Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/30/2011

Question
as i have a great interest in aeroplanes and stuff but sir i am very confused about aviatiom and aerospace . Actually i want to become a pilot but with a good engineering degree in hand so that i can make choice b/w the 2. So it would be very grateful of you to help me.
And please tell me the difference b/w the 2.

Answer
Hi, Abhinav:

In order to become a pilot but do an engineering degree first, the best path might be to earn your degree in aerospace engineering (which prepares you to design aviation and aerospace vehicles--generally) and then use the aerospace engineering degree as a platform to go into flying.  You can do that via the military, which normally perceives that engineering degrees of ANY kind are a good preparation for becoming a pilot---but, if you have an aerospace engineering degree, you would presumably understand aerodynamics and other principles that you can use in your pilot training to help you along.  Before embarking on such a path, make sure you investigate all of the military flying slot requirements so that you understand whether or not you can fulfil the physical specifications as well as the lifestyle specifications (e. g., will you like working and living in the military lifestyle?).

An aviation degree would specifically have flight training and flight-related courses while an engineering degree would be much more math and science based and would be much more oriented to the design of aerospace vehicles---so, the content of the two degree areas is entirely different.

I hope that this helps.  If you need to ask another question, just send a follow up via AllExperts.com

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer