Engineer or flying
Posted by Conscious-Mind1895@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 15 comments
I’m trying to decide between going into engineering or becoming a pilot, and I want some honest advice based on my situation. I have a private pilot license for context.
I’m currently [18] and planning my future career path. My long-term goal is to be in aviation—I’m really interested in flying and would ideally want to become an airline pilot. I’m also considering the military route (possibly ANG) to try and become a pilot and have ratings paid for, but I know that’s competitive and not guaranteed.
At the same time, I’m looking at engineering as a more stable/backup career. Im in colIege rn for it im interested in it, but not as passionate about it as flying. I’m also thinking about the financial side—flight training is expensive, and I’m unsure if taking on large loans early is a smart move knowing I dont have a cosigner but I do have the option to get a job making 60k a year.
TxAggieMike@reddit
If you cannot afford to pay for the training in cash, then push the pause button in that idea.
Get the engineering degree in a discipline that has lots of growth and income potential. Be super successful in your studies. Graduate with a good GPA.
Become well employed somewhere that is enjoyable and pays very well.
Live on a bare minimum budget with few frills and save like mad toward retirement and flight training.
Just because you focused on setting yourself up for a sound future as an engineer does not mean the dream of flight is over. It’s just delayed until you have successfully stabilized your life and income.
ExtraAssociate1104@reddit
Mining engineering is a great field. Very few graduate and that specific area in the United States, you will have multiple job offers.
RO1984@reddit
Hey I have a mining engineering degree. Loved the industry but it's not for everyone. I have yet to meet another mining engineer that's a pilot. I use pits and quarries as VFR checkpoints whenever I can
ExtraAssociate1104@reddit
Oh, that’s cool. My dad was a mechanical engineer, engineering in general is not for everyone unless they’ve got a certain type of spatial-thinking mind.
Time_Match_7900@reddit
Engineer here, I would finish your degree. Try to have something on your resume too, an internship or entry level job. Some engineering industries are incredibly stable.
There were times in my flight training I wish I had flown earlier and not spent the time on engineering. BUT, then the aviation industry got really saturated, and my last flying job was one that kicked ya out at 1500.
When I set my LinkedIn to open to work, I had recruiters from my old engineering industry immediately messaging me, and found a position really fast. It’s a solid plan B and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
What type of engineering are you studying?
Conscious-Mind1895@reddit (OP)
I wanna get my degree in Electrical engineering because I have some expierence with RF
mateenxxx@reddit
Was literally in your position 4-5 yrs ago. Just finish ur engineering degree, then go to a fast track flight school right after.
U might get out of flight school a little later BUT u will have unmatched stability with ur engineering degree to fall back on.
I had everything done at 24, which is still VERY young.
Fast-Government-4366@reddit
Go to school for engineering, then get hired by Garmin. They will pay for some of your training, I think PPL.
Gold-Weather_69@reddit
Engineer and get your pilot license on the side
flyghu@reddit
Engineer here. Own a plane and a hangar. Fly for fun. I don't have nearly the flight time as those that became professional pilots, but I only fly when I choose.
mattjohnson63@reddit
As someone who turned a passion (racing/cars) into a career as an engineer I have one piece of advice: What you hear about "turn your passion into a career and you won't work a day in your life" is utter BS. Turning something that you love into a career just makes that thing feel like work rather than play/fun/passion. Go do engineering, make decent money, and keep flying for fun & stress relief, be happy.
redditburner_5000@reddit
You need a degree anyway, so get an engineering degree and fly on the side.
Get out, get some engineering experience, and build hours. Get your hours, get hired, and see if you like it.
It's the long way 'round but it'll give you an out if you decide flying isn't as awesome as you thought it was.
TxAggieMike@reddit
Please read what u/RaisetheDed has to say about Paying for Flight Training With Loans/Debt
please read what our friend, u/RaiseTheDed, has compiled about Flight Training at ATP.
https://raisetheded.blogspot.com/2026/04/college-aviation-programs-and-other.html
FishrNC@reddit
The very first thing to do is see if you can pass a first class medical. Without that, you don't have a hope.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m trying to decide between going into engineering or becoming a pilot, and I want some honest advice based on my situation. I have a private pilot license for context.
I’m currently [18] and planning my future career path. My long-term goal is to be in aviation—I’m really interested in flying and would ideally want to become an airline pilot. I’m also considering the military route (possibly ANG) to try and become a pilot and have ratings paid for, but I know that’s competitive and not guaranteed.
At the same time, I’m looking at engineering as a more stable/backup career. Im in colIege rn for it im interested in it, but not as passionate about it as flying. I’m also thinking about the financial side—flight training is expensive, and I’m unsure if taking on large loans early is a smart move knowing I dont have a cosigner but I do have the option to get a job making 60k a year.
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