Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreamlinergirl
I've badly wanted to become and airline pilot for about four years and I'm currently a high school student (not old enough to obtain PPL). I do intend to get my private liscence before I graduate if everything goes according to plan. The only other career I've had a ton of interest in was becoming a veterinarian, I was wondering if it would be practical to go to vet school and college at the same time as I worked on my flight training and building time. Also, would the airlines frown on it? I thought maybe if I could get a hospital to work around my airline schedule and make some extra money while at the regionals that may be a good a idea and I'd have that whole career to fall back on if I got furloughed or something. I'm just really not sure exactly how to approach things and I don't want to make a mistake.
It can indeed be done, but don't underestimate the challenge ahead of you. If you can keep your grades up and finish high school with your private, and possibly your instrument rating, you'll be ahead of the curve. If you can finish college with your instrument rating and at least your single engine commercial, if you not a multi-commercial, you'll be in great shape. If you can get your CFI before you start vet school, you'll be money ahead.
I agree with the others: if vet school is something you want to do, do that. You can always return to flying later; returning to vet school will be much more difficult. I have a feeling that vet school and flying share a common trait: you have to want to do that particular field more than you want your next breath. If that's the case, you are lucky to have two such passions.
As for how the airlines will view it, don't worry: they will admire your tenacity and dedication, and if it comes down to you and another equally qualified pilot, they will take you every time. And yes, you can do the vet stuff on your days off--you'll be taking care of your co-workers' animals! Plus, you can practice vet medicine no matter where you flying career takes you, and that alone is pretty cool.