hi,
i am 17 years old and from an early age have wanted to become an airline pilot. when l was 11 it became clear that l needed glasses and this meant that l would not be able to become an airline pilot through the RAF due to strict regulations on eyesight.

having recently looked into sponsored routes such as ctc, cabair and oaa, l was wondering how hard it is to get on one of their schemes and whether l would be at a disadvantage due to my eyesight. l have checked with my optican and my eyesight is good enough to pass a JAR class 1 medical.

also l am currently at college studying physics chemisty biology and graphic design, would it be better to study a degree before learning to fly or just go for it straight after A-levels

thanks for your time

p.s. any other tips/information about getting onto or about becoming an airline pilot would be much appreciated

If u really want to join the RAF u still can with laser surgery.this should correct ur eyesight to at least 20/20.sometimes better l hear. Get ur degree.for sure. l do not think u can become a commercial pilot without it. Though u need to talk to a carreers advisor because u will need expert advice & maybe they can give u help.

Good luck. l am sure u will make an excellent pilot & look forward to being on a plane flown by u someday. :)

edit: well done to the plonker below who just repeated everything l said. Chris at ''never knew there was an echo in'' Hornchurch. Plonker.

the sort of information u r after would need to come form somebody in the aircraft trade. have u thought about having eyes corrected by laser?
Ideally getting a degree would be first choice due to high level of competition for pilots positions. this would give u a good way to have two options. u will be able to vye with anybody else ( sight issue assumed not a problem) for a pilots position & with a degree u must be considered along with fitness etc as a good bet.
secondly if? it turned out u simply cannot get an opening or fail during training ( it happens) u have a good education behind u to move forward with. Much Much harder to try & obtain a degree later on.

It depends on if you vision could be corrected to 20/20 with glasses? If it can then you should be ok

It depends what is in the glasses:- Beer, Lager?

Do not get the laser surgery. It is expensive, unnecessary, and has potential side effects and complications. If you can pass a class l medical, that is all you need. They wo not even know what your vision is when you apply so there is no disadvantage. All they will know is that you have a class l medical.

Glasses are only an issue if you do not have 20,20 vision with them if you do they are not.