Expert: Ray Wilkinson - 6/26/2007

Question
My name is Marclay Dantzler after i graduate from college i want to become a air force pilot. But for a secondary i want to be an air force mechanic. Which major is best for me mechanical or aeronautical.

Answer
Hi Marclay

When I have discussions with Air Force recruitment people, they tell me the biggest problem they have is to get people to understand there's life beyond pilot. Many, many people want to be pilots, and few people are accepted, so it's vital to be comfortable with the fact that you are statistically unlikely to make the cut. You clearly have recognised this, as you have a back-up plan.

Regarding pilot first, I would say that it's probably better to take the aeronautical option, as the studies will be directly relevant to flying an aircraft. However, it is often said that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and there are jokes about having a dog in the cockpit to stop the pilot touching anything!

However, for your second option it's less clear-cut. Some of my colleagues here at the University have mechanical degrees, and for many jobs they are very appropriate. Aeronautical degrees are specialised mechanical degrees after all. However, for most aerospace jobs the aeronautical degree probably gives you an edge, as the teaching is all focused on the applications to aerospace. If you're not sure you want to work in aerospace, and want to keep your options broad, then mechanical is a good choice, although an aeronautical qualification will not shut you out of this. When all said and done, sometimes you have to follow your gut feeling.

I hope this helps you.