Hello, been a while since I've posted on here... I am currently an over the road truck driver in an attempt to save money for flight school. I am 24 years old with no degree right now. I understand I would need to get a degree to make it anywhere in aviation. My question is, is this worth it? I love aviation, have a strong passion for flying. But it seems like all I read about is how bad of a profession it is. I am also worried that maybe I am too far behind the power curve due to my age and no degree. Another option I am looking into is helicopters, I have several friends that fly helicopters for a living and understand that a degree is not typically required for a helicopter career. My background is 6 years military aviation with one year in Iraq. I was only in the guard but spent the majority of my time full time guard. I got in to go to flight school but was disqualified due to color vision. I do however hold a 1st class medical from the FAA(passed the color vision test no problem). What would you do in my shoes? Sorry for the long post, just wanted to ask for advice.

 

Hello. Your age and lack of a degree can be overcome with a bit more time. Your mil service has you a bit used to discomfort which is good. Class I passed-great.

The only cause for concern in your post is your question "Is it worth it?". Only you can determine whether it's worth it.

My advice to a young pilot starting out would be this.....do you NEED to do this? Because aviation will make life demands on you and everyone around you that will cause you to reevaluate the "worth" question frequently.

For me that question has always been yes but I can envision times that could change that. BTW, run from anyone who gives you "ironclad" career advice.

If you can answer that NEED question, you'll be on the right track. Best wishes.

 

I agree with the above post. What is worth it, is solely up to you. You can still knock out your ratings get a job , and finish your degree online. That's ht I am doing, it tough and takes dedication , but on long overnights while stuck in a hotel that's gives me a good amount of time to write
Essays etc. it is fully possible. The degree thing scared me as I need got mine, but I look back now it wasn't as bad as I thought .

That being said this forum is a good place to get some info , however this website is a place to gets lots of bad info !!!!!! There are a lot of haters on here that like to vent , which they have every right too. So take the words you read wisely .

Good luck ....

 

Nobody can tell you whether it's worth it or not.

Also the previous posters are incorrect...even YOU cannot determine whether it's worth it or not.

The capricious and unstable nature of the industry means that even you will not know whether it was worth it or not until it's over, or nearly over (age 55-60 with good seniority at a major.)

It's a gamble. But do yourself a favor anyway, get a degree.

 

"Also the previous posters are incorrect...even YOU cannot determine whether it's worth it or not."

Actually, the individual's judgement is the sole determinant of value. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

The financial instability is part of the calculation but not the whole enchilada. Do kids ask pilots at air shows about their 401k? The view from the window, the travel, the challenge of trying to fly a good airplane, working with the crew to get things done....these things have value, at least to me, even after 20 years.

If one can only determine the grand sum total of an aviation career after decades of experience based on the success or failure of things completely out of your control, I would advise getting an HVAC certification and making real money.

At the end of your career in aviation, you could be well off or flat on your ass financially. An agonizing question you may have at the end is "Would you have done anything differently?".

If you "needed" to be there, no agonizing required....go have another beer.

 

It is a massive investment with a very uncertain future.

Skyhigh

 

• He needs a college degree, bar none. He has to get that first. In something besides aviation.

Beyond that, I think we should advise kids like him to continue with their flight training for the time being, and take a cautious wait and see attitude about whether it will pan out. They can quit later if it seems not to. How else are they going to know if they are suited for aviation?

However, to plunge into flight school on the wings of a whopping loan- if they can even get one- is a terrible mistake. They should pay their way dollar for dollar. That gives them a clear idea how much cash is going into the cause as each rating is obtained, and brings cost into sharp relief.

But this kid is the right age to be asking this question and I hope he decides to pursue it. Pro aviation is a good career for a lucky few, and it always will be. The problem is for whom.

 

To the original poster....keep my username and Private Message me anytime. Pilots helping pilots is the name of the game here, and I personally have been the recipient of help from many APC members. Maybe I can pass along the favor.

You probably (hopefully) have been reading all sorts of threads on here. Generally speaking, things probably aren't as bad as all the complaining on here goes. But also, don't fall for glossy advertising or flight school propaganda. They are trying to SELL you something, and I am pretty sure most people on here are not trying to sell you something.

I would be wary of aviaton majors. If you do get an aviation major, my advice is to double major in something NON aviation. Shoot, there are good two year degrees with in demand skills.

 

Most higher level jobs will require a 4yr degree to be competitive(not sure how it makes a great pilot, but it is what it is). As mentioned before, a non aviation degree would benefit you more in the long run.

I would just say starting out, get a few of your ratings, hang out at the airport when you can, and just see it with your own eyes

Good luck

 

Sometimes the juice isn't worth the squeeze.