My recruiter said I could study both aerospace/mechanical engineering and become a pilot. But I want to focus on engineering when I eventually leave the Air Force. Would it be better to just focus on engineering and not learn to become a pilot?
2006-12-09 07:42:55 · 8 answers · asked by MechFlight 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I am both. I studied Materials Science & Engineering at Lehigh University, and then went into the US Marine Corps as a Pilot. I spent 12 years on Active Duty, flying KC-130's, got out, and am currently a reservist. I work now as an Engineer.
You don't learn how to be a pilot in College in ROTC, you learn the basics of being an Officer. You could study Engineering, or history, and be a pilot. Conversely, you could study Engineering, and be a pilot, or do any other job in the Air Force. I will tell you from experience, that if I were in the Air Force, I wouldn't do anything except fly.
You need to make 2 decisions, and they are independant of each other: 1) What do you want to study in College, and 2) What do you want to do in the Air Force. It sounds like you have already figured out question #1, so I will help you on #2.
DON'T be a pilot because you think it will make you a better engineer when you leave the Air Force. The reason to become a pilot is that you want to fly airplanes. Military flying is an unforgiving business. Planes crash and people die. It is a profession that requires 100% dedication, it is not a hobby or a resume booster. That is why all the services allow people to quit flight school without reprocussions. If YOU don't want to fly, the AF doesn't want you piloting their million dollar airplanes.
My suggestion is that you take some flight lessons while you are in College (AFROTC may offer this) to see if you like it.
All that being said, my 10 years of Marine Corps flying were the greatest experiences of my life. I miss the hell out of it. Being an engineer isn't nearly as exciting as being a pilot (but i get to see my kids a lot more). Bill Gates, with all his money, could never buy the experience I have had, and i got paid to do it (more than an engineer too)!
I say go for it. If you don't like flight school, you can quit, but if you don't do it now, you will never have the opportunity to go back and fly.
hope this helps. email me if you have more questions.
Alex
2006-12-09 08:39:56 · answer #1 · answered by amiller352 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people answering on this are engineers. I am a engineering student, and i think you should try to do both. You will have the engineering background and be a pilot, this will look as a impressive resume when you finally do get out of the air force. Aerospace engineering is difficult, but awesome. Do both its the right move!
2006-12-09 09:14:16 · answer #2 · answered by Ronster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the long term the AF is going to unmanned aircraft. I doubt that they will be able to do that 100%. But it will restrict your ability to get into an aircraft (in the long term).
However if you can log time the airlines pay pretty well.
Aerospace engineering will be around indefinitely.
2006-12-09 08:49:50 · answer #3 · answered by Mn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Engineering would be better in the long run.
2006-12-09 08:37:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for the engineering
2006-12-09 07:46:01 · answer #5 · answered by Doubting Thomas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to talk to career expert , or school advisor , I really recommend it before you decide what to do, job market is sometimes diffrent , and all jobs are good when u do well in it
2006-12-09 07:48:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me it is better to have an option 1 , 2, 3,4 etc.
2006-12-09 07:45:43 · answer #7 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you really want to do?
2006-12-09 07:44:49 · answer #8 · answered by Alice C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋