What Qualifications do you have?
 

Hey guys,

I am just coming to the end of my A-Levels, exams next month.

I am not trying to start a new thread about what A-Levels you should take and whether or not you should go to university.

I am just wondering what A-Levels YOU have and whether you went to university.

What kind of results did real airline pilots from today, get at school? did you do a degree? What kind of thing are you flying now?

Cheers

A-levels in physics, maths and general studies. Dropped chemistry - couldn't get excited about it! Results of BBC.

Took a year out then went to university - studied a fairly nerdy physics degree. Worked for two years and got a PPL. Was lucky enough to get a seat on a "tagged" airline scheme and started flight training. Finished training then was fortunate enough to go straight to flying twinjets for a well-known charter airline. Been in the job about a year now - love it!

Never did A-levels.

Did an Advanced GNVQ in Leisure and Tourism.
Took a year out.
Went to uni and got myself a Degree in Marketing (4 years)
Worked running my own marketing department in a company* for two years.
*Comany brings in over £18m a year.
Last day today! Yay!
Starting integrated training in 3 weeks!

I don't think airlines grill you too much over your academic record. So long as you pass thier entry requirements and can demonstrate suitability for the job you should be fine. I know pilots who didn't go to uni and are airline flying and those that have but got degrees in business or archaeology. They're pilots too. A degree isn't necessary at all but you do grow up a lot. I wouldn't of had the maturity I have now to start training if I was 18....But that's just me.

Chilli.

A-Levels in Maths, Physics and History. Got AAA in those.
Studied Law at University.
Got a place on a tagged scheme after uni, got dropped from that due to the airline I was with mergeing with another, got picked up by another airline, now flying turboprops around the UK.

Studied Sports and Tourism in Uni, didn't finish though.
Working as international tennis umpire since 2003.
Ready for some nice holidays in a month and then starting my flight training so I could be 'ready' in the end of 2010 :)

I didn't do very well at school, with poor results in my GCSE's. After pulling my finger out of my butt and doing some work, I went to college and did a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Higher National Diploma in Aerospace studies, to progress onto the degree course in Aerospace Engineering.

I now fly the Airbus A320 series from Heathrow, and it is fantastic.

Just an aircraft fitter from Hayes.
 

No GCSE,s

No university

No real education apart from what I picked up myself.

Now happily back on the 737NG after a brief spell in command of one of those under performing computorised things from Toulouse.

I done my Standard Grades (like GSCEs) in Maths, English, French, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Computing and Physical Education.


I then studied Physics, Maths, English, Geography, Business Studies, Computing at Higher Level (A-Level) followed by Advanced Higher Maths, Business and Computing.

Went to University and done a BA(hons) followed by an LLB.

You sure you "done" all those qualifications? :}

I would expect my solicitor to have a better command of the English language. :ok:

I'm not sure the OP is really after the qualifications of people who move into aviation as a second (or in my case, third career); rather gives a distorted picture of what's required or preferred by airlines.

Cheers

Whirls

Yes I'm sure; in fact I'm pretty sure spelling and grammar doesn't represent someone's intelligence.

My qualifications aren’t special at all; I’ve worked extremely hard throughout my education to achieve what I have. Sadly while at school I never received the grades required for direct access into the LLB and had to do a BA (hons) first and then later went on to do the LLB.

I’m in no way a solicitor and never will be. My reasons for doing what I have done are more personal than career orientated.

I remember being told I should consider becoming a joiner with the local council by my lovely careers advisor.

"What kind of results did real airline pilots from today, get at school? did you do a degree? What kind of thing are you flying now?"

Times change and requirements change, but one thing that is for certain, if you are being considered for a flying position, cadet program, or flying scholarship the more qualifications that you have will put you ahead of the competing candidate. This little bit of advice comes from one who has sat on several hiring boards.:hmm:

I passed A-level physics and graphic communication (technical drawing in the olden days), failed A-level maths. Degree in International Transport.

The interview panel at my airline was much more interested in my life experience and career history than academic qualifications, although to be fair, much of that career was only possible thanks to the degree.

As a general rule, being better qualified than the next man is a good thing.

@Option C - I didn't know you got three A's mate, more clever than I thought, wouldn't know it to look at you. :}

To answer the question:

Three a-levels in maths, physics and biology. Degree in aeronautical engineering followed by six years in industry. Intergrated flying course tagged by an airline and fly for them now.

I think the A-levels in Physics, Maths would be beneficial but not essential. I think the fact that the RAF ask for 2 A levels at E or above proves that as long as you have the right aptitude and attitude you can make it through.

I have E grades in Geology, Geography and Biology, but I still got into the RAF as a Navigator and now fly 757's commercially. So I think the best choices you can make are the ones you actually enjoy as apposed as what you "think" you should do.

10 B's at GCSE - Maybe if I had actually tried I would have 10 A's? :ugh:

Equiv of 2 B's at A-level (aero eng) - Maybe if I didnt try and work full time whilst on a full time college course I would have 3 A's? :ugh:

Maybe Uni next year, depends on a few things and if there is a degree course on doing this ---> :ugh:

5 GCSE's and a common sense. And to be honest, if you have the latter that will serve you better.
Been on the 73 for 3 years.

fh456;

I am in the same boat as you at the moment. Just about to commence exams for my A2's! Its quite scary really! Ive already got 3 A*'s, 4 A's and 3 B's at GCSE, and 2 A Levels in Maths and Geography at grade A, and my final exams are in Further Maths and Physics, hopefully with an A in FM and a B in Phys. Im hoping to get accepted into a cadetship with Carnival UK, a cruise company which fully sponsor you through a degree and you eventually become a deck officer. I plan on doing this for a few years while vigorously saving to fund flight training, while being debt free! Or thats the plan anyway!
Good luck in your studies!

1mag

Jeepers! 9 A-Levels wasn't enough to get you onto an LLB Degree!? Thank goodness it's possible to get into flying with nothing but a sweet smile and a peanut size brain. :E