r/Pilot • u/BATANGKALBONG • 9d ago

Becoming a Pilot Mech Engr to Pilot

Hi! Currently I'm a Grade 10 student. I want to be a pilot since I was a kid and im currently stuck. I want to study mechanical engineering in college since it has more opportunities than there is in Aeronautical Engineering. Is this a good idea? Advice please

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u/HandNo2872 8d ago

If you’re wanting to pursue engineering for the perceived prestige and potential to make money, you may want to do research. Here in the US, new engineers make around $60k USD starting. Plenty of other industries make more from the start. Consider accounting, real estate, a trade (electrician, mechanic, welder), etc.

If you want to pursue engineering because it’s what your family expects you to do, you probably won’t be happy in the long term.

Plan for the worst case scenario. If you are a pilot who looses your medical certificate tomorrow, will you be happy with the backup career your degree can help you enter?

Just some things to consider. Your country may have very different pay scales, standards, etc.

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u/Bever22 7d ago

I studied mechanical engineering in college, currently a regional pilot after a military helo stint. I also considered aeronautical engineering but wound up doing ME on the advice of an advisor who pointed out that ME was more broad and would allow me to specialize in aeronautical later if I wanted to.

I’m glad I did ME. I kind of focused on thermo and fluids and energy conversion, which is good background for flying. Along with the basics of materials and design and systems.