rickair7777

I cannot emphasize this enough.

If you are interested in the military look into ALL services...those slots are hard to come by so don't limit your options. Like someone said, helos are fun, but if you want to be an airline or corporate pilot try to do FW in the military.

Also look into the air national guard/ usaf reserve...this is a very good deal for a career pilot because you can pursue civilian and military careers in parallel, and because you will know in advance what aircraft type you will be assigned (no getting locked into helos for ten years).

ROTC or the academies are good financial deal, but the downside is that you will be obligated for military service even if you do not get a flight slot for whatever reason. If your priority is flying over military service, doing guard/reserves after college is safer.

canuhvr

I agree with atlmsl, too, regarding your education. Just focus on that and don't worry about going to a school that has aviation as a major.

I did that back in '89 when I attended Central Washington University's flight program, but when I ran out of money before my senior year I decided to fly in the Army and then use my VA benefits to finish my education at ERAU. But that was only because already had so many credits toward that major that it only made sense to finish it up instead of wasting time starting all over on another major.

Another option if the military still interests you: Ask different recruiters to set you up with appointment for you to "interview" pilots from local military units (no matter what branch of service) to help you make an informed decision regarding WOCS / WOFT, AF, Navy, MC or even Coast Guard. You might find you just want to stay civilian. Just don't sign anything with a recruiter unless you're sure it's what you want to do.

USMCFLYR

Make sure that you want to be a Marine first and foremost though if you decide to pursue this route. You will end up doing a lot of *extra* stuff that Marines do before (and during) your Marine career - so you need to know that. (e.g. - 6 months of (mainly) infantry training before even starting flight school)

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I'll have to disagree with Rickair here on one point.........serving your country should never be considered a downside. Even if you just come in to serve for the minimum time without a flight slot (4 years) - you will have done more for your country than most others can boast.

USMCFLYR

gdpballin

I just graduated from H.S. and I am in the same spot as you. For a while I was not sure whether i wanted to go to a college for aviation, directly into the military, or just get a non-aviation related degree and get my ratings while in college.

Well I kinda went in between it all...My idea is to go to UMD for Aeronautical engineering. I don't see my self in any other industry but I didnt want to go for a 'professional pilot' degree, because I didnt want to end up laid off and not having a job to turn around to.

If a health issue comes up and your no longer able to fly, you need something to fall back on, that is why I choose a different degree. I will get my ratings as I go to school at a private airport. It will also be a hell of alot cheaper since I am not going out of state, and paying a college for my ratings.

In the end I plan on going to the military. But either way, Airlines do not look at your degree as much as they do experience and what not. If you have the experience and a B.S. degree then you are qualified to get a job.

But if you really would like to attend college for an aviation degree, as said above Purdue and or Auburn. I understand what position you are in and it's not easy to decide on what you want to do, Ive been switching my ideas around every other month, and I finally think I found something im gonna stick with.

You have time though, research alot and take the advice from the pilots on this board. They know which is the best direction to go in.

Hope this gives you a different point of view.

redbaron586

I was in your shoes four years ago. Got into Embry Ridde, turned it down. Too much is riding on an aviation degreee. Get a degree in something else and then get your licenses in addition to it so if you do lose your medical, you'll have something to fall back on.

rickair7777

I'll have to disagree with Rickair here on one point.........serving your country should never be considered a downside. Even if you just come in to serve for the minimum time without a flight slot (4 years) - you will have done more for your country than most others can boast.

USMCFLYR[/QUOTE]


I agree about the service, it's a good thing and will be good for you. I didn't get the flight slot, but 22 years later I'm still participating.

But you need to realistically assess your personal desires and motivations. I worked out fine as a non-pilot, but not everyone does...we don't need any more bitter junior officers who are just counting the days. If that's going to be you, best not to get involved in the first place.

If you sign on the dotted line, be fully committed. But don't make that decision lightly.