Expert: David A. NewMyer - 7/15/2008

Question
First Mr.david let me thank you for your Help and i will appreciate it ... My name is modar and i finished the high school and now i live in Dubai In United Arab Emirates ( centre of the middle east ) . and iam little bit confused about aviation field i mean i want to study the aerospace engineering in emirates aviation but iam afraid about the future of it and about the salary so I need your  advice to go though it or not .... thank you very much

Answer
Hi, Modar:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist.

The aviation and aerospace industry is in a state of change right now.  It is a good time, therefore, to be in school and to learn as much as possible to get ready for the next time that the industry will be hiring in large numbers.  My perspective on the aviation industry is that it is very cyclical.  In the early part of every decade since the 1960s there has been a downturn in the world economy accompanied by a downturn in the state of the aviation industry.  There have also been some additional downturns at the later part of some decades.  In other words, the cycles of the economy dictate the cycles of the aviation industry.  In spite of these cycles, I have had a great career in aviation.  In order for you to have a great career in aviation (or in anything) I believe that it is important that you really like what you are doing in your work.  So, the first thing that you need to find out through schooling and, perhaps, through internships and other jobs, is whether or not you LIKE aviation.  If you like it, you will find it easy to learn about the industry and that knowledge will carry you through a very good career.

There is a list of aviation universities and colleges available through the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero  Link to their publications page for ordering information.

I wish you the best,

David A. NewMyer