I have a decent career in software but wish to become a pilot - have I gone insane?
Posted by jaeger-eiskalt@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 13 comments
Context: I'm a 25 years old guy, have a software engineering degree, and have worked as a software (well, devops) engineer for the past year and a half.
Due to an interest in aviation and specifically airplanes (as well as math and physics), it occurred to me that I could try out becoming a pilot.
Obviously after reading FAQ and using the search bar I've come to the conclusion that it is in fact possible, however I wanted to discuss my specific situation with actual humans.
First things first I want to discuss my eyesight - I used to have myopia but after a FEMTO lasik surgery it's gone and my sight seems perfect basically. I do get night halos but they seem to be improving over time. I believe this could potentially be a major obstacle.
Another potential "health" issue is my height - I'm around 197-198cm tall which is roughly 6 feet 5 inches in Freedom units. I know there are some tall pilots but Wizz air academy for example lists the maximum height as 191cm (6feet2inches) and anything above that requires additional checks in order to figure out if the candidate is even eligible. I'm not sure if I am.
Assuming health checkups go fine - which is a big if - I wanted to discuss the modular vs integrated route. Having a degree already, I lean towards the integrated route (provided I could pass their entrance exams) since it seems like the education I've already received, but I'm open to modular if it is as good (keep in mind that becoming an airline pilot is the ultimate goal).
Now the financing... This depends mostly on the route I'd choose, I'd leave this wide open for you guys to discuss, I've read various different stuff on this topic. I could save up for a 10-15-20k euros down payment... I also own some land which I have no interest whatsoever in cultivating and which could be sold for somewhere between 100-200k euros.
About location - I have Croatian and Serbian citizenship, I live in Serbia, but I'd much, MUCH rather prefer to work and live somewhere in the EU as a Croatian citizen, also I'd prefer my education to be EU compliant.
I think that's all, and I know it's a lot of text.. What are your takes on it?
No_Diver_2133@reddit
You’re certainly not the 1000th techbro to pilot post we’ve seen here.
Short answer- Yes.
Long answer- Also yes.
jaeger-eiskalt@reddit (OP)
I’m not a tech bro (whatever that means), I’m a young man asking for opinions about a very specific situation regarding potential career change
No_Diver_2133@reddit
It’s a common trope here. Burned out SWES decides they want to become a pilot because the grass seems greener.
I’m here to tell you it is not.
If you want to fly? Absolutely go for it, but career wise it is not worth it.
jaeger-eiskalt@reddit (OP)
Well I’m not exactly burned out, I am just attracted to the idea of flying, however I never had the opportunity before because of bad eyesight (also, I was broke).
I just thought I’d try and go for the airlines since it’s appealing to me. I harbor no delusions, I’m well aware of the potential downsides about piloting.
Worst case I’d fly for fun and that’s it
No_Diver_2133@reddit
What is the allure of the airlines?
Would you be happy if you never were to get there?
stickJ0ckey@reddit
6'3 software engineer turned pilot... it's not worth it mate. Training is an absolute ripoff, market is saturated, pay is shit, lots of ass to kiss, lots of hassle, no job security since you basically depend on a company that can go bust or kick you out anytime. Maybe worth picking up as a hobby or if you want to do some kind of product side business, but that's about it
jaeger-eiskalt@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your opinion
as for the bad aspects of the career itself I think it’s just like any other, and software itself is no exception anyway
I will definitely try out it as a hobby anyway
LonelyExpression4973@reddit
Yes
Apprehensive_Cost937@reddit
Step 1: get an EASA class 1 medical (and/or Serbian, if you want to leave that option open for the future). No ifs, no buts. It is the only way to know whether you are medically fit.
Step 2: get a trial lesson/introductory flight, to see if you like flying in light aircraft.
Height shouldn't be a big issue. Airliners are certified to accomodate pilots up to 191cm tall, hence why some airlines post this as a limit, but like you say, they'll do a functional check in the simulator, but it's less of an issue if you're too tall than too short, as the main issue is usually reaching the controls from a seated position with seat belts and shoulder harness fastened.
Financing... avoid debt at any cost. There are no guarantees that you will be able to find a job at the end of training, and you don't want to be paying off any expensive debts. Generally if you can get into programmes like WAPA etc., it's a better way of entering the industry, as you have a job "lined up" for when you finish training (note it's not really a guarantee, because aviation can be a very unstable industry).
If you can't get into any of the sponsored/tagged schemes, then modular is the way. Cheaper, more flexible, you can do it while you're working, and pay as you go.
Good luck!
jaeger-eiskalt@reddit (OP)
Thanks a lot dear stranger!
I was indeed planning on getting an EASA class 1 medical first. Would you happen to know any pilots that have undergone a lasik operation, and how did their class1 med go? I know it's not an automatic obstacle, I'm just curious about actual experiences.
Apprehensive_Cost937@reddit
The only pilots I know that have done LASIK are the one who hold a medical, so... :)
Don't worry too much, it's largely out of your hands anyway. Book a medical exam, and you'll have to see an ophthalmologist, who will do a variety of tests. If any issues arise during the examination, they'll let you know, and you'll see what options you have then - could be additional tests, could be certain limitations imposed on the medical certificate, or you could be denied one (but might still get class 2 to fly for fun, for example).
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Context: I'm a 25 years old guy, have a software engineering degree, and have worked as a software (well, devops) engineer for the past year and a half.
Due to an interest in aviation and specifically airplanes (as well as math and physics), it occurred to me that I could try out becoming a pilot.
Obviously after reading FAQ and using the search bar I've come to the conclusion that it is in fact possible, however I wanted to discuss my specific situation with actual humans.
First things first I want to discuss my eyesight - I used to have myopia but after a FEMTO lasik surgery it's gone and my sight seems perfect basically. I do get night halos but they seem to be improving over time. I believe this could potentially be a major obstacle.
Another potential "health" issue is my height - I'm around 197-198cm tall which is roughly 6 feet 5 inches in Freedom units. I know there are some tall pilots but Wizz air academy for example lists the maximum height as 191cm (6feet2inches) and anything above that requires additional checks in order to figure out if the candidate is even eligible. I'm not sure if I am.
Assuming health checkups go fine - which is a big if - I wanted to discuss the modular vs integrated route. Having a degree already, I lean towards the integrated route (provided I could pass their entrance exams) since it seems like the education I've already received, but I'm open to modular if it is as good (keep in mind that becoming an airline pilot is the ultimate goal).
Now the financing... This depends mostly on the route I'd choose, I'd leave this wide open for you guys to discuss, I've read various different stuff on this topic. I could save up for a 10-15-20k euros down payment... I also own some land which I have no interest whatsoever in cultivating and which could be sold for somewhere between 100-200k euros.
About location - I have Croatian and Serbian citizenship, I live in Serbia, but I'd much, MUCH rather prefer to work and live somewhere in the EU as a Croatian citizen, also I'd prefer my education to be EU compliant.
I think that's all, and I know it's a lot of text.. What are your takes on it?
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Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: lasik.
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