Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/11/2008

Question
Hello my name is Daniel and i am from Australia and I am 15 years old. I know this is an American site but still thought you could be of some help as the industry I am guessing is fairly similar in both Country's.

Anyway, i have known that i would like to be a pilot for a long time now but have struggled to find any reliable information about what i should be doing at this age.
The path i would prefer to get to that major airline job would be through the Military but everywhere i look for some decent information doesn't really give me a clear indication as to what i would be doing for the 11.5 years i would be there for so that is part of my question. The other part is as i have to finish high school to even be considered for a job in a Major Australian airline, (Qantas would obviously be the proffered) what should i be doing between now and when i am old enough to begin in the Air Force? Do i need to get some flying lessons now? What sort of books should i be reading and do you know of any reliable sources of information? Also if you have any advice at all that might help.

Thanks a lot
Daniel

Answer
Hi, Daniel:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist.

First of all, I have heard that Qantas Airlines has a Cadet Pilot Program.  You will want to check on the requirements for that program.  In addition, I understand that they are working with Swinburne University in Victoria on a joint Associate Degree program (Assocate Degree in Technology-Aviation, leading to a Baccalaureate Degree in Technology-Aviation).  I am sure that they have details on their admission requirements, etc, so that you can find out what particular academic coursework that they would want you to take before you apply to their program.

In general, aviation pilot training programs rely on the fact that applicants have a good science and math background, can communicate well both orally and in writing and have a good understanding of geography (for navigation purposes).  You will also learn a fair amount about weather or meteorology, so, that is another area somewhat related to geography that is good to know as much about as possible.

As far as beginning in the Air Force or not, please check on the cadet program at Qantas and then decide based on those requirements whether or not you might qualify for the cadet program with or without Air Force background.  The Air Force is an excellent alternative, however, they do require that you spend a minimum commitment of time with them before leaving the service for a job in the airlines.  In the states, that number is 8 to 10 years.  In addition, there are some lifestyle decisions that you have to make related to serving in the armed forces--living conditions/situations, deployment, etc.  So, make sure that the military is where you want to go with your life.  It works well for many, but, not for all.

As far as information on Qantas, just use a major search engine such as Google or Yahoo and search for Qantas Pilot Cadet Program and also search for Swinburne University Aviation.

Best of luck to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu