There is nothing more ANNOYING!!
Guest
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Hi, I had a similar problem on choosing my A-levels. Maths & Physics were not my strongest suits, a careers advisor told me in no uncertain terms that Maths/physics A-levels and an aero engineering degree was out of the question but I knew I wanted to FLY!!!!!!!!
I decided to be headstrong and forced my way onto maths/physics a-levels via AS levels and although struggling and never setting the world on fire as far as results went managed to get onto an Aero degree (via a foundation course) and got a bit more numerate at the same time.
Again, the careers teacher was proven correct, I was almost certainly not cut out for the degree and struggled. I managed to get a degree (just about).
Yes, the careers teacher was correct about me not being well suited for the maths/physics engineering thing, but what they didn't appreciate was that I was determined to fly aeroplanes for a living and that counts for a heck of a lot.
My route worked for me, it cost me a lot of time and heartache but that pales into insignificance when compared to the enjoyment I get out of my flying job. Of the people I work with, many came through the same route (most considerably easier than me!) and would suggest that if maths etc are no problem then go for it. However, and this is a BIG however -Some of the other people I work with have a variety of backgrounds (history, art, geography etc) and they suceeded their own way and are in no way less capable of the work. I can't help but think maybe I could have done something that I enjoyed (History, Politics etc) and was reasonable at for A-levels/degree, enjoyed life a bit more, and still been here -but the ends justify the means.
The important thing is a burning passion to fly, grades are always going to play a part but if you demonstrate your ability and determination to succeed, this will go a long way towards getting a professional aviation career. Get some interesting (aviation related) bits on your CV away from the educational environment and show prospective employers how much you want to fly.
So in conclusion, try to find a route that works for you, it might be maths/physics or it might be theatre studies, at the end of the day it probably won't matter but whatever it is stick with it and don't give up the ambition to fly.
Hope this helps.
I decided to be headstrong and forced my way onto maths/physics a-levels via AS levels and although struggling and never setting the world on fire as far as results went managed to get onto an Aero degree (via a foundation course) and got a bit more numerate at the same time.
Again, the careers teacher was proven correct, I was almost certainly not cut out for the degree and struggled. I managed to get a degree (just about).
Yes, the careers teacher was correct about me not being well suited for the maths/physics engineering thing, but what they didn't appreciate was that I was determined to fly aeroplanes for a living and that counts for a heck of a lot.
My route worked for me, it cost me a lot of time and heartache but that pales into insignificance when compared to the enjoyment I get out of my flying job. Of the people I work with, many came through the same route (most considerably easier than me!) and would suggest that if maths etc are no problem then go for it. However, and this is a BIG however -Some of the other people I work with have a variety of backgrounds (history, art, geography etc) and they suceeded their own way and are in no way less capable of the work. I can't help but think maybe I could have done something that I enjoyed (History, Politics etc) and was reasonable at for A-levels/degree, enjoyed life a bit more, and still been here -but the ends justify the means.
The important thing is a burning passion to fly, grades are always going to play a part but if you demonstrate your ability and determination to succeed, this will go a long way towards getting a professional aviation career. Get some interesting (aviation related) bits on your CV away from the educational environment and show prospective employers how much you want to fly.
So in conclusion, try to find a route that works for you, it might be maths/physics or it might be theatre studies, at the end of the day it probably won't matter but whatever it is stick with it and don't give up the ambition to fly.
Hope this helps.
Guest
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I would say that it is much better to get a good grade doing a subject you enjoy than an average one doing a subject that you don't.
I hated maths, I had to take maths "O" level more times than I like to remember before I passed. Then did Theatre Studies, Physics, Technology "A" level and a degree in Theatre and TV with a minor in Technology. Worked in theatre, televison and a school before at 29 selling my soul to the bank manager to get the licence. I now have the great good fortune to be flying a regional jet.
Amoung my colleagues there are former teachers, RAF types, IT bods, train drivers, shop keepers, and used car salesmen and they have almost nothing in common apart from a resonable education and an overwhelming desire to fly for a living.
The airlines will recruit people with (1) a licence, (2)the right number of hours, and (3)enough wit to be able to aquire the first two. After that comes, good CRM(people skills), apparent loyalty to the company etcetera, etcetera, etcetera....and way down the the list aeronautical engineering degrees.
Do what you want to do to show the world you have the ability to gain good "A" levels & degree (good grades and enjoyment of a subject almost always go together). Then show the airlines you have the dedication and commitment to become a pilot.
Beware "career advisors" they are the devils work. If you do as they say you'll either end up as a meat packer or an accountant. I was told at 16 "you need to have more realistic career aspirations" when I said I wanted to be a pilot. Ha, Mr. B "look me now I'm on top of the world!" (Name the film and win a goldfish).
cheers
H-B-H
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Push the head and pull the tail.
I hated maths, I had to take maths "O" level more times than I like to remember before I passed. Then did Theatre Studies, Physics, Technology "A" level and a degree in Theatre and TV with a minor in Technology. Worked in theatre, televison and a school before at 29 selling my soul to the bank manager to get the licence. I now have the great good fortune to be flying a regional jet.
Amoung my colleagues there are former teachers, RAF types, IT bods, train drivers, shop keepers, and used car salesmen and they have almost nothing in common apart from a resonable education and an overwhelming desire to fly for a living.
The airlines will recruit people with (1) a licence, (2)the right number of hours, and (3)enough wit to be able to aquire the first two. After that comes, good CRM(people skills), apparent loyalty to the company etcetera, etcetera, etcetera....and way down the the list aeronautical engineering degrees.
Do what you want to do to show the world you have the ability to gain good "A" levels & degree (good grades and enjoyment of a subject almost always go together). Then show the airlines you have the dedication and commitment to become a pilot.
Beware "career advisors" they are the devils work. If you do as they say you'll either end up as a meat packer or an accountant. I was told at 16 "you need to have more realistic career aspirations" when I said I wanted to be a pilot. Ha, Mr. B "look me now I'm on top of the world!" (Name the film and win a goldfish).
cheers
H-B-H
------------------
Push the head and pull the tail.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Do the Dance thing...In a few years you may not want to become a pilot. Shock horror it does happen. Do the things that will make you happy, and dont let the others tell you what is good for you. If you really want to make it...you will.
My school quals are laughable, and my degree is adequate. My spelling is pants. Yet I hold a Queens Commission, own my own company and earn a five fig sum.
Chances are always there.
My school quals are laughable, and my degree is adequate. My spelling is pants. Yet I hold a Queens Commission, own my own company and earn a five fig sum.
Chances are always there.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Well, there are many differences of opinion in here, some of it I'm sure, is fact. However I do believe the thing about careers advisors, most of them. I'd like to thank you for your support (or not) and that I really appreciate that there are others out there like me (FL390). It was also a priveledge getting a reply from the moderator. I think. 
I have taken to heart all the evidence and I am contemplating my would-be future. My CA said I wasn't thinking, well I am...too much. My parents still have a meeting with him about all of this. I can say now that my fight will be less violent because you have helped me see reason, however dark and incredibly inky it is.
I do do a lot of out of school theatre and I hope to do more. Character is one of my strong points, as well as people skills. I just thought that it would be benificial, and fun.
For those who responding sympathetically, thanks, and for those who did so in a sarcastic manner..well thank you to. You helped hammer it all in.
Keep the constructive criticism comming. You could even have a debate about the easier subject of the two (T/s or Physics). Anyway, my exams started a week ago and I have about 5 weeks left (my last beng on June 14th!!) along with all my major subjects. Wish me well, cos if these go cruddy, you can sure as hell rule out my plans for A level.
Now, how many times have I said thank you?
yours,
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FlyFreeWbe
~WYSITWIRL
I have taken to heart all the evidence and I am contemplating my would-be future. My CA said I wasn't thinking, well I am...too much. My parents still have a meeting with him about all of this. I can say now that my fight will be less violent because you have helped me see reason, however dark and incredibly inky it is.
I do do a lot of out of school theatre and I hope to do more. Character is one of my strong points, as well as people skills. I just thought that it would be benificial, and fun.
For those who responding sympathetically, thanks, and for those who did so in a sarcastic manner..well thank you to. You helped hammer it all in.
Keep the constructive criticism comming. You could even have a debate about the easier subject of the two (T/s or Physics). Anyway, my exams started a week ago and I have about 5 weeks left (my last beng on June 14th!!) along with all my major subjects. Wish me well, cos if these go cruddy, you can sure as hell rule out my plans for A level.
Now, how many times have I said thank you?
yours,
------------------
FlyFreeWbe
~WYSITWIRL
Guest
Posts: n/a
Well, I'm one of the fortunate ones that doesn't take Art, a language or Latin as one of my choices for GCSE and so I don't start until the 4th June and I finish on the 19th. Can't wait till they're over!!!
Your point about character......I think that it is an extremely valid point. Most people will be able to fly a commercial airliner (as long as they are no completely malcordinated) and so these days I feel that the emphasis is put on your character. If you have a good character/sense of humour/easy to get on with then it will get you further than if you've got a type rating on a 777.
So, go for it and good luck! Perhaps we'll meet on a training course! Hopefully with a load of GCSEs and A-Levels behind us!
Your point about character......I think that it is an extremely valid point. Most people will be able to fly a commercial airliner (as long as they are no completely malcordinated) and so these days I feel that the emphasis is put on your character. If you have a good character/sense of humour/easy to get on with then it will get you further than if you've got a type rating on a 777.
So, go for it and good luck! Perhaps we'll meet on a training course!
Hopefully with a load of GCSEs and A-Levels behind us! Guest
Posts: n/a
One more thing. Would you recommend Geography or French? 
Which would give me a more academic a-level (taking into account that I love both subjects) and which is more pleasing to the "airline of choice"?
[French and Geography are in the same block, one/other]
Your help is really appreciated
Which would give me a more academic a-level (taking into account that I love both subjects) and which is more pleasing to the "airline of choice"?[French and Geography are in the same block, one/other]
Your help is really appreciated
Guest
Posts: n/a
Having been a Maths/Further Maths/Physics/Chemistry (and electronic engineer..) geek I would say the following.....
Physics is probably the most relevant if you want to fly, to gain an initial understanding about all those things you will lean about in the tech's for the ATPL. Trust me, most of it is there! Maths, yup useful. But the other 2 - I like people in the cockpit who can offer different things, that probably means do what you like doing provided that you ain't going to mess up, and also make sure it will not hinder you on your chosen path.
CCCC.....ough
Physics is probably the most relevant if you want to fly, to gain an initial understanding about all those things you will lean about in the tech's for the ATPL. Trust me, most of it is there! Maths, yup useful. But the other 2 - I like people in the cockpit who can offer different things, that probably means do what you like doing provided that you ain't going to mess up, and also make sure it will not hinder you on your chosen path.
CCCC.....ough
Guest
Posts: n/a
Wahey! You really are similar to me FlyFreeWbe! I'm going to do Geography as a choice for AS/A-Level. Firstly because I like it, secondly because I'm good at it and lastly because it will help a little for pilots etc.
This is because we study weather! I know its not that detailed compared with the full Met course but everything helps!
I'd therefore say Geog as French may not help you so much for a pilot except when you fly to France etc. But, GCSE French should help you enough with the R/T.
Having said all that, you should choose what you feel you enjoy the most and will do best at in both. Hope it helps!
This is because we study weather! I know its not that detailed compared with the full Met course but everything helps!
I'd therefore say Geog as French may not help you so much for a pilot except when you fly to France etc. But, GCSE French should help you enough with the R/T.
Having said all that, you should choose what you feel you enjoy the most and will do best at in both.
Hope it helps!
