rrough96

Greetings everyone, first time poster here.
I am in a tough spot in choosing a career and was wondering if this might help so here we go.
Since growing up, I have always been obsessed with flying. As a kid, i would spend countless hours playing Flight Simulator and actually got some qualified hours on my Private License as a teenager. However, my senior year of High School, my mom talked me into giving up my dreams of flying and being more "practical".
Currently, I am in nursing school working on my Bachelors, but my heart is set on flying I think. I'm just curious what the pros and cons are to getting into the field and whether or not I should make a career change? Whats the scheduling and salary like? How comparable to nursing is it?

I appreciate it.

-Ryan

bamike

Get the nursing degree first, and work a little in the field. When the airline industry goes to crap (and it will again, just look at history) you will be thankful that you have a job when all these other pilots are furloughed and unemployed.

Finish your private rating and then if you still feel passionate about it you can do your instrument and so on, no reason to leap in headfirst. It's a totally different job than nursing.

C130driver

Doom and gloom much?

To the original poster, yes no one can predict the future; but it sounds like you were talked into nursing by your parents and your passion is really with aviation. I’d say ditch the nursing thing, go to school and get a degree in something related to aviation while earning your ratings. There are schools out there that give you both (Embry Riddle.) You can then go work for a regional until you get picked up by Majors.

Or, get a degree and go the mil route. Get hired by a guard/reserve unit. They’ll pay for your training. You get to serve your country while doing a lot more exciting flying. You’ll also be more attractive sooner to the majors. Many airline guys still serve in the guard/reserves part time. Plus, the guard/reserves serves as a nice fall back in case the airline industry does go to ****.

SonicFlyer

The day you finish your nursing degree, start flight school. If you're going to go to the airlines (known as Party 121) everything is about seniority. The more people behind you in line the better. If you just want to do cargo or charter or other stuff that isn't airline (known as Part 135) then your goal is 1200 flight hours. The quicker you get there the sooner you can begin to earn money.

But since you're already in the middle of your degree, finish it.

155mm

For now, finish your BSN and Private Pilot license. Having a Bachelors degree with utility is always a good thing! Getting the Private Pilot license and a few hours under your belt while in college is also a good idea and will give you a better idea whether you want to pursue further aviation training. In addition, you won't be penniless attempting flight instruction while working as a nurse! Dropping out of college at this point is insane! The airlines won't care if your Bachelors is in Aviation, Nursing or Breastfeeding for that matter! Fly safe!

J2092

Where could one get a Bachelor's in Breastfeeding? Asking for a friend...hahah

155mm

I heard Texas A&M had a dairy science degree. It’s a hard job but someone has to do it!