Hi, I've recently been accepted to Virginia Tech for majoring in physics. However, I'm not sure if a degree in physics is the best for becoming a commercial pilot because it's so difficult and complicated. I originally wanted to major in aviation but it was too costly. Is majoring in physics a good idea? Should I make a switch? Please help.

 

Awwwww
You don’t want to do it because it’s difficult ?
Try flight training and the first 5-7 years of your career....or in my case 20 years.
Degree in aviation prior to attempting to become a pilot you’re outing all your eggs in one basket.
Get a degree outside of aviation as a plan B.
It will also make you a little more all round.
And Physics will come in pretty darn handy as it’s physics that makes the plane fly.

 

C’mon now, you know it’s MONEY that makes airplanes fly.

 

PFM actually......

 

Physics is fine, having a technical background will help with aviation training. Just make sure your GPA is > 3.0 (applioes to any degree).

If you're not majoring in flight ops for an R-ATP, ideally your degree should serve as a fall-back if you need a non-aviation job some day. Physics may not be the best for that (accounting, nursing are probably ideal examples) but it will open more doors than random liberal arts degrees. Nuclear plants pay very, very well but that's a different lifestyle.

 

Better to graduate with ‘basket weaving’ than flunk out of the physics program, just saying. Plus you can likely get through sooner.

I have a relative with no degree, has accomplished more than 90% with a degree. He owns a major business, pipelines, land clearing, earth moving etc..

Of course, nothing wrong with backup plans.

 

Jessica, your concerns over the difficulty of a physics degree are completely warranted. Good on you for assessing the risk and attempting to mitigate low GPA concerns given that your end goal in life appears to be flying. In flying jargon, you have situational awareness on a potential threat and are asking those in the profession for feedback.

I'd suggest majoring in physics if it's something you really enjoy and are good at math. You'll have an uphill battle if you don't have both of those components. Majoring in physics to further your understanding of flying is seriously overkill... you don't need a technical degree to understand flying concepts or succeed as a pilot. What will help you most in pursuit of your ratings is an excellent instructor and persistent ground study with training aids which cater to your personal style of learning.

As others have mentioned, I'd recommend studying something which is captivating for you and will let you get relatively good grades. Bonus points if you can use it as a backup in case flying doesn't pan out for you.

Best of luck, and congrats on VT!