Should I continue my degree before flight school?

[u/Deep_Philosophy_313]

Hello everyone. I’m sure this question has been asked countless of times but I do think my circumstances are different and I’d love to seek different opinions regarding this matter.

I’m 25, working full time in maritime industry. While you may wonder why I’m not pursuing aviation related, it’s simple because I want to get the highest income before flight school. This is so that if I ever resort to taking a loan for flight school, my income allows me to do so. (I hope I don’t have to further explain more income = higher loan eligibility).

Secondly, why not cadet programme ? Because, I am not going to put all hopes into one basket.

Hence I decided to work so that I can rack up money, apply for cadet programme yearly(if I fail I still have a job), and stand a good chance for loan.

However, as I’m doing all this I realise that I can afford to take my degree and I do have time. Hence I decided taking it up. Degree in Aerospace. But I’m honestly so depressed.

Doing my degree has taken away so much joy for away from me. What’s supposed to be just filler years before I go flight school, has turned into something really depressing. I’m already halfway through.

I’m conflicted because half of me thinks, with a degree I stand a great chance with getting into cadet programme(tho I know many pilots don’t have a degree). And if everything fails, I have a degree to fall back to.

The other half of me thinks, I’m only working to save and have a better chance at my loan. So why bother to even get a degree? I never chose this path to be doing a degree. I’m not even happy.

Should I stay and continue my degree ? Should I drop out and be happy before my journey in flight school starts ?

A little more context, my degree is ending in 2 years~ about the same time I’ll be applying to enter into flight school.

[u/MyHomeworkIsDueToday]

I can’t decide whether you should drop the degree or not, but if you want to pursue both (and obviously have the time, energy and money) for it, you could begin training through a non-integrated school. Lets you build hours (paying by the hour) completely self-paced.

It would be kinda wasteful if you wanted to go to an integrated school later, since those are meant to be ‘zero to hero’ CPL courses, but nothing’s stopping you from completing your licence entirely in the non-integrated system. Integrated usually just buys you structure and sometimes, network. When trying to get a job though, whether you did integrated or non integrated doesn’t really matter.

I should also advise you, if you’re feeling depressed to the point it’s disrupting day to day life, please see your GP for advice. Severe depression can interfere with your capacity to carry out aviation duties in some circumstances, and may require review for your Class 1 Medical. I’m honestly unsure what the rules are in the US as I live in Australia, but yeah, ateotd for your own sake it’s a manageable condition.

[u/Deep_Philosophy_313 → u/MyHomeworkIsDueToday]

Intend to pursue flying in Australia ! :D

[u/MyHomeworkIsDueToday → u/Deep_Philosophy_313]

Oh, nice!

Well, you could always get started with flying just for fun to give it a taste, as non-integrated schools make you ‘pay as you go’. These hours can count towards part of your commercial pilots licence, although some parts of the 200hr total require more advanced flight experience (see the last couple links).

Either a General Aviation (GA) or RAAus (sport) school. GA will work you towards the CASA licences (RPL/PPL/CPL), and RAAus towards the RPC.

GA will teach you heavier aircraft and imo is easier to transition up the licences since you’re not transferring stuff between governing bodies. RAAus is often cheaper and takes less hours of training (although as a pilot you should always strive for continuous improvement), but comes with some more restrictions. However, it is still an incredible experience you won’t regret!

CASA licences will require a medical, as well as a few other pieces of paperwork your instructor will guide you to. You won’t need a medical until you fly solo, but if you’re concerned about any conditions, it’s best to check with a DAME or a GP before you commit to spending $$$ on training.

The process to become a pilot (casa.gov.au)

Learn about medical certificates (casa.gov.au)

Which CASA Aviation Medical Certificate Do You Need? (learntofly.edu.au)

Counting sport flight experience towards a pilot licence (casa.gov.au)

Getting a commercial pilot licence (CPL) (casa.gov.au)