AboutIsmar Avdic, Eng. Expertise Providing answers about aviation industries, pilot requirments, pilot supplies, pilot training,new technologies in aviation industries
Question Hi. I wish to an airline pilot (female), and I'm graduating from pre-university education end of this year, will be obtaining the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Since there are several ways to obtain the pilot licence such as the private flight schools, universities (example Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) and even the Cadet Pilot Program (example Cathay Pacific and SIA), I hope to know the pros and cons for each of the paths in terms of future career development and expected salary, cost of studies etc, or if there's any other path suggested. Perhaps too, comparison to gaining a private licence outside on my own and meanwhile take a relevant bachelor in university (example aeronautical science/engineering, aviation management, any aviation related course).
I'm a Malaysian and Singapore PR, and mostly likely to wish to work in any possible places in USA, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand or Singapore. I have very restricted financial background and do you have some suggestion on the possible scholarships or awards/bursaries for me in order to pursue this dream?
Furthermore, to become an airline pilot, do the airlines exercise preferences on applicants who have studied in university or FAA flight schools within its country, is holding private licence (with or without a formal degree in university), or have undergone the Cadet Pilot Program under its airlines itself? and preferences on the gender?
In addition, I have unfortunately myopia -4.0 (or -4.5) for each eye, do you recommend me to undergo LASIK or wear lenses for my career path? Will the schools or airlines have preferences on LASIK or lenses for the myopia applicants? If possible, I wish to know more about LASIK's pros and cons within this aviation scope?
Answer Hi Helen,
There is too many questions here that I can answer in one shot. However, I 'll try to sublime all questions and give you an short answer.
1. Regarding school for pilot training, that really depends where are you located and what financial background you have. But in short, if you are in USA I would definetelly suggest one of private flight academies like Flight Safety academy, Embry Riddle flight training as some really the best and most regarded flight schools in world. Secondly, getting job in USA would be much more easier with on of advanced flight academies vs. some smaller non structered educational program schools. Incorporation your bachelour degree with flight training would be actually fantastic because you would have everything done in same place plus you would be able to put same flight training on your tudents loans with Bachelaurate degree. In that case you would be in good shape, you would have your licenses and degree really done without paying immediatelly just after you start making money and get hired with some airline.
It is truth that airlines in USA do have preferences when hiring, They do like people that are already trained and have experinece flying in airline environment in USA with FAA regulations, versus hiring some pilot from New Zeland that never fly in USA flying environment, you do understand that. But once you have gained experience in flying in USA and gain experience flying in airline environment there is no limit really regarding hiring. It is also truth that each airline when they hiring has a lot of applicants who are in same hiring pool, and they do start being very picky. They would really choose people with best education, flight time, experience and so on.
Regarding your miopia, that could be tricky from country to country. I have same condition and in Europe it is very strict regulations vs. in USA. But in short in USA that is not problem as long as it is corrected with glasses or contacts. schools in USA do not care about that, as long as you pass your medical exam certificate, they can not discriminate. But in other parts of world flight schools that could be little bit different.
I hope that I answered all your questions,
