Should I become a Pilot?
 

I am currently faced with a decision. I go to a college prep school, and I need to decide what I want to do. I am currently 14, and I have been taking flight lessons since I was 11. I still don't have a huge number of flying hours, but my lessons are coming sooner. I am also interested in engineering, and I am highly skilled with computers. I also enjoy flying, and I currently fly a Cessna Skyhawk. My mother is pushing me towards a degree in aviation. However, I am also interested in engineering. I would like to work as a pilot for FedEx, but I want to know if I can get my license and still get a degree in engineering. What are the benefits of becoming a pilot? How would a degree in aviation help me (financially)? Is becoming a pilot a good career if you love flying? What is the business aspect of piloting like? I know I have many questions and I don't expect a definite answer, but I could really use some help steering me in the right direction. Thank you for your help. :)

Also, what is a good college to go to to become a pilot? Is being a corporate pilot a viable option? Thanks.

If you love flying there is no reason to not pursue it. I think your mom is wrong about an aviation degree if have an interest in something else. A degree in anything checks the square on the app that asks if you have a degree. I tell folks to seek training in something outside of aviation as a back up.

If you're not already there, I'd point you towards jetcareers.com

Go for it! If you really love it, then you won't turn back! You can get your ratings at an FBO; go to an aviation college; take the military route; the possibilities are numerous. Do your research, and choose the path that suits your personality, goals, and FINANCIAL SITUATION the best! Don't go into huge debt just to get a degree, or go the military route JUST TO FLY. But, there is a very important thing you can do right now to preserve your passion for aviation and desire to pursue your career.
This thing is to never come to this website until you at least have your commercial pilot's license and have dedicated yourself to this profession.
There are great people on here who will teach you a lot, but there is SO MUCH NEGATIVITY. I predict the majority of people who respond to this thread will say "don't go into aviation." People on here can and will suck the passion out of you. You're 14, and I won't speak down to you or condescend, but you still are relatively inexperienced in this industry and making your decisions as of now on pure love of flying. But, when you hear people on here call it "glorified bus driving," "staring at a wall for hours," "boring blue collar, time-card punching monotony" and things of the sort, you will be hearing things you never thought your dream career would be likened to - I know I sure didn't. I held flying as the highest of all professions - a truly noble job - until I came on here. I still hold aviation in very high regards, but all the negativity wore me down and I lost countless nights of sleep thinking about how pilots could hate what they did so much and tell other people not to "make the mistake they did by entering the industry." Would I be doomed to participate in a failing industry that would run me into the ground? (Nobody on here answer this question for me haha :p :D) I guess I love it too much to quit, and I can laugh about it all now, but I'd advise staying clear of this website for a while. Don't let these people squash your innocent passion for flying.

*late-night rant over. time for some SLEEP*

Im not writing this to try to discourage your dream like the guy above my post says most people will do on these forums. I am not a pilot nor have I done any training in the field. The reason I felt I should respond to your thread is because I was in the same position you are in now. At the age of 14 I had a love for aviation among many other thing. 14 turned to 15 to 16 and you get the point. long story short I was 20 years old and still undecided so I joined the Army to explore the other interest I had. It wasnt until 2 years ago that I relized that aviation was my calling, I am 24 now. I wasted many years trying to make up my mind, I have done tons of research on aviation in my army career and I enjoy learning everything about it. In Iraq i studied books on aerodynamics and IFR flying I couldnt get away from it. Thats how I know that aviation is something I want to get into. I kinda got lucky, I have 2 months left on my contract with the Army and I start school in Jan and its all covered by the GI Bill. I got my class 1 flight physical 2 days ago just to make sure nothing would pop up to prevent my career choice. I am willing to take a large pay loss entering this field from the military but I think its worth it. On the bright side I wont have any school loans to pay off.

Of course it's worth it !!!! Heck, work for FREE !!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, seriously. When you "made it" to that first big airliner seat with your heart going like a buzz saw, it might be worth it.

And then, like is so often seen in this forum, reality sets in.

Caveat emptor.

Don't worry.... the airline profession can do that nicely.

Of all the people who have started an airline career, what percentage do you think end up at a stable, good paying airline job?

Do what you want Kid, it's your life. You only get one.

Having said that, it's a tough biz right now but so is the world.

I have an aviation degree. It really does nothing for me except that I am able to check a box saying I have a degree. Having a degree outside of aviation would probably benefit you more in case you get furloughed, which odds are you will at some point.

I am 41 and have stayed in it for the time off (many days in a row). I might get much more than time off with a second furlough. One at a major pax the other major cargo. I still enjoy flying but would much rather fly a small aircraft on my days off. It makes for an interesting life, just make the best of it and don't worry about getting to your destination without enjoying the ride.

I appreciate the responses, and I think I've made a decision. I don't think my parents would ever let me join the air force, so I guess that means the military route is out of the question. I want to be a pilot. However, I would like to say that I know this is a tough career. What career isn't? I don't have an innocent view either, my cousin is a pilot for a company. I know that the hours suck, and that the pay in the beginning sucks too. That being said, I like it. I like it enough to overcome those parts, and I really like the idea of just flying packages. That way I don't have to worry about people. Too many people get crazy on commercial flights. I just have to tell this to my academic advisory when I have to meet with them. I also have to find a good college to get a doctorate in engineering. I guess I have to explain to all my friends why I don't want to be a businessman or a lawyer (college prep school joke). Thanks for helping me out, and not letting me get that crappy aviation degree. :)

One question. What exactly is your problem? Tons of people want to enter the field because it was their dream job. However, very few of them started taking flight lessons at 11 and got serious about it. How many people who get MBAs actually get to be a rich businessman? No career is easy, unless I want to be a secretary or something.