Will I get by without university?

[georgeishungry]

So I want to be a commercial pilot when I'm older. That's the dream. I've got zero flying experience, and no way to get any, so directly training with an airline is out of the picture, as they tend to only train people with flying experience.

I was searching, and I found a training programme with CTC Wings (based quite near where I live atm), but there's no way I can do that and university. This programme comes to around £70,000 to be in (although you can take out loans and get sponsored by companies to do the course). CTC Wings has a very high placement rate, you'll have a commercial pilot's license by the end of the course, you'll be fully qualified to fly for airlines like BA, EasyJet, etc and you need zero flying experience to get on the course.

But will I get by okay if I do this instead of earning a university degree? I need a hand.

[Ethe14]

Yes if you plan on only doing this for the rest of your life you'll be ok. However if you ever want to do something different then a degree will be a better choice.

[Typhlosion]

If you are truly certain of your desire to being a pilot, go for it. It'll be an interesting career!

Now, if undecided, stop and think. Think for as long as necessary, to be honest. Need 2 years? Think. College degrees are much, much more flexible job-wise yet are a waste of time and money depending on what you want to be, such as an airline pilot.

[DiamondsGirl]

If it's a very selective program, then I think you should go to the uni first and get a degree. While at the uni you can work here and there, find people who would sponsor you etc. The degree is gonna be your back-up plan. What if you don't pass the training program? That's just a personal opinion though.

[Spookysnail]

well it depends on what you truly want do, the university degree is very handy as a backup, you can always train as a pilot after doing a degree. But its you're choice.

[Harry Smith]

One word-air force. That's the only way you can become a commercial pilot these days, just sign up to air cadets as well because you'll want some experience. I wanted to be a pilot when I was 14 and I definitely don't want to now so yeah keep your options open, but still aim high

[JamesSuperBoy]

So I want to be a commercial pilot when I'm older. That's the dream. I've got zero flying experience, and no way to get any, so directly training with an airline is out of the picture, as they tend to only train people with flying experience.

I was searching, and I found a training programme with CTC Wings (based quite near where I live atm), but there's no way I can do that and university. This programme comes to around £70,000 to be in (although you can take out loans and get sponsored by companies to do the course). CTC Wings has a very high placement rate, you'll have a commercial pilot's license by the end of the course, you'll be fully qualified to fly for airlines like BA, EasyJet, etc and you need zero flying experience to get on the course.

But will I get by okay if I do this instead of earning a university degree? I need a hand.

Thats great you can find that info - but a whole lot can change by the time you leave school - so keep your options open and take every opportunity to find out all the ways you can train.

[Body odah Man]

Steve Jobs. Nuff said

[Plane And Simple]

Yay finally someone who shares a dream. PM me and we'll speak this, but as a quick reply, I am against not going to university.

Get a degree as a backup, because the total cost of the CTC Wings Cadet (Not MPL, which do find you a job, Wings Cadet Doesn't) is around 100000GBP. You'll get out of the course with a FROZEN ATPL, and a six figure debt, as well as no job to pay it off. If you decidce to do an MPL with easyJet or BA, or FlyBe, then I'd still say, go to the university and get your qualifications, once again, a 5 figure debt rushing to be paid and you waiting for work is not a good sign. And it'll still take you time once you start working to get a proper salary to start paying the debt off and earning for a living.

Know the difference between Wings Cadet and MPL, also know you'll be going to New Zealand or the USA to learn to fly for 2 years, and this has about a 10000GBP expense overall.

Estimate for a Wings Cadet Course:
Selection fee: £210
Security Bond: £69,000
Foundation Course: £20,800
EASA Class 1 Medical: £350
Airline Preparation Day 1: £1000
Accomodation Costs: £5,000 per year
Typoe Rating contribution: £5,500
TOTAL: £106,510


I'm happy to speak to you anytime.

[Melodic]

I honestly find a college degree pointless in what I want to do.. But I'll probably get a music teaching degree just in case.

But you should follow your dreams, maybe at least have a back up plan though.

[georgeishungry]

Yay finally someone who shares a dream. PM me and we'll speak this, but as a quick reply, I am against not going to university.

Get a degree as a backup, because the total cost of the CTC Wings Cadet (Not MPL, which do find you a job, Wings Cadet Doesn't) is around 100000GBP. You'll get out of the course with a FROZEN ATPL, and a six figure debt, as well as no job to pay it off. If you decidce to do an MPL with easyJet or BA, or FlyBe, then I'd still say, go to the university and get your qualifications, once again, a 5 figure debt rushing to be paid and you waiting for work is not a good sign. And it'll still take you time once you start working to get a proper salary to start paying the debt off and earning for a living.

Know the difference between Wings Cadet and MPL, also know you'll be going to New Zealand or the USA to learn to fly for 2 years, and this has about a 10000GBP expense overall.

Estimate for a Wings Cadet Course:
Selection fee: £210
Security Bond: £69,000
Foundation Course: £20,800
EASA Class 1 Medical: £350
Airline Preparation Day 1: £1000
Accomodation Costs: £5,000 per year
Typoe Rating contribution: £5,500
TOTAL: £106,510


I'm happy to speak to you anytime.

Good God that's been an Eye-opener. Thank you.

[Plane And Simple]

Good God that's been an Eye-opener. Thank you.

No problem. I'm ready to talk anytime