Hey all,
Haven’t logged in for a very long while, but have been reading the forums once and a while.
I am finding that even with experience (total times ect) that operators still like to see a degree on the resume. I was thinking of plugging away at one for the next decade or so.
What degree do you all think would be most appropriate for someone considering a long term flying career? I had thought of Physics because it seems to be the most relevant to what we do and is available through distance education.
Any other thoughts? I need to do it through distance education because I will not live in the same spot long enough to complete a semester and I work full time. I am not planning to go join the airlines. I would prefer to work my way into specialty air services like fire fighting or flight testing.
Thanks for the advice!
Cheers!
Flying Degree
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c_172pilot
- Rank 2
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Flying Degree
c_172pilot
Aviation is proof, that given the will,
we have the capacity to achieve the impossible."
Aviation is proof, that given the will,
we have the capacity to achieve the impossible."
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wallypilot
- Rank (9)
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- Location: The Best Coast
Then unless you want the degree for personal reasons, I wouldn't bother.
if you still want to do the degree, i would recommend business training for 2 reasons:
1. if you ever lose your medical, you will have something to fall back on. Physics doesn't offer much to fall back on, unless you want to be an academic.
2. If you eventually want to fly less, a business degree is a great way to move into the office side of an air operator.
Personally, I have a Bachelor of Commerce. I don't really think it has played any part thus far in getting the flying jobs that I have had. I am now onto my 4th job, 8 years later...i think it may play into my next job, though.
cheers
wp
if you still want to do the degree, i would recommend business training for 2 reasons:
1. if you ever lose your medical, you will have something to fall back on. Physics doesn't offer much to fall back on, unless you want to be an academic.
2. If you eventually want to fly less, a business degree is a great way to move into the office side of an air operator.
Personally, I have a Bachelor of Commerce. I don't really think it has played any part thus far in getting the flying jobs that I have had. I am now onto my 4th job, 8 years later...i think it may play into my next job, though.
cheers
wp
Just go with something you would enjoy, forget about doing something for the sake of employment. If you lose your medical you may have a degree in a job that really doesn't help/interest you. Go with something you enjoy. Plan B is always good. I personally jsut like trades, just go with something you like!
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desksgo
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Getting a degree in flying is like saying you're getting a degree in truck driving, lawn mowing, or hockey.
You don't need one to be good at what you do, you don't need one to get ahead, and no one is going to be that impressed that you have one. If you really want a degree do something interesting with yourself, like the others say something would light your fire if you ever have to endure some tough times in this industry.
Learn a trade, cure cancer, learn accounting...just no flying degree...mmmkay?
You don't need one to be good at what you do, you don't need one to get ahead, and no one is going to be that impressed that you have one. If you really want a degree do something interesting with yourself, like the others say something would light your fire if you ever have to endure some tough times in this industry.
Learn a trade, cure cancer, learn accounting...just no flying degree...mmmkay?
You can't go wrong by getting good education.
I am at university studying Commerce & Political science. I am doing it because I am very interested in the subjects. Also want a degree in the case I loose my medical.
Get a degree in a subject that interest you. Get it done quick & leave time to study for Vaition (IFR, CPL, IATRA, etc..) & Fly!
Commerce is a wise choice, if you are interested?
I am at university studying Commerce & Political science. I am doing it because I am very interested in the subjects. Also want a degree in the case I loose my medical.
Get a degree in a subject that interest you. Get it done quick & leave time to study for Vaition (IFR, CPL, IATRA, etc..) & Fly!
Commerce is a wise choice, if you are interested?
Asking a pilot about what he thinks of Transport Canada, is like asking a fire hydrant what does he think about dogs.
Agree with previous posters regarding trades. More marketable, less time and probably less cash invested. Easier to work on the side.
If it must be a degree, then Law or Business may give you some insight into where your career is headed before the herd knows. (Outside decisions that affect pilots careers while we fight about per diems and cost of living allowances.)
I have a physics degree and although relevant, it is redundant when you see how we are all trained. Physics won't get you the social skills and contacts required to land you a job, Only time in the environment and careful observation will. (With plenty of study and determination of course)
If you must choose physics, the degree does not have the limited shelf life of some others. Much has remained unchanged since Newton's classical mechanics. What we call Modern Physics began 100 years ago. The cutting edge has dug in a little deeper but the bulk is relevant now as it was decades ago. Makes it plausible to return for graduate studies many years later. But that's not an aviation career, is it?
If it must be a degree, then Law or Business may give you some insight into where your career is headed before the herd knows. (Outside decisions that affect pilots careers while we fight about per diems and cost of living allowances.)
I have a physics degree and although relevant, it is redundant when you see how we are all trained. Physics won't get you the social skills and contacts required to land you a job, Only time in the environment and careful observation will. (With plenty of study and determination of course)
If you must choose physics, the degree does not have the limited shelf life of some others. Much has remained unchanged since Newton's classical mechanics. What we call Modern Physics began 100 years ago. The cutting edge has dug in a little deeper but the bulk is relevant now as it was decades ago. Makes it plausible to return for graduate studies many years later. But that's not an aviation career, is it?
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c_172pilot
- Rank 2
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- Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2004 8:19 pm
Hey thanks for the replies. I am committed to a career in aviation. I am certainly not at the entry level that is for sure. I don’t need a second job while I am flying. My current job pays me well enough and keeps me quite busy. I am just looking to the future (15- 20 years). I would like to keep flying but maybe not the same type of flying I do now. I might like to get into flight test and evaluation or perhaps fire fighting. It sounds like they really don’t care what I study.
c_172pilot
Aviation is proof, that given the will,
we have the capacity to achieve the impossible."
Aviation is proof, that given the will,
we have the capacity to achieve the impossible."
