Aeronautical Science @ Embry Riddle?

Question

A mentee of mine got into Embry Riddle for the aeronautical science program (he wants to be an airline pilot). Even with all the aid ERAU gave him, its still really expensive. The only way he can afford to go there is if he didn't shell out the $11,000 for the 1st yr of the flight program, which kind of defeats the purpose of going to ERAU in the first place. I'm wonderiing how else he can get his pilots license? Any cheaper alternatives?

Also, he's considering engineering at BU, IIT, and RIT, all of which have much better financial packages. Would he be looked at the same with a degree from any of these schools?

Answer 1

if he wants aviation science there is a couple of colleges that has that degree. check faa.gov under training and it shows a lot of the places to learn the material to become an airline transport pilot. and it also depends on how his learning to the new concepts of flying are.

Answer 2

He can go to a regular college, get his bachelors degree(in anything) and get all of his training at a local FBO, its actually cheaper. The airlines dont care where you went or how you did it as long as you have enough hours. If he is set on an aviation degree. There is plenty of universities that offer it and is cheaper. Ones that come to mind is North Dakota and Kansas State, etc. He can also do online classes from Utah State Valley(or something like that) and do his pilot training locally. There is also always the air force, but you still need a bachelors degree to be a pilot for them.

Answer 3

I'd recommend going to a normal college and getting training on the side.

Answer 4

You should have your friend check the FAA requirements for becoming a commercial pilot. Then he should call around before even going to school and ask the airlines what requirements they have and which degrees he can become an airline pilot with. I am certain however, there are flight hours that he must have logged prior to flying private or commercial. To become a private pilot (no charging for flying), it's like 40 flight hours and so many hours of class room training which I was doing with a licensed pilot. I am not sure however, about the commercial aspects or where to get the license.

Try this link and see what you can come up with.

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/