Advice for an aspiring pilot

Griff · December 31st, 2005, 21:47

Hi there. I have been browsing through this forum for the last week or so, and I was wondering if you guys could offer me some advice.

Right, so I am currently a junior in high school, and it is time for me to start considering possible careers and looking at different colleges. One possible career I am considering is to become a pilot. My question is what is the outlook for the airline industry? Will there be more jobs in the future and will the industry be more stable? Another possible career interest I have is in engineering. If I were to major in that, I would choose either Aerospace, mechanical, or electrical. I was wondering which major would benefit a pilot the most.

Now, I came across ERAU and saw that it had an Aeronautical science degree, which would prepare me in my quest to become a pilot. However, I have read that it would be better to major in a non-aviation related degree in the event that I have to fall back on my majored career. But to those of you who say this, shouldn't I major in something that I am definitely going to use in my career? What's the point of majoring in something that you're not even going to use? Or should I major in engineering and then pursue pilot license's and training after I complete college?

Thanks in advance.
(MOD please move to correct forum if in wrong place)

jg1585 · December 31st, 2005, 22:05

If your thinking about becoming a pilot, then I think your making a good choice in my opinion. It is a very rewarding career in the long run. If your doing it to make a @$&load of money right away then pick something else, but in the long run when you make it to the majors you will make a very respectable chunk of change. It is, in some opinions, a long hard road to go down requiring a lot of time and A LOT OF MONEY! BUT in my mind it is worth every penny, i wouldnt change my choice to be a pilot for the world. As far as a degree i would choose something that you can use if the industry takes a crap a hiring goes down hill but that will also benefit you if a aviation career, my previous flight instructor was a structual engineer before pursuing an aviaton career and his knowledge of engineering helped substantially in things like aerodynamics and the math side of flying. I would research ALL major flight schools and pick the one that will best suit your needs for obtaining degree and licenses. Remember you will most likely be instructing to gain hours and expeirence, although there are other ways to build time if you dont wont to instruct.

just remember to research this before you dive in and to TAKE YOUR TIME, your still in high school, so make sure this is what you want to do.

good luck in whatever you choose and feel free to ask any questions you have.

KBUF · January 1st, 2006, 01:19

So you wanna be a pilot huh?

Plain and simple, kind of degree doesn't matter. I started off as an engineering major, but quickly got out when I realized the workload was so heavy (especially with flying and a job), and I am now a geography major. Read some of the stuff on this site for advice also.

If you are interested in becoming an engineer, do engineering in college, of course, and see how you like it, get your pilot's license, see how you like it, and change your major if you need to.

As far as the industry, there is little job security, high paying jobs are dwindling and paycuts are all too often carried out. It is very unpredictable, but the good thing about that is by the time you are ready for an airline, it could all be different.

Simply put, its a good idea to get a non-aviation related degree as a backup so you could be a pilot, or an engineer or whatever.

Good Luck and welcome to jetcareers!

Chris_Ford · January 1st, 2006, 01:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff

But to those of you who say this, shouldn't I major in something that I am definitely going to use in my career? What's the point of majoring in something that you're not even going to use? Or should I major in engineering and then pursue pilot license's and training after I complete college?

Remember, your career hinges on your medical and if you lose it, you have no more career. That's why you should get that degree in something else. Also it'll make you a more interesting person to talk to if you know stuff about chemistry/history, etc....

caliginousface · January 1st, 2006, 04:21

yeah erau plays it up like you need that aviation degree to become the top notch pilot in the skies, and the flight training is super standard.

while the flight training may be rigidly structured, and sound all high and holy, its really not. get a degree in something else mentioned above, and fly at a local fbo. you'll save money, get a degree in something else incase you lose an eye or an arm, and you wont have to explain to people what erby diddle airplane school* is.

*=term adopted from another jc member.

DE727UPS · January 1st, 2006, 13:33

"But to those of you who say this, shouldn't I major in something that I am definitely going to use in my career? What's the point of majoring in something that you're not even going to use?"

I went to ERAU and I can honestly say very little of what I learned there helped me in my career. What you need to learn comes more through experience in the field than going to college. The point of majoring in something else that you're interested in is you could have a second career track on the side or as a back up. In my case, and at that age, there wasn't anything else other than aviation I was interested in studying. I regret that now.

Bigey · January 1st, 2006, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by DE727UPS

"But to those of you who say this, shouldn't I major in something that I am definitely going to use in my career? What's the point of majoring in something that you're not even going to use?"

I went to ERAU and I can honestly say very little of what I learned there helped me in my career. What you need to learn comes more through experience in the field than going to college. The point of majoring in something else that you're interested in is you could have a second career track on the side or as a back up. In my case, and at that age, there wasn't anything else other than aviation I was interested in studying. I regret that now.

Question being: What if you would like to major in a field the college you attend doesnt have it?

SteveC · January 1st, 2006, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigey

Question being: What if you would like to major in a field the college you attend doesnt have it?

Two choices:
1. Change college.
2. Change major.

Well, I suppose there is a third:
3. Make a multi-million dollar donation to the college in exchage for the addition of the program of your choice.

sargeanb · January 1st, 2006, 20:29

Griff,

Welcome aboard....glad to hear you are interested in aviation so early. You will benefit tremendously from what everyone here has to offer. When I was a junior in HS I figured I could be a writer or a pilot (odd combination, considering the required skills for each). At the time (late 90's), flying looked like a stable career, and my father, who is a writer, warned me of the difficulties I would face if I became a writer...so the decision was made...I could fly and maybe write articles on the side for various magazines, etc. ERAU is not too far from my folks place here in Tampa, and after a tour of 10 Universities in state, I decided to stick with aviation, and ended up there, with the knowledge that I would need PLENTY of loans to pay off the costs. Zoom ahead six years, and here I am...I've been flight instructing for about 2 years now, and am in no hurry to go to the regionals, (look around on the forums here a bit and you'll see why) and am searching for other options (freight dawg, corporate, charter, etc.) Halfway through college (2001) I realized I needed something to fall back on, as flying seemed to be headed south in a hurry. I had been tentatively researching what it would take to start an aviation business, and thus decided to begin my MBA in Aviation...good part is the university pays for it while I instruct here.

Sorry for the rambling, but I know your questions very well. Point is, there are a LOT of other aviation related jobs out there besides flying...if you want to get into engineering, that is an excellent field. If you want to get into anything aviation-related, ERAU's a good place to be, as you are totally immersed in it here, and will meet many great contacts here. Also, if you want to fly on the side, there are plenty of FBO's in the area (flying on campus is quite a bit more expensive than most surrounding places)...although not as much more as most people think. For equal quality of equipment, facilities, and instruction (which is tough to find), prices are slightly higher than local FBOs...it is mainly flying out of DAB that costs more, due to delays. Keep in mind I work for the university, but I was a student here too not all that long ago. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to email me at sargeanb@erau.edu.

-Brock Sargeant
MEII

DE727UPS · January 1st, 2006, 21:59

"and am searching for other options (freight dawg...)"

Have you thought about 135 freight? Amflight?

Griff · January 1st, 2006, 22:29

Ok, thanks for all the replies. I'm still a little unsure whether or not to pursue Aeronautical Science or not. But, assuming that I go into engineering, which 'major' do you think would benefit me most as a pilot? Is aerospace the obvious answer? or would mechanical or electrical be more beneficial?

DE727UPS · January 1st, 2006, 23:06

I'm not answering your question, really, but giving you the "successful major airline pilot" opinion. Sorry for that, but that's what they pay me for...

If you like engineering, go into whatever discipline you like the most. The one that interests you the most. Maybe the one that you think will give you the best chance for a job outside of aviation. Which one will benefit you the most as a pilot doesn't matter. That's not the point....

I know that sounds crazy, in your shoes, but it makes perfect sense to me.

Koen · January 3rd, 2006, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff

Ok, thanks for all the replies. I'm still a little unsure whether or not to pursue Aeronautical Science or not. But, assuming that I go into engineering, which 'major' do you think would benefit me most as a pilot? Is aerospace the obvious answer? or would mechanical or electrical be more beneficial?

I did Meteorology. I cant tell you how much easier aviation weather is having this degree. You understand it so much easier. I guess forecasting every day of my life for aircraft operations doesnt hurt either. That's one discipline to look into though.

PGT · January 5th, 2006, 22:29

im a senior and next year im going to college for accounting and international business. After college i plan on a flight school.

scramjet · February 6th, 2006, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff

Hi there. I have been browsing through this forum for the last week or so, and I was wondering if you guys could offer me some advice.

Right, so I am currently a junior in high school, and it is time for me to start considering possible careers and looking at different colleges. One possible career I am considering is to become a pilot. My question is what is the outlook for the airline industry? Will there be more jobs in the future and will the industry be more stable? Another possible career interest I have is in engineering. If I were to major in that, I would choose either Aerospace, mechanical, or electrical. I was wondering which major would benefit a pilot the most.

Now, I came across ERAU and saw that it had an Aeronautical science degree, which would prepare me in my quest to become a pilot. However, I have read that it would be better to major in a non-aviation related degree in the event that I have to fall back on my majored career. But to those of you who say this, shouldn't I major in something that I am definitely going to use in my career? What's the point of majoring in something that you're not even going to use? Or should I major in engineering and then pursue pilot license's and training after I complete college?

Thanks in advance.
(MOD please move to correct forum if in wrong place)

As far as airline stability, the airlines aren't the only place to fly. There's corporate aviation and commercial test piloting as well.

Mountain Flying · February 6th, 2006, 19:42

I chose the route of going to training only as I have a certificate in electronics, But If I did had the chance I would take a geography degree for sure... Or be a ATC...

December 31st, 2005, 21:47	#1
Griff Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2	Advice for an aspiring pilot Hi there. I have been browsing through this forum for the last week or so, and I was wondering if you guys could offer me some advice. Right, so I am currently a junior in high school, and it is time for me to start considering possible careers and looking at different colleges. One possible career I am considering is to become a pilot. My question is what is the outlook for the airline industry? Will there be more jobs in the future and will the industry be more stable? Another possible career interest I have is in engineering. If I were to major in that, I would choose either Aerospace, mechanical, or electrical. I was wondering which major would benefit a pilot the most. Now, I came across ERAU and saw that it had an Aeronautical science degree, which would prepare me in my quest to become a pilot. However, I have read that it would be better to major in a non-aviation related degree in the event that I have to fall back on my majored career. But to those of you who say this, shouldn't I major in something that I am definitely going to use in my career? What's the point of majoring in something that you're not even going to use? Or should I major in engineering and then pursue pilot license's and training after I complete college? Thanks in advance. (MOD please move to correct forum if in wrong place)

January 1st, 2006, 01:19	#3
KBUF Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 213	So you wanna be a pilot huh? Plain and simple, kind of degree doesn't matter. I started off as an engineering major, but quickly got out when I realized the workload was so heavy (especially with flying and a job), and I am now a geography major. Read some of the stuff on this site for advice also. If you are interested in becoming an engineer, do engineering in college, of course, and see how you like it, get your pilot's license, see how you like it, and change your major if you need to. As far as the industry, there is little job security, high paying jobs are dwindling and paycuts are all too often carried out. It is very unpredictable, but the good thing about that is by the time you are ready for an airline, it could all be different. Simply put, its a good idea to get a non-aviation related degree as a backup so you could be a pilot, or an engineer or whatever. Good Luck and welcome to jetcareers! __________________ Patrick

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December 31st, 2005, 22:05	#2
jg1585 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SRQ Posts: 40	If your thinking about becoming a pilot, then I think your making a good choice in my opinion. It is a very rewarding career in the long run. If your doing it to make a @$&load of money right away then pick something else, but in the long run when you make it to the majors you will make a very respectable chunk of change. It is, in some opinions, a long hard road to go down requiring a lot of time and A LOT OF MONEY! BUT in my mind it is worth every penny, i wouldnt change my choice to be a pilot for the world. As far as a degree i would choose something that you can use if the industry takes a crap a hiring goes down hill but that will also benefit you if a aviation career, my previous flight instructor was a structual engineer before pursuing an aviaton career and his knowledge of engineering helped substantially in things like aerodynamics and the math side of flying. I would research ALL major flight schools and pick the one that will best suit your needs for obtaining degree and licenses. Remember you will most likely be instructing to gain hours and expeirence, although there are other ways to build time if you dont wont to instruct. just remember to research this before you dive in and to TAKE YOUR TIME, your still in high school, so make sure this is what you want to do. good luck in whatever you choose and feel free to ask any questions you have.

January 1st, 2006, 04:21	#5
caliginousface Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: san jose, ca Posts: 2,037	yeah erau plays it up like you need that aviation degree to become the top notch pilot in the skies, and the flight training is super standard. while the flight training may be rigidly structured, and sound all high and holy, its really not. get a degree in something else mentioned above, and fly at a local fbo. you'll save money, get a degree in something else incase you lose an eye or an arm, and you wont have to explain to people what erby diddle airplane school* is. *=term adopted from another jc member.

January 1st, 2006, 13:33	#6
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,550	"But to those of you who say this, shouldn't I major in something that I am definitely going to use in my career? What's the point of majoring in something that you're not even going to use?" I went to ERAU and I can honestly say very little of what I learned there helped me in my career. What you need to learn comes more through experience in the field than going to college. The point of majoring in something else that you're interested in is you could have a second career track on the side or as a back up. In my case, and at that age, there wasn't anything else other than aviation I was interested in studying. I regret that now.

January 1st, 2006, 20:29	#9
sargeanb Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florence, KY Posts: 93	Griff, Welcome aboard....glad to hear you are interested in aviation so early. You will benefit tremendously from what everyone here has to offer. When I was a junior in HS I figured I could be a writer or a pilot (odd combination, considering the required skills for each). At the time (late 90's), flying looked like a stable career, and my father, who is a writer, warned me of the difficulties I would face if I became a writer...so the decision was made...I could fly and maybe write articles on the side for various magazines, etc. ERAU is not too far from my folks place here in Tampa, and after a tour of 10 Universities in state, I decided to stick with aviation, and ended up there, with the knowledge that I would need PLENTY of loans to pay off the costs. Zoom ahead six years, and here I am...I've been flight instructing for about 2 years now, and am in no hurry to go to the regionals, (look around on the forums here a bit and you'll see why) and am searching for other options (freight dawg, corporate, charter, etc.) Halfway through college (2001) I realized I needed something to fall back on, as flying seemed to be headed south in a hurry. I had been tentatively researching what it would take to start an aviation business, and thus decided to begin my MBA in Aviation...good part is the university pays for it while I instruct here. Sorry for the rambling, but I know your questions very well. Point is, there are a LOT of other aviation related jobs out there besides flying...if you want to get into engineering, that is an excellent field. If you want to get into anything aviation-related, ERAU's a good place to be, as you are totally immersed in it here, and will meet many great contacts here. Also, if you want to fly on the side, there are plenty of FBO's in the area (flying on campus is quite a bit more expensive than most surrounding places)...although not as much more as most people think. For equal quality of equipment, facilities, and instruction (which is tough to find), prices are slightly higher than local FBOs...it is mainly flying out of DAB that costs more, due to delays. Keep in mind I work for the university, but I was a student here too not all that long ago. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to email me at sargeanb@erau.edu. -Brock Sargeant MEII

January 1st, 2006, 21:59	#10
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,550	"and am searching for other options (freight dawg...)" Have you thought about 135 freight? Amflight?

January 1st, 2006, 22:29	#11
Griff Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2	Ok, thanks for all the replies. I'm still a little unsure whether or not to pursue Aeronautical Science or not. But, assuming that I go into engineering, which 'major' do you think would benefit me most as a pilot? Is aerospace the obvious answer? or would mechanical or electrical be more beneficial?

January 1st, 2006, 23:06	#12
DE727UPS Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 6,550	I'm not answering your question, really, but giving you the "successful major airline pilot" opinion. Sorry for that, but that's what they pay me for... If you like engineering, go into whatever discipline you like the most. The one that interests you the most. Maybe the one that you think will give you the best chance for a job outside of aviation. Which one will benefit you the most as a pilot doesn't matter. That's not the point.... I know that sounds crazy, in your shoes, but it makes perfect sense to me.

January 5th, 2006, 22:29	#14
PGT Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: IA & MN Posts: 3,116	im a senior and next year im going to college for accounting and international business. After college i plan on a flight school.

February 6th, 2006, 19:42	#16
Mountain Flying Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 95	I chose the route of going to training only as I have a certificate in electronics, But If I did had the chance I would take a geography degree for sure... Or be a ATC...