How could I possibly use a Computer Science degree to get a career in the Aviation field?

I would really like to become a pilot, or at least being regularly involved in a cockpit, but I don't want to let my computer science degree go to waste, with grad school a possibility, is it possible to incorporate my CS degree with planes or aviation in general? If you think I should try grad school, what's the best field of study to accomplish this?

How could I possibly use a Computer Science degree to get a career in the Aviation field?
Hi





You should be able to do that. I believe you can perform some type of programming or engineering work in aviation. Here are some websites from another school that may help you, and they have info about possible careers.





http://csm.vu.edu.au/courses/undergradua...


http://www.fmuniv.edu/academic/aviation/...








Here is some info about engineering and aviation:


http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm





I don't know much about applying Computer Science with aviation technology, but I hope this helps you =)
Reply:There are a lot of computer science opportunities in the aviation industry. A lot of this will be due to more and more diagnostic being done by computers rather than man hour troubleshooting. The new Boeing 787 is even equipped with blue tooth to send diagnostic reports right to a computer.





As for incorporating the CS with a pilot there is always flight simulator design. Which might be the closest you would get to mixing a pilot and CS degree.





Outside of aircraft themselves in the coming years there will be the whole reform of the ATC technology. So should be opportunities in that area as well. Although not as closely linked to being a pilot.





Good Luck.
Reply:Definitely.


I'm from Australia but I just read a story like that last week, from one of our major universities.





"Computing to become a Pilot


Not many people would expect a computing major student to become an international airline pilot - but that is just what Vic Leung did!





After finishing Computer Engineering in 1993, Vic worked for a few years in the IT industry - but his dream was always to fly the skies and see the world from a bird's-eye perspective. In 1995 he gained his private pilot's licence and was then fortunate enough to be selected for the Cadet Pilot program with Cathay Pacific. Cathay preferred applicants who had an engineering degree - particularly in Computing. (Not surprising considering there are over 200 computers on board an Airbus aircraft!) By 1996 Vic was cruising at 40,000 feet and visiting some of the most exotic countries on the earth! "





Good luck!!!