Expert: D. Norkus - 7/23/2003

Question
i don't really know what you can tell me, but here goes: i am enrolled to begin college soon as an aeronautical engineering major. i'm not that big on math like i used to be, but i think that i can handle the workload that an engineering major has. i have looked at the curriculum for an aviation major, and about the only job that i would have interest in is a pilot, but being away from home all the time when i get a family wouldn't be good. also, i've looked at all the major airlines' websites and i found only 1 open pilot position. the beginning salaries for a pilot and an aero engineer are quite different too. i have always had a love for planes, but i can't decide on which career. i want a job that will allow me to work with planes, have nothing to do with maintenance, pay decent enough that i'll be comfortable with my finances, but not have me entirely strapped down with work during college. any advice you could give would be much appreciated. thanks!

steven

Answer
Steven

"i am enrolled to begin college soon as an aeronautical engineering major. i'm not that big on math like i used to be, but i think that i can handle the workload that an engineering major has."

It seems like you have a love of aviation, so aeronautical engineering may have been your major choice based on that, even if you aren't crazy about the math. Maybe you aren't sure yet what you really want to do, but aeronautical engineers make good money so it's a good choice. However, depending on which career you end up being drawn to, this degree may or may not be of use to you in your work. For instance, many pilots don't have degrees in aviation but still fly for a living.

"i have looked at the curriculum for an aviation major, and about the only job that i would have interest in is a pilot, but being away from home all the time when i get a family wouldn't be good."

It's a lifestyle adjustment for airline types who spend several days a week away from home. There are also corporate jobs where time away is minimal. Homelife is affected depending on the type of flying and for whom you do it. Airlines aren't the only way to go. For a view of what it's like to be an airline pilot, visit this site:

www.jetcareers.com

"also, i've looked at all the major airlines' websites and i found only 1 open pilot position. the beginning salaries for a pilot and an aero engineer are quite different too. i have always had a love for planes, but i can't decide on which career."

Right now is the wrong time to be looking for jobs in the airline business. The industry is at an all time low and furloughs, lay offs & early retirements are at an all time high. Hiring won't pick up again for the next few years. The market should look better after you graduate. (About the only airlines hiring are Southwest & Jet Blue!)

Pilot salaries are also subject to major adjustments post 9/11. While regional pilots are notoriously low paid for the first few years, the major pilots salaries are also being affected. If one can survive the first few years, then it gets much better once a pilot gets some seniority.

If you really are unsure about which way to go, get your Private Pilot first and then decide if you can see yourself in the cockpit as a career.  

"i want a job that will allow me to work with planes, have nothing to do with maintenance, pay decent enough that i'll be comfortable with my finances, but not have me entirely strapped down with work during college."

If you truly want to work around aircraft, or even fly them, then it seems an engineeering degree and a career in that path is likely to take you away for that. (Unless of course you can find an employer that can offer you more than a desk, labratory or research type job. Perhaps flight testing.) Check out this career list to help you investigate other career options or where you can best make use of such a degree to make you happy:

http://www1.faa.gov/education/rlib/career.htm

Depending on your location, you might find part time work on the flight line while you attend school. Check out the local airports. Southwest Airlines provides excellent benefits and might offer a part time job in your city. This would also be a chance to work around aircraft. A visit to one of their career fairs might be worthwhile.

Go to www.southwest.com/careers  

You might also find my aspiring pilot site of interest. I have many pilot career related links too:

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

Hope this can help
Dottie