms in Holland at a Uni there) and how much I developed as a person. You're much more confident and mature when you finish and that's not just down to you getting older, Uni life plays a big part. My advice would be to try out University and see if it's for you. Also remember that the UAS isn't for everyone, you might not like it or they might not like you. I was one of the former.
At the end of the day it worked for me as I was lucky enough to be one of the 6 people picked for the Britannia sponsorship.
Hope you're happy whatever you do and try not to mount up too much debt!
The main things I got out of it though was loads of good mates, summers away (work in the US and Czech Rep, backpacking through Europe, 2 terms in Holland at a Uni there) and how much I developed as a person. You're much more confident and mature when you finish and that's not just down to you getting older, Uni life plays a big part. My advice would be to try out University and see if it's for you. Also remember that the UAS isn't for everyone, you might not like it or they might not like you. I was one of the former.
At the end of the day it worked for me as I was lucky enough to be one of the 6 people picked for the Britannia sponsorship.
Hope you're happy whatever you do and try not to mount up too much debt!
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 1p worth
If I were you, I'd apply for sponsorship now. If you don't get it because you fail the aptitude tests or medical, you'll know where you stand. If you don't get it because they decide not to select you for suitability reasons (I know 18 doesn't seem young when you are there, but life offers an awful lot of experiences during the next few years), go to Uni, concentrate on qualifying yourself for an alternative career, but keep your interest up in aviation; my impression is that selectors value motivation and look for evidence that your stated desire has been reflected in your behaviour. When you graduate, apply for sponsorship again. If they still don't want you, consider paying for your own training, but do not expect to follow the fast-track route to a jet airline and be prepared for some employment disappointments and poorly paid jobs along the way (while trying to pay-off your training costs).
As for paying for your flying training while doing a degree, I'd ask 2 questions: why pay for your own training when you might be able to get sponsored; and is the degree the best choice a) for an airline pilot and b) for an alternative career if the airline pilot bit does not work out?
The best investment you could make now is the £165 for the easyJet/JMC sponsorship selection. It might change your whole life.
Whatever, good luck PWP
As for paying for your flying training while doing a degree, I'd ask 2 questions: why pay for your own training when you might be able to get sponsored; and is the degree the best choice a) for an airline pilot and b) for an alternative career if the airline pilot bit does not work out?
The best investment you could make now is the £165 for the easyJet/JMC sponsorship selection. It might change your whole life.
Whatever, good luck PWP
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: S. England
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would think about doing a broader degree. I am in the exact same position as you now. I did look at Air Transport Ops at London City Uni, but to be honest I have decided I want to go for something wider like physics or business management.
Just a thought,
Chris
Just a thought,
Chris
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: uk
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
just a thought for you, could save you an your parents a lot of money. I just bought a place with 4 bedrooms near a local university and am renting out three of the rooms enabling me to live for free!! Granted, its Wales and house prices near glamorgan uni are incredibly cheap. but even if houses near your university aren't cheap, you could always look into a buy-to-let mortgage which (if you have willing parents) they could take out without having to earn any more on their salaries. As long as you cover your mortgage and bills, you're laughing.
I just sold the first house I bought and as well as having lived for free for 18 months, I now have £30K sitting nicely in my bank! back of the net!
I just sold the first house I bought and as well as having lived for free for 18 months, I now have £30K sitting nicely in my bank! back of the net!
Guest
Posts: n/a
London Guildhall BSc
Hi Piper / All,
Just to let you know, I'm one of the lucky 40 thats currently on the 1st year of the London Guildhall's (now rebranded as the London Metropoliton university) Airline Management BSc course.
It's great!
If you want any info feel free to ask!
FJW.
Just to let you know, I'm one of the lucky 40 thats currently on the 1st year of the London Guildhall's (now rebranded as the London Metropoliton university) Airline Management BSc course.
It's great!
If you want any info feel free to ask!
FJW.