Any 'Under-Educated' Pilots out there??
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 34
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From: Eutopia
Windsheer
Passion for the task is the key requirement, closely followed by the courage to take the leap.
...and if all else fails, any number of us would share our knowledge of the industry for the chance to get a decent carpenter.
...and if all else fails, any number of us would share our knowledge of the industry for the chance to get a decent carpenter.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: BRUSSELS
There has often been comparisons between flying and sex; "In those days when flying was dangerous and sex was safe....but both were fun."; Female gender names given to to airplanes etc...
Not without a reason, I guess.
And indeed, I had an instructor who once told me that to get an education in order to get a flying job was like getting a degree in sexology in order to make love to the girl friend.
(Sorry flying ladies, I am talking about a time when The Rolling Stones were still looking human, a time, I am sure, none of you never knew).
Not without a reason, I guess.
And indeed, I had an instructor who once told me that to get an education in order to get a flying job was like getting a degree in sexology in order to make love to the girl friend.
(Sorry flying ladies, I am talking about a time when The Rolling Stones were still looking human, a time, I am sure, none of you never knew).
Ut Sementem Feeceris
Joined: Jul 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 4,793
Likes: 2,317
From: UK
Left school at 16 with 8 'O' levels (medium grades). Worked in Telecoms for 10 years. Quit with PPL. Four years later flew my first fare paying pax. Ten years on I am a TRI on the Airbus.
Always keep the goal in mind..... never give up.
Good Luck!
A4
Always keep the goal in mind..... never give up.
Good Luck!
A4
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Rutland, UK
I got 7 O levels, and went one better and was actually kicked out of school whilst doing my A-Levels. Concerned an incident in the 6th form lounge and use of the fire hose!....anyhow....I went into retail for about 6 years, and then was Plod for 13 years. Plod made me grow up pretty quick, and gave me the right frame of mind to get back into study. Been flying the 737 for 7 months now and its ace!
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
From: Near sheep!
What can I say......Thank you all for your lengthy replies!!!
As has already been mentioned, plucking up that courage to take that leap is the hardest part! To be perfectly honest....I know I am capable of landing a job, its just the finance that scares the
out of me!!
As for the comment of spending less time on prune...you guys read books on the flight deck...I have to 'look' like I am working at my desk when I am bored, hence the posts!!....
Thanks again all..its onwards with the PPL for now. Went solo after 3 sessions of circuits, so must be doing something right.
All the best....
As has already been mentioned, plucking up that courage to take that leap is the hardest part! To be perfectly honest....I know I am capable of landing a job, its just the finance that scares the
out of me!!As for the comment of spending less time on prune...you guys read books on the flight deck...I have to 'look' like I am working at my desk when I am bored, hence the posts!!....
Thanks again all..its onwards with the PPL for now. Went solo after 3 sessions of circuits, so must be doing something right.
All the best....
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: somewhere bleak at the moment
Is 34 too late for a career change to pilot?
Hi
Im currently 34 and due to the property market now have over £100K (not prime residence) available to me to invest in my future. I am recently married and hoping for children in the next 4/5 years. My wife and I currently have a joint income of £54K although neither of us are happy doing what we do. I would love to retrain as a pilot and am currently looking at the first officer course by cabair. The long term veiw is for my wife to give up work when children are born and survive on my salary as as FO and then hopefully captain.
I would welcome your veiws on wheher this is a good move?
Paul
Im currently 34 and due to the property market now have over £100K (not prime residence) available to me to invest in my future. I am recently married and hoping for children in the next 4/5 years. My wife and I currently have a joint income of £54K although neither of us are happy doing what we do. I would love to retrain as a pilot and am currently looking at the first officer course by cabair. The long term veiw is for my wife to give up work when children are born and survive on my salary as as FO and then hopefully captain.
I would welcome your veiws on wheher this is a good move?
Paul
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Philippines
Hi Paul
When I was 34 I met with a retired British Airways training captain who agreed to have a chat and offer his advice. I will never forget his words '... at your age you'll probably get a job flying turboprops, but you can kiss the shiny jets goodbye'.
Due to the recession of the early 90s I worked as a flying instructor for a few years and was not accepted for my first job flying turboprops until age 40.
But I will never forget the time a few years later when I was standing on the tarmac at Geneva. I touched the brand new B737 I was flying at the time and thought of him.
Never, ever, give up the dream. Never take 'no' for an answer and never think everyone is younger and smarter than you!
But to all of you aspiring pilots, keep the ball in the middle in your personal life, just as you would when you're flying the jet. It's not only aeroplanes that can end up in a spin!
Cheers
SITW
When I was 34 I met with a retired British Airways training captain who agreed to have a chat and offer his advice. I will never forget his words '... at your age you'll probably get a job flying turboprops, but you can kiss the shiny jets goodbye'.
Due to the recession of the early 90s I worked as a flying instructor for a few years and was not accepted for my first job flying turboprops until age 40.
But I will never forget the time a few years later when I was standing on the tarmac at Geneva. I touched the brand new B737 I was flying at the time and thought of him.
Never, ever, give up the dream. Never take 'no' for an answer and never think everyone is younger and smarter than you!
But to all of you aspiring pilots, keep the ball in the middle in your personal life, just as you would when you're flying the jet. It's not only aeroplanes that can end up in a spin!
Cheers
SITW
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: byEGCC
Hi Windsheer, Paul,
left school with zero qualifications (hated school), worked for twelve years in sales, did quite well, but ended up getting bored. Parents paid for a trial flight for my birthday and I was completely hooked, did my PPL/ATPL's/CPL/MULTI IR/FI ratings and Instructed for a number of years (which I absolutely loved). Eventually I needed to earn slightly more money than Instructing could provide-wife two kids!!
After many months and many rejections managed to get my first Airline job at the ripe old age of 35 and now fly the 737. Please, dont be put off by your age or your lack of academic qualifications. It may seem daunting, but if you have the determination and drive then you will succeed...
good luck.
STM
left school with zero qualifications (hated school), worked for twelve years in sales, did quite well, but ended up getting bored. Parents paid for a trial flight for my birthday and I was completely hooked, did my PPL/ATPL's/CPL/MULTI IR/FI ratings and Instructed for a number of years (which I absolutely loved). Eventually I needed to earn slightly more money than Instructing could provide-wife two kids!!
After many months and many rejections managed to get my first Airline job at the ripe old age of 35 and now fly the 737. Please, dont be put off by your age or your lack of academic qualifications. It may seem daunting, but if you have the determination and drive then you will succeed...
good luck.
STM
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
From: Near sheep!
Hi Star-Trek....thanks a lot!!!
I must say some of these posts have helped enormously.
I probably come across as an under-confident type of person, but I have enormous drive!! My reason for being a tad cautious is I have to fend for myself, and dont have the option of the old 'mummy and daddy can I ....' scenario!!
Thanks again, see you in the right hand seat some time....
I must say some of these posts have helped enormously.
I probably come across as an under-confident type of person, but I have enormous drive!! My reason for being a tad cautious is I have to fend for myself, and dont have the option of the old 'mummy and daddy can I ....' scenario!!
Thanks again, see you in the right hand seat some time....
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 160
Likes: 9
From: UK
I left school at 16 with 5 GCSE's, not much to rave about.
I did find some of the ATPL's tricky, but I think it was more the volume of information to learn at one time more than anything. I now fly the 737 for a major carrier with just over a year to command. I wouldn't say it was essential to have loads of qualifications, determination and graft go a long way.
I did find some of the ATPL's tricky, but I think it was more the volume of information to learn at one time more than anything. I now fly the 737 for a major carrier with just over a year to command. I wouldn't say it was essential to have loads of qualifications, determination and graft go a long way.
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Bournemouth
Hi Ws/Paul
There are lots of good replies and i think the majority highlight the main requirement that you should have, determination.
I think academic qualifications are important however not essential, i like many friends, some of which are pilots, left school without A levels with very average GCSE's. At 17 completed PPL, embarked on the ATPL writtens which were a struggle, but, if you are prepared to lock yourself away for a year and give everything you've got and know that the chances are you will fail exams from time to time you will do it!
My academia has never been questioned by an airline. Another option for you if you are concerned is once you have completed your studies, maybe a flying instructor looking for a first airline job etc etc, you could undertake the masters course in aviation management or any similar qualification, it would always be something to prove your commitment and the fact that just because you don't have 15 A+ A levels you are intellectual! Bottom line go for it and sooner rather than later
Paul same advice, again i have a couple of mates in similar circumstances, it's a big move but with courage and determination and as long as both you and your partner are aware of the struggle, i'm sure you'll achieve your goals.
Any questions from either of you just PM me
SAGA
737 CPT (mid 20's)
There are lots of good replies and i think the majority highlight the main requirement that you should have, determination.
I think academic qualifications are important however not essential, i like many friends, some of which are pilots, left school without A levels with very average GCSE's. At 17 completed PPL, embarked on the ATPL writtens which were a struggle, but, if you are prepared to lock yourself away for a year and give everything you've got and know that the chances are you will fail exams from time to time you will do it!
My academia has never been questioned by an airline. Another option for you if you are concerned is once you have completed your studies, maybe a flying instructor looking for a first airline job etc etc, you could undertake the masters course in aviation management or any similar qualification, it would always be something to prove your commitment and the fact that just because you don't have 15 A+ A levels you are intellectual! Bottom line go for it and sooner rather than later
Paul same advice, again i have a couple of mates in similar circumstances, it's a big move but with courage and determination and as long as both you and your partner are aware of the struggle, i'm sure you'll achieve your goals.
Any questions from either of you just PM me
SAGA
737 CPT (mid 20's)
