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! 😀
Sign In
