Originally Posted by
acpeck6
Should I finish college or ratings first? First some background info, I'm 21 with a PPL, and Instrument rating and want to become a career pilot. I have less than a year of college under my belt, and a considerable amount of debt from flight training. I haven't flown in around 9 months because I can't afford it. Im at a point where I cannot and shouldn't take out any more loans for flying. Ive decided that I should focus on getting my degree first. This will allow me to get a better job to pay off my debt and save for the rest of my flight training. The only other option would be working full time at a min. wage job until I get the $.
Any thoughts on finishing college first?
Thanks!
Finish the degree period. I received my degree in mechanical engineering, full scholarships and grants, worked for 5 years in engineering, paid off all of my ratings (except private and instrument as I already had those) and found part time CFI job shortly after. I worked 24/7 for the last 3 years and was able to log 1800 TT however my weekends were spent flying 6am-8pm, my weekdays after work were spent at the airport as well (was lucky to have two jobs 5 mins apart). I would suggest doing the same, work your a** off, make double salary and by the time you're 26-27, you'll be debt free with plenty of savings to take on regional job and good amount of experience in two industries. I'm 26 and jumping the ship in in January. My goal was to have a solid plan B. I am actually thinking of picking up Masters in economics after I get through regional training.