Go Back  Airline Pilot Central Forums > Career Builder > Career Questions
Mechanical Engineer to Pilot >

Mechanical Engineer to Pilot

Notices
Career Questions Career advice, interview prep and gouges, job fairs, etc.

Mechanical Engineer to Pilot

Old 12-07-2018, 08:20 AM
  #31  
No
 
DaGreenBanana's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Position: Seated
Posts: 133
Default

Originally Posted by CC268 View Post
Plan is to get Commercial, Multi Engine Commercial, then CFI. Then quit engineering and instruct full time at a local school. I'd like to get the hours as soon as possible. I think I might die of cubicle disease if I stay in engineering much longer.
What do you like about engineering, and what do you like about flying? What kind of life do you want?

There are people miserable with their life in the left seat making six figures just as much as there are people miserable in their corner office in middle management.

The key to life is perspective...sometimes you need to experience things yourself to fully appreciate, but for big job transitions it's in your best interest to try to understand it first before the jump, like you are, and take note of any red flags that pop up that you might be trying to suppress because you hate your current situation so much.

There is no perfect job, for most. At the bare minimum you should try working for a different employer before you fully commit and leave your current industry. Don't chase the money, engineering or aviation will pay well enough either way.

I've made a similar switch, feel free to PM me for more info.
DaGreenBanana is offline  
Old 12-07-2018, 08:05 PM
  #32  
New Hire
 
Joined APC: Aug 2018
Posts: 7
Default

So after debating for 3 years if I should make similar switch (close to 6 years as mechanical engineer), I am finally sitting @ CAE. My engineering employer has asked me to work part time (remotely or in the office) as many hours as I want/can. This will give me a chance to get a taste of flying and worst case scenario I will go right back to engineering after a year or so. This is one of those things in life I just had to do in order to not have any regrets. I think I may even want to start instructing at CAE Northeast after a year or so of flying, starting pay is in 6 figures.
CFIliving is offline  
Old 12-08-2018, 11:54 AM
  #33  
Prime Minister/Moderator
 
rickair7777's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,100
Default

Originally Posted by CFIliving View Post
I think I may even want to start instructing at CAE Northeast after a year or so of flying, starting pay is in 6 figures.
Sim doesn't offer nearly the pay, benefits and QOL as the majors. If you're relatively young, I wouldn't take a detour in the sims.
rickair7777 is offline  
Old 09-22-2020, 03:24 AM
  #34  
New Hire
 
Joined APC: Sep 2020
Posts: 1
Default

Hi,

I am a recent graduate of mechanical engineering as well and just like you im interested to enter the aviation too.
Could you send me a Pm.? I would like to discuss few things with you.

Thank you
MaximusHumus is offline  
Old 09-22-2020, 12:57 PM
  #35  
Gets Everyday Off
 
TransWorld's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Position: Relaxed
Posts: 6,880
Default

Engineering graduates do well as pilots.
TransWorld is offline  
Old 09-26-2020, 12:39 PM
  #36  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jul 2019
Posts: 486
Default

Don’t do it. Stick to engineering and buy a plane if you want to fly. Low wages are really not worth it to have a career in flying
propellere is offline  
Old 09-26-2020, 03:11 PM
  #37  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Position: B767
Posts: 1,899
Default

Originally Posted by propellere View Post
Don’t do it. Stick to engineering and buy a plane if you want to fly. Low wages are really not worth it to have a career in flying
I make WAY more as a pilot than I ever would have dreamed of as a mechanical engineer. More time off too, and a better retirement. And I absolutely love my job.

Of course that’s not guaranteed, but I would’ve been very unhappy had I not at least tried. As long as one has the resources to do so, they should follow their passion if they can do so responsibly.
wrxpilot is offline  
Old 09-26-2020, 06:09 PM
  #38  
Gets Everyday Off
 
TransWorld's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Position: Relaxed
Posts: 6,880
Default

Originally Posted by wrxpilot View Post
I make WAY more as a pilot than I ever would have dreamed of as a mechanical engineer. More time off too, and a better retirement. And I absolutely love my job.

Of course that’s not guaranteed, but I would’ve been very unhappy had I not at least tried. As long as one has the resources to do so, they should follow their passion if they can do so responsibly.
And if something happens, you can always go back to being an engineer.
TransWorld is offline  
Old 09-26-2020, 06:22 PM
  #39  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Position: B767
Posts: 1,899
Default

Originally Posted by TransWorld View Post
And if something happens, you can always go back to being an engineer.
That’s true too. At this point it’s been about 15 years since I worked as an engineer, so I would likely have to go back to school and refresh on a few subjects. But still, it would be a relatively quick spool up and engineers are always in demand.
wrxpilot is offline  
Old 09-26-2020, 06:24 PM
  #40  
Gets Everyday Off
 
TransWorld's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Aug 2016
Position: Relaxed
Posts: 6,880
Default

Originally Posted by wrxpilot View Post
That’s true too. At this point it’s been about 15 years since I worked as an engineer, so I would likely have to go back to school and refresh on a few subjects. But still, it would be a relatively quick spool up and engineers are always in demand.
That last sentence is correct, and the key.
TransWorld is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CC268
Career Questions
15
02-26-2016 07:32 AM
CC268
Career Questions
9
07-23-2015 02:24 PM
CC268
Career Questions
11
06-04-2014 05:10 PM
vagabond
Hiring News
0
04-12-2012 02:13 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Your Privacy Choices