Is this a right career path? I want to go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on an ROTC and be a pilot.?

Question

My sight's not perfect though but I don't plan on flying jets or fighters, maybe bombers in the USAF and just be a commercial pilot after that. I'm a junior and I want to get my carer path planned. This is something I really want to do in life. Is it possible?

Answer 1

It is possible!  The best thing to do here is to ask a doctor who does flight physicals to check your eye sight and general fitness against the standards.  Also, start talking with the ROTC instructors at Embry-Riddle for what the requirements are for their program and the options available to you.  

FYI:  My father was an aviator in the Marines and is a private pilot now.  He's always worn glasses for near-sightedness.  In the Marines he was a navigator or co-pilot.  That could be an option for you as well.  

Big thing to keep in mind:  aviation is highly competitive in the military.  You have to be at the top of your class.  Study hard!  Keep asking questions!  God bless your desire to serve!

Answer 2

Riddle is a great school and we aren't all privileged rich ids either i actually only can afford going there bc my mom works there if she didn't there would be no way i could.....they are considered the top aviation school and is very well respected just bc some people are jealous, don't let that stand in your way do what you dream of doing

Answer 3

DON'T DO EITHER!

Go to a regular school and get a degree in something normal.  Learn to fly at your local airport. Or on the side while you are in school.

Embry-Riddle is not the school it advertises itself to be.  They are overpriced and their product is not any better than any other Part 141 approved flight school.  Plus, after you graduate, you will have to deal with the stigma that was built by all the previous generations of ER grads that built a reputation in the aviation world.  It is not a good one.

ER grads tend to be overpriveledged rich kids that have never had a job and feel entitled to anything and everything they want.  Whether that is true or not is debatable, however that is the stigma you will have to deal with.  When one of my coworkers mentions that he went to ER, I just groan and turn my Ipod up so I wont have to listen to him.  (and yes I say him because only 2% of ER grads are female).

The military is not much better any more.  It is still very competitive and you already need to be IN the military before you can apply for an aviation slot.  Meaning that even if you are not accepted, you still need to fulfill your contract.

Do yourself a favor and do not pursue either of those options.  Just go down to a flight school near you and talk to an instructor.  Ask them questions about learning to fly and what you would need to do. In the long run it will be cheaper, more fun, more rewarding, and a lot faster.