Expert: David A. NewMyer - 12/14/2005

Question
Hello David, my name is Sam Fournaise and i am 16. I am currently thinking of dropping out of sixth form (a levels) and getting a temporary job to fund my flying tution. If i do this can u tell me what flying careers will be available to me and whether they will be very competitive. can you also tell me what companies are likely to offer flying scholarships. If i am unsucsessful with a flying scholarship, what would be the most cost effective way of gaining a ppl. thanks for your time. Regards, Sam Fournaise  

Answer
Hi, Sam:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist.

As for dropping out of a levels to pursue a temporary job:  Don't do it.  Finish a levels and THEN go after the flying job.  Your basic education is far more important at this point in your life.

Also, completing a levels will, perhaps, give you a better chance to compete for scholarships of all kinds.

I do not know which companies might offer flying scholarships, but, there are some on-line resources to check for flight-related scholarships (most of which apply for aviation-related colleges and universities in North America):

www.avscholars.com is a really good website for general, overall aviation scholarship and financial aid informaion

www.uaa.aero has a collegiate aviation scholarship listing available on line.  Once you get to the main webpage, it is in the links listed at the left hand side of the page.

One way to gain the funds to earn a PPL would be to find a way to get a job at an airport where flight lessons are available.  If you live near a small airport with a flying school, go out and meet the people that run the school and let them know you are interested in aviation and in flying and see what they say about a part time job.

I wish you the very best!

Sincerely,

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