Any Tips
 

I was just wanting some people's thoughts on what i have choosen to do for the next few years. Back in january i thought that pilot training wasn't the best way to go with the economy etc. My plan was to leave high school and progress into flight training. However, i thought long and hard and came to the decision to not go straight into training. I therefore applied through UCAS to study aeronautical engineering. I live in scotland and the university of glasgow is the only university offering a pure aeronautics course. I got made an offer and with the scottish results out on the 5th of august i met my conditions in maths and physics and now have a confirmed place on the course.

I was just wanting to seek people's opinion on what i have done in what seems to be a rough time for people in training. Thanks:)

Probably a good plan. 3 years hence the industry may be in better shape although You'll be in debt.
While you're studying, investigate all the scholarship schemes that may come back on line eg. CTC, GAPAN.
Investigate the University Air Squadron during freshers' week.
have a great time.

go for it
 

Hi Scott,

I think I might have replied to a similar post of yours before but I would say 100% go for it and start the course. I was in your position about 5 years ago now and can honestly say it was the best decision I could have made, and that was even back when the economy situation wasnt as bleak.
I started aero eng at Glasgow in 2004, saved student loans and did my PPL whilst there, graduated last summer and was lucky enough to get a good job with BAE where am now managing to fund atpls, hour building etc completely debt free. I know its frustrating when you want to fly straight away but you're young, go to uni and have some fun, join the air squadron at Glasgow or work towards your PPL whilst studying.

Good luck with your decision, there are probably a few on here who wouldnt agree with me as granted the course can be very frustrating and tedious at times and difficult to actually relate to aircraft, but from my year of graduation most have found good and well paid employment in a range of industries (aviation, oil and gas, renewable energy etc) so my 2p worth would say good idea! :ok:

Do you want to do an aeronautical engineering degree?

What do you hope it will do for you?

The UAS thing is a good idea if you go to uni.

Bear in mind that the degree costs money and you'll need a lot of money to learn to fly.

If your intention is to do the degree, work for a few years and then get into flight training, fair enough. If you think a degree is what the airlines (not talking about CTC/Oxford/FTE) want, then you're mistaken.

Thanks guys! To the last post. I recently completed work experience at global engineering firm, FMC Technologies. I was shadowing a senior engineering there and he asked me what i was intending to study. I said aero engineering and he said that type of degree suits their type of work. I really enjoyed my work their and could see myself enjoying being employed there also they have a graduate scheme which i asked about. So i think my degree would open doors to various engineering firms as i would enjoy doing that line of work. Then there is straight int pilot training once i graduate.

In terms of debt, my tuition fees are paid for me and i only have access to a loan of £915 a year which results in a debt of £3660 once i leave uni after 4 years. So its manageable.

I will be definatley looking at the UAS and hopefully obtain a PPL by the end of my degree.:)

Redsnail,

Degree's in Scotland are paid for by the government so they don't cost anything.

Aero Eng is a hard course and I wish you the best of luck with it, I've got 5 friends who have only recently graduated one of them is going to the RAF, another one is joining the army, one is a teacher and the other one is becoming a police officer.

I would say that you should try and get your PPL done, but don't rush it you have ages to get it done. I would also look at organisations such as the University Air Squadron, Army Offitce Training Corp, University Royal Naval Units, Police Special Constables, St Andrews Volunteer services, the TA etc. these organisation will look sh*t hot on your CV!

I went to University, got my degree, worked part time, had a car and got my PPL done so it is possible with some hard work.

You should look at getting a trial flight done as well.

Hey Scott good luck with your plan...listen to those that have posted on here they all speak wisely....especially listen to Colette...she has taken the same steps as you and one day will be one of our best female Commercial pilots in Scotland I know that for sure..:cool::cool::cool: and if the Aero Eng doesnt suit come and join us in ATC....yes we are all crazy but the flying chits are very big..:ok::ok::ok: good luck and take care.:D

I would listen to Colette.... looks like sound advice:ok:

Hey Colette...you can bumble along through my airspace anytime you want......will even give you a "Basic Information service" if thats what you really want :cool::cool: despite most folks being just happy with a "Basic Service"...as for choosing new curtains sounds like you thinking of settling down!!.....to be serious for a moment, it is because of friendly pilots like your self that my job is so enjoyable.........good luck with your ATPL study from one and all at Scottish Information..:D:D:D

Talk about being a suck up! Go on, ask her out while you're at it :D:D

Aerouk.....hey behave man...she is a good customer of mine and it does not pay to mix pleasure with work..;)

yes it does;)
Sorry Redsnail, but future airlines want System Managers not pilots, hence the MPL. So an Aero Eng degree is a good bet. Always stay ahead of the competition. Despite what the training organisations tell you, there are no jobs now. Future proofing yourself is the best way to survive. I have always done that and have never been out of work:ok: