<p>Hello! I'm new to the forum, but I have been 'trolling' for a while.
I've been considering a change in careers for a while and wanted to get some opinions. Currently, I'm a professional pilot in a teaching role. My bachelor's degree is in aeronautics from a well- known aviation school, and I've been trying to figure out if I should go back for a second B.S. in aero/ mech engineering or take some prereqs and head for a Master's in either one of these. I've made a career out of flying airplanes and teaching people about the operational side of things, but now I'd like to get into the engineering side of things. Aside from having the interest in airplanes and engineering, I'd like to be able to move back to the southeast, someplace like Huntsville or maybe Florida.
Some determining factors are continuing to work at my job while I do this (although if going back to school full time at some point is what I have to do then I will.) Also, how much will my current career complement this career change, for those out there who are pilots & engineers or those who work with them? I realize the math & hard science requirement is pretty rigorous, but now that I'm smack dab in the middle of my thirties, I'm good with buckling down. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>My son, a rising Junior in Aerospace Engineering, says several professors and the department advisor have recommended students learn to fly.</p>
<p>Thanks! I think it definitely helps, if learning to fly these days wasn’t so doggone expensive!!</p>
<p>You may be well-suited for a career as a flight test engineer or possibly even a test pilot (assuming you are in excellent health). Having flying experience can be very beneficial in some cases (I have a PPL myself). In fact, I was involved with a project about a year ago involving a full-motion flight simulator. I was chosen for that project primarily because of my flight experience. YMMV, obviously, but flight experience can usually give you some advantages.</p>
<p>As for schooling, it will definitely be in your best interest to physically attend a brick-and-mortar school and take classes either part time, or full-time (if you are able to do so). Since you are already well in to your thirties, I would recommend going the full-time route if you can swing it. The math rigor is indeed quite legendary, and since you probably haven’t been exposed to classroom math in a long time, you will certainly have your work cut-out for you.</p>
<p>I would definitely check out a career in flight test engineering though. I know many pilots working in those positions and they absolutely love it. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Thanks for the response! I have considered flight test engineering as well as an assortment of other types of systems. I teach in aircraft simulators now, and it is really interesting with some of the technology that we have. I think getting into engineering would be kind of like icing on the cake for me, but I’m not sure if some undergrad prereqs and a master’s degree would be best, or a second bachelor’s. Thanks again for all of the advice!</p>
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<p>Masters is always more beneficial. How long for BS vs. Masters? If the difference is one year or less, I’d go for the Masters.</p>
<p>Thanks! It would take me a while to do the Bachelor’s, and I could probably take the rest of the calc classes I would need, as well as some of the engineering classes and apply for a master’s.
Do we have any HR/ hiring folks on here for some of the aircraft manufacturers?</p>