A lot of children dream of becoming pilots during their childhood. What a great goal! 

I once was sitting behind a captain and a first officer (laypeople might call them pilot and co-pilot) during a flight on a private jet in 2017 and I sort of understand why kids want to become pilots. 

For most kids, it remains a dream due to the high costs of education at flight schools. Additionally, because English is the universal language for pilots all over the world, prospective pilots must have a good command of this powerful language including aeronautical English. 

Apart from those requirements, a medical certificate is necessary and must be renewed regularly. It can be issued after examination from an Aviation Medical Examiner. They issue three classes of certificates depending on the level of pilot license. 

Airline pilots are well paid and get perks from their employers. 

Is it the best job in the aeronautical industry?  Let us have a look at the requirements and opportunities of an aeronautical/aerospace engineer. 

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree in aeronautics and a high level of technical English are a must. It is also a well-paid position and furthermore it offers more varied options such as 

• Aerodynamic engineers 
• Aircraft design engineers 
• Aircraft designers 
• Aircraft engineers 
• Astronautical engineers 
• Flight systems test engineers 
• Flight test engineers 
• Rocket engineers
• Wind tunnel engineers

Becoming an aeronautical engineer looks a like a bigger dream especially for Malagasy people, and that is probably the reason why you might haven't yet heard of an aircraft designer or a rocket engineer from Madagascar.An article from Harvard website mentioned the following: "Countries from Djibouti to Namibia are beginning to develop their own national space programs, hoping to join in on what could be a US$10 billion industry in the next two years. In addition, Kenyan industry leaders have analyzed the feasibility of constructing Africa's first spaceport, taking advantage of the country's position on the Equator, where the Earth's rotation is fastest."

I believe it is time for Malagasy students and their parents to start focussing on aeronautics and aerospace and other related technologies in order to keep up with our African brothers and to collaborate with them. 

Becoming a pilot is great. Becoming an aerospace or aeronautical engineer seems to be greater, doesn't it? 

When there is a will, there is a way. I am looking forward to the first Malagasy Space Program. 

India's Mars Orbiter Mission cost only 74 million USD which is much cheaper than the US Maven Mars mission of 671 million USD. And of course, it is cheaper than the extension cost of our soccer stadium in Mahamasina. 

In other words, we can afford a space program! 

Sources: https://hir.harvard.edu/why-african-nations-are-shooting-for-the-stars/  - https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29341850