[Banda]

Hi guys, I hope you're all well. I'm hoping I could possibly get advice/help...I'm in a tricky postion.

So I'm in my first yr at university studying Law- something i do enjoy, but I've ALWAYS wanted to be a pilot. The thing is there is a major issue that discourages me from fulfilling this dream. I never did science subjects (back in my country there were 3 class categories; Arts, Commercials and Sciences) and I was put in the Commercials class and did subjects like Accounting, Business etc- along with the usual Maths, English, Geography etc). So when I came to England for A-Levels I did Literature, English Language, Law and History...but obviously the major requirements if one wants to train as a pilot is a history of science subjects. I do have a 'C' in GCSE Maths, but I dont think that would be enough.

Is there anything I can possibly do in order to get into a flight school or university (eg Bucks Uni, which offers Air Transport with Pilot Training BA)? I'm tempted to drop out and take a year out or something and do something to get qualifications in a science subject and improve my math grade too...or am I completely wrong that you cant train to be a commercial pilot without these science subjects? Maybe i'm completely misinformed, but honestly- as much as i enjoy Law, my fascination with Aviation and related things is just immense.

Sorry if this is a bit 'all over the place'. It would be great to hear what you may have to say. Thank you

[threeportdrift]

If you are so keen to become a pilot, how come you haven't just looked up a few training courses to find out what their entry requirements are? That would seem far more logical that stressing about something that might well be nothing. Stop guessing and go do a simple google search.

You should also do a search on here because there have been several decent threads on how to become a civilian pilot.

[Banda]

The thing is I have looked it all up, I guess I painted the picture that i was guessing- really sorry, but I have checked and it appears that some sciences and good grade in maths is desirable. Thanks anyway, i'll keep looking around.

[threeportdrift]

It may be desirable, but it's not impossible to become a pilot without science qualifications. In very simple terms, becoming a pilot is very expensive, if you want someone else to pay (ie get sponsorship) they are going to want as much proof as possible that you can hack the training, and maths/physics qualifications offer some proof. You may well be able to convince them that you can make it and are worth the risk even if you don't have science quals though. Alternatively, you can go the long hard way, by paying for yourself (loans and small flying jobs to hours build) in which case no-one cares about your qualifications. You certainly can achieve a career in aviation without science qualifications, I had no more maths than GCSE level and managed a long and successful flying career and I know many others who have also.

[Lapis lazuli]

I am right in thinking pilots with low flight hours have little to no chance at getting jobs with airlines in the current climate?

[pug]

Being in a similar boat i hope i can offer my help...

To be a commercial pilot you do not even need level 3 qualifications... Sponsership is out of the question, too many people are prepared to pay for their own training now so airlines, in the UK at least, have stopped doing so.

Some schools like CTC have until recently taken on placements for ailines such as easyjet and Flybe. Dont be fooled by this, there is no garantee of a job at the end and on an intergrated course you will end up with at least £60,000 debt. In these times i hear HSBC has pulled its unsecure loan scheme with the 'integrated schools'.

Best thing to do, keep studting law. Try and get a well paid job afterwards. Save as much as you can and make a decision when (if) things pick up again. Lask year there were 2000 fATPL holders looking for work, dont become one of the many increasing numbers in that pile.

I am just in my first year of uni as a mature student at 25. I am doing my PPL self funded now. I hope in three years things may pick up and i may have saved enough to get me some way through the course to become commercial. Im doing it modular. Half the cost and much more flexible where you learn.

Hope this helps.

[pug]

Originally Posted by Lapis lazuli

I am right in thinking pilots with low flight hours have little to no chance at getting jobs with airlines in the current climate?

This is in part true, to gain a fATPL you will have a minimum of 250 hours. This alone does not help when applying for airline jobs but in the recession there will be far more experienced pilots out of work and these newbies will stand little chance. I just hope people make a very informed decision when looking to pay huge prices. One day it will be looking good, just not for the forseeable future.


People are paying off HUGE debts having done training and not finding employment. Being a shelfstacker and paying huge repayments everymonth must be soal destroying.

[Banda]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do.