Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello! I would like to know whats the difference between aerospace engineering and being a pilot! Is it possible to be both?

ANSWER: Hi, Chantea:

Thanks for your question....I will try to assist!

Aerospace engineering has to do with the engineering/design of aerospace vehicles (aircraft, spacecraft, etc).  These jobs are normally performed for an aerospace manufacturer such as The Boeing Company or Lockheed or Grumman, etc.

Being a pilot means that you have to go through the process of learning to fly.  You can do this via a local flight school at a local airport, or, you can do it by joining the military as a military pilot (this means joining as an officer).

Yes, it is possible to do both. For example, you can go to college or to a university and major in Aerospace Engineering for your undergraduate degree.  While you are in school, you can join the Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) and they can both help you pay for school AND begin the process of training you as a military officer.  Once you graduate from college, you go right into the military and begin training as a pilot (usually after finishing the process of training as an officer).

I hope that this helps!

If you have more questions, send a follow up question to me.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again, its me, I was wondering is going to the airforce mandatory to do both engineering and aviation, is it possible to go to SCHOOL for engineering and aviation?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi,

No, going to the Air Force is not mandatory for engineering or for aviation.  Yes, it is very possible to go to school for aviation and for engineering.  I am not an engineering expert, but, as for aviation, you can obtain a complete listing of aviation schools from the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero or by calling them at 334-844-2434.  For example, there are over 80 community colleges, colleges and universities that offer aviation flight training as a college curriculum.

As I said above, you can (it is optional) ALSO join the Air Force ROTC while you are in college and get the Air Force to help you pay for SOME of your college bills.  [they will not pay for flight training at a college or university]

If you wish to learn to fly, a college or university program is an excellent way to go because you can obtain a college degree at the same time you are learning to fly.

I hope that this helps.

Let me know if you need anything else.

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale