6 Reasons to combine flight training with a degree
6 Reasons to combine flight training with a degree
My name is Tegjwok, and I am a first-year Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Aeroplanes student at BNU. It can be difficult deciding whether to pursue pilot training alone or to combine it with a degree. You might be thinking of the extra costs that come with pursuing a degree alongside pilot training, or the extra time it may take. However, as I have found out, studying a degree can add a ton of value to your resume. As I reflect on my first year on this course, I would like to share my 6 reasons why combining flight training with a degree is a very viable route to the cockpit.
1 – Helps you stand out in a competitive industry
While the current demand for new pilots is high, the competition is also fierce, with airlines often prioritising experience and additional qualifications. Very frequently, airlines may hire a very small percentage of pilots from a large pool of applicants. Consequently, it is beneficial to separate yourself as much as possible from everyone else. In the end of the day: every pilot will have the same licence, but not every pilot will have a degree! Additionally, studying for a degree develops your capacity to think critically and improves your problem-solving skills, all of which are important traits to have in the cockpit!
2 – Gives you a broader understanding of aviation
This ties back into helping you stand out compared to the rest. Having the knowledge of not just how to fly an aircraft, but the various factors that go on in the background, such as how airlines and airports operate, can be a huge selling point to your future employers.
3 – Provides a backup plan
The aviation industry is very volatile and, as we have seen in the past, external events can lead to many pilots getting laid off – such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, your capacity to act as a pilot is highly dependent on your health as, for example, you need to hold a Class 1 medical certificate to be a commercial pilot. So, should you have any health issues in the future, you could quickly find yourself relegated to the sidelines without anywhere to go!
Therefore, it is useful to have a backup plan in case things go south. Pursuing an Aviation Management with Pilot Training degree at BNU gives you the flexibility to get into various parts of the aviation industry. Here are just a few of the other job opportunities it opens up:
• Airport/Airline Management
• Airline Dispatcher
• Aviation Security Officer
4 – Future-proofs your career prospects
The world is constantly evolving, and with the rapid development of AI, the aviation industry looks set for big changes in the future. As a result, having a degree to fall back on can save you a lot of stress later down the line.
5 – Allows you to experience university life
University is a very crucial stage of your life where personal development is fostered and lifelong friendships are made. The traditional path of becoming a pilot – purely focusing on flight school – won’t allow you to experience what life at university is like. However, studying the aviation courses that BNU offers enables you to get the best of both worlds: vibrant university life coupled with time spent soaring in the skies! Being able to get involved in events at the university, playing your favourite sports or just hanging out with your friends, university will certainly be some of your most enjoyable years.
6 – It’s more efficient than you think
BNU’s Aviation Management with Pilot Training courses allow you to learn about the operation and business of airlines and airports, while seamlessly transitioning you from your private pilot training to your commercial pilot training! This seamless integration can save you time compared to pursuing these separately, and allows you to get advice from the lecturers on these courses who have years of experience flying with airlines – and will keep in touch with your progress once you commence your commercial pilot training.
Closing thoughts
Overall, I have enjoyed my experience studying on my course. Studying for my degree has enabled me to think more critically and helped me foster vital soft skills, all of which are transferable to the flight deck. Whether you want to fly for an airline, manage aviation operations or just keep your options open, a degree will set you up for success in all these sectors. Moreover, being able to experience university life will allow you to work on yourself and meet new people – people that will potentially stick with you for years to come!
