DragonCooler Posted November 16, 2011 Author Posted November 16, 2011 Wow, I love how the thread emails you when a reply has been posted! That is what I am doing right now. Setting flying aside and concentrating 100% on school. I only have 3 classes left and are due to graduate in February with a full bachelors degree, I CANT WAIT! From the start of this post, it was completely worth it to just get the school done, put flying aside and get the degree out of the way. It's just starting to hit me that I am about to graduate!!!! Quote
Wally Posted November 16, 2011 Posted November 16, 2011 I was having a similar dilemma....well, I guess you could say I am still having it. I completed my two year associates degree in Business Admin. a few months ago and am waiting to hear back from the University of Washington regarding my admission right now. I find out in the next few weeks if I got accepted. I'm also taking my first intro flights this weekend. (weather permitting) The point is....I'm so eager to fly that I have this anxiety over not being able to balance both my undergrad studies and flight training at the same time. As it stands I'm hoping to fly three times a week with two of those days including night time ground school classes. If I take three classes they will all be in the morning, and I should be able to manage the time pretty efficiently - but the study load is going to be intense, and social life will be put on hold for a couple more years. The good news is that I am young, have no debt, and I'm single - none of these qualities will likely change until I'm closer to 30, so I guess I do have the time and energy. I've been debating on whether or not I would attend school if I got accepted, or just fly full time - it's becoming pretty clear that I would regret passing up on my education, and outside of being a little stressed out from time to time, I know I'm capable if I put the effort in. I don't want to start the military vs civilian thing again, but- US Army WOFT was half days flying, half days academics (and a half day studying and doing military BS, like disassembling and polishing the inside of belt buckles). End of course, 210 hours in 9 months. Very hard work and full days, averaged 2.5 hours of sleep many months of that routine. Academics and flight training can be concurrent.It's a very good idea to fly frequently, an hour or two daily. One can do more than that daily, but you can do too much in a day and especially over several days. It takes down-time for the wiring of physical mental connections. But, it also handicaps you to go more than a couple of weeks between flight instruction sessions.Doing both simultaneously is doable, you won't be a social lion if you try to do it in a year. Quote
avbug Posted November 16, 2011 Posted November 16, 2011 You weren't trying to finish a college degree while doing your training. Don't mix fruit. Anyone who does flight training must do their academic portion of the training at the same time, whether civil or military. Everyone must also conduct their lives, whether changing the oil in the car or polishing a uniform buckle. What you didn't do in WOFT was study for and earn a college degree at the same time. Yes, doing both at the same time is possible (as is conducting a flying career and finishing school), but it's not advised and it detracts from the ability to fully devote one's self to either the academic pursuits, or to the flight training. Quote
kstump77 Posted May 23, 2012 Posted May 23, 2012 I can't recommend that anyone not finish up their education. But I am a high school drop out and got an incredible job right out of school. The Helicopter industry is just like any other industry, It's all about who you know. So if your a people person with determination and a positive attitude you have the advantage. I know that I couldn't sit on a wad of cash for a year waiting to fly. I really think this is the best time to get into the industry considering more vets are retiring everyday. Events like Silverstate will have an impact in the near future and I believe shortage will grow. Pilots with the hours will be sitting in a good position. I know I'm happy to have mine. Quote
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