Expert: Paul Ruderham - 1/27/2010

Question
Hi my son is 12yrs,he wants to be a pilot.What classes in school does he need to take.I know he needs geometry,algebra? what else, and what is the best way to motavate him to make his dreams come true.

Answer
Hi Paul

Talking in UK terms your son will need to pass his school exams in maths, english, science.
These are essential for becoming a pilot.

When he is at high school he needs to compose a letter to all the airlines expressing his desires. Some airlines will say he needs to gain so many hours flying experience before he can apply, some airlines such as British Airways will (If you are lucky enough) take you on straight from school and teach you to fly and then work your way up to junior first officer. They train you at no cost with an aim to employ you. They then deduct the cost of your training from your salary over so many years.
If you do it the hard way ie gain your Privates pilots licence then move on to instructing etc you have to have hundreds of hours before you can apply to be a commercial pilot. It's a very expensive and hard road.
So he needs to excel above the rest show great aptitude and don't give up trying to achieve his goal.

Good luck

Paul