Are there any other future pilots on here?

oh comet, quiet down and get back in the kitchen! :p
no, seriously though, at GVA we actually get a fair deal of women pilots or f/os on the airband scanners, which is quite nice…..

My big career thing was veterinary medicine, but yes, I would also have fancied the idea of being an airline pilot (except some very stupid people have a problem about female pilots).

Well if you’re looking for an example of what can be done… I got 3 O’ grade passes at C and one H’ Grade ( Scottish A-level equivalent) at C also.

That was because I wasn’t the least bit interested in what school subjects had to offer. As soon as I left school I went straight to the local FE college and signed up for something I was interested in… making films !

After doing a very basic media studies course, I did another more advanced one, then another, then another. Whilst doing this I arranged work experience placements for myself and helped out on corporate videos and wedding shoots.

Hard work, determination and pursuing something I actually enjoyed getting out of bed for, have gotten me where I am now. Nice job, decent income, hanging out with popstars ! (well there has to be a down side lol) ! 😎

So yes, grades aren’t everything, but they do give you options I suppose.

Absolutely skycruiser I agree with you 100%. Whilst grades aren’t everything, it doesn’t mean that students shouldn’t work to their full ability. Afterall that kind of commitment is what airlines look for.

Martin_EGTK,

You are correct, too many people put too much pressure on themselves regarding their exams. When it comes to applying for a flying job it is the aviation qualifications and experience that matter. I don’t have many qualifications from school and it never did me any harm. But, this does’t mean you should slack off at school. Try the best you can.

Michael, I’m afraid I wouldn’t agree with your comments. Academic grades are not to be considered very important these days in aviation. Whilst I agree you must plan ahead and of course do your very best at GCSEs and A levels, a recent survey with the world major airlines (http://www.gapan.org/career/survey.htm) shows that academic grades are a very minor part of the selection process. Even then, ‘exceptional’ grades are not what is required. 5 GCSEs C grade and above and 2 A levels are considered to be enough by many airline, however, the more you have the better, obviously.

Airlines and flight schools look much more for people who show a great interest in the industry and have good industry awareness. Who have good communication skills and are good team players. Who can stay calm and most importantly who are physically and mentally fit to fly a plane. Suprisingly enough they also look for people with business brains who they feel may progress into management at a later stage in their careers.

I say this because my grades were nothing amazing (GCSE: 3 As, 2 Bs, 4 Cs and A/S Levels: 1 B, 2 Cs). I haven’t yet finished my A levels, but I have been talked into going for interviews this year because simply enough I have a passion for aviation, I have good industry awareness, I’m interested in business, I work well as part of a team and I meet the standards needed academically. And suprisingly, it is people in the industry that have talked me into submitting applications.

Sorry to sound like I’m having a go at you my friend, this really isn’t my intention. It’s just I don’t want to see kids put off because of the high pressure or a possible lack of ‘exception’ exam results.

Live the dream guys! 😀

I think if you’re wanting to do it, you’ve got to prepare for it very early. I’m no expert, but you’re going to require near-exceptional grades at GCSE level and then through to A Level and beyond. If you screw up at 15/16 years of age, you”re future is going to look bleak.

Originally posted by MINIDOH
Wys, youre brother isnt ‘Colin’ is he?

No his name is Paul

It has always been my dream to work in the travel industry. After my GCSE’s & A’Levels I would like to study Airline/Tourism managament.

Anyway best of luck for your GCSE results!:) (I will take my GCSE’s next June;) )

Originally posted by MSE
i wanted to be a pilot all my life and i am!

They should put a slogan like that on the recruitment posters at pilot school MSE 😀

Wys, youre brother isnt ‘Colin’ is he?

Good on you Redwings, the Australian license is one of the highest standard licenses in the world, arguably a higher standard than the old UK CAA license.

I’m starting a flying course in Australia in late October. Out of it, I’ll be getting a CPL, Command Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Retractable Undercarriage Endorsement, Instructor Rating, Turbine Rating and a Diploma in Aviation and Business Studies. I started flying for fun late last year, not long after I turned nineteen (Because that was the first time I had the money to do it). So what is my aim? To be in the airlines of course!!! So look out for the Australian Pilot in a QANTAS uniform (or Cathay Pacific, Emirates, BA, or Royal Tongan) riding to his gate on a unicycle, after all, it sure beats walking!

The Air Cadets is a great way of getting some flying experience in and also showing a future employer that you have been dedicated for ages. Gliding is also a great way of involving yourself in the aviation environment.

I started at 12, my brother (BA 737 Capt) started at 14. You’re never too young to start!

I am currently in the air cadets and I AM DETERMINED TO BECOME AN AIRLINE PILOT!!!!! I am only 13 but I have my mind set-up!!!!!! I am currently working hard in school and I WILL become an airline pilot!

unlucky GZYL

thanks martin

thanks,
adam

I wanted to be a pilot, got my maths and physics A-levels, but am still asthmatic. So that kind of screwed that up!

Adam, if anything you have a slight advantage on having no flying experience. Most flight schools prefer full time students to be completely new to the whole process of flying so that they can be taught the way that the school wants them to be.

I am 16, and have just recieved my GCSE results today. I am ultimately aiming to become an airline pilot, and fly high. i, unlike many of you of my age have no flying experience as yet, and i pray that this disadvantage will not affect my ambition. i hopefully will join a gliding club soon, so that might help. good luck Wannabe Pilot in your GCSEs next year and anyone else in the same position: if i can do it, anyone can.

thanks,
adam