Dreamlinergirl

I've badly wanted to become and airline pilot for about four years and I'm currently a high school student (not old enough to obtain PPL). I do intend to get my private liscence before I graduate if everything goes according to plan. The only other career I've had a ton of interest in was becoming a veterinarian, I was wondering if it would be practical to go to vet school and college at the same time as I worked on my flight training and building time. Also, would the airlines frown on it? I thought maybe if I could get a hospital to work around my airline schedule and make some extra money while at the regionals that may be a good a idea and I'd have that whole career to fall back on if I got furloughed or something. I'm just really not sure exactly how to approach things and I don't want to make a mistake.

deltajuliet

Realistically, you're going to have to pick one or the other. It's too much schooling for either to do both at the same time, especially since they are in completely different fields. You wouldn't be able to work both jobs either, even if you had the energy to do so. Either job would keep you far too busy for even a small part time job on the side.

PerfInit

Dreamlinergirl-

Do yourself a huge favor and go to Vet School! Fly for FUN on the side, OR combine aviation with your Vet practice. Now there is a sound idea if I might say so.

This is coming from a person who is also married to a former female airline pilot. Neither of us are flying for a living anymore, and we are so much happier for it...

galaxy flyer

Watch out for vet school, loads of vets looking for work or starving running their own practice. Lot like flying, that way.

GF

Swedish Blender

It can be done. There was/is an oral surgeon who flew for TWA now AA. While at TWA, he would drop most of the month and only fly 1 week for currency/fun and then work in his office the rest of the month. It will be a hard life for quite a while trying to pursue both but it is possible. AFAIK, you would probably not be able to drop much at the regional level and have to work around their schedule. If hired at a legacy one day, it would be a lot easier. I believe at SWA, you can drop your entire schedule.

tomgoodman

Dreamlinergirl,
If you want to be a veterinarian, you are wise to begin thinking about it now, because admission to vet school is very competitive and requires good grades in undergraduate math, biology, organic chemistry, etc.
They ask applicants about any previous experience, so you might want to volunteer at your local animal shelter, helping out and talking to the vets and techs, to find out if this career is right for you.
Good Luck!

RemoveB4flght

It's something you can do in steps and see which career track pans out for you, and if you want to try to do both.

First get your PPL and Instrument rating. Perhaps join a flying club (some colleges have them) and network with people who have aircraft. Women in aviation or 99's are groups you can look into for mentors in your area. Just fly when you can, how you can as you work your way through college. Have fun and enjoy this type of flying. Remember that your degree is the most important thing (for both fields).

As time permits you can get your commercial single engine and then become a Certified Flight Instructor. This require a lot of studying and isn't something I would try to do while studying in college, unless you did it over a summer break.

You can instruct part time to earn extra money and build slight time while you start your career as a vet. By the time you are close to 1500 hours you will have graduated and be into your career, and then you can make the decision to get a Commercial Multi engine rating and try your hand at flying for a regional airline.

Whether you can balance the two will depend a lot on your personal situation, but for now I would put the emphasis on school and work in some flying when time and money permit.

Good luck!

OnCenterline

It can indeed be done, but don't underestimate the challenge ahead of you. If you can keep your grades up and finish high school with your private, and possibly your instrument rating, you'll be ahead of the curve. If you can finish college with your instrument rating and at least your single engine commercial, if you not a multi-commercial, you'll be in great shape. If you can get your CFI before you start vet school, you'll be money ahead.

I agree with the others: if vet school is something you want to do, do that. You can always return to flying later; returning to vet school will be much more difficult. I have a feeling that vet school and flying share a common trait: you have to want to do that particular field more than you want your next breath. If that's the case, you are lucky to have two such passions.

As for how the airlines will view it, don't worry: they will admire your tenacity and dedication, and if it comes down to you and another equally qualified pilot, they will take you every time. And yes, you can do the vet stuff on your days off--you'll be taking care of your co-workers' animals! Plus, you can practice vet medicine no matter where you flying career takes you, and that alone is pretty cool.

VoiceOfReason

Chase your dream! Working with animals is great and helps a few, but flying airplanes gives you an office with a view. Understand that you'll need to pay your dues - likely instructing to build your hours, then flying for a regional for a handful of years, before getting a shot at mainline. It may take longer to earn a livable wage, but it's worth it. Vets don't make 100k right out of school - which is what, 7-8 years? - and regional pilots need about that much time to get hired onto mainline, where they start around $70/hr in the right seat. Do what you're passionate about, and DEFINITELY stay off these message boards once you make your decision!!