If I want to become an airline pilot, would an Aviation Degree or Aerospace Engineering degree be better?

Question

I know a degree isn't needed to become a pilot and that it is just a plus, but I would prefer to get one in the same area, so if i don't become a pilot I can do a job related to it, such as, preferably, becoming an air traffic controller or anything else like a mechanic, etc. If neither one of these degrees is best, could you please let me know of one that is. I would very much appreciate it, thank you.

Answer 1

Either one is great, I would go with the one that you think might provide a better second carreer if the pilot thing doesn't work out the way you expect.

Answer 2

You dont need an AE degree for flight. The deepest AE you will need to know is covered in basic aeronautics. That and getting your AE degree is brutal...

BOOO ERAU  YAY FIT :)

Answer 3

You don't need ANY degree to become an airline pilot.  All you need is the training and experience to qualify for an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate.

Answer 4

As others have said, you don't need a degree to become an airline pilot. It does help to have a 4-year degree in order to be competetive, but it doesn't really make a difference what  your degree is in; it does not even have to be related to aviation. All a degree really does is show a potential airline employer that you at least have some brains, you are capable of studying and passing exams, you are trainable, and that you can finish something you started. If your interest happens to be renaissance art, get an art history degree if that's what makes you happiest .

That said, I recommend a degree that can employ you if for some reason you do not make it as an airline pilot, you lose your medical certificate, you get furloughed, or you just plain get sick of flying. In this case, a generic aviation degree such as "aeronautical science" or "professional aeronautics" won't help you much at all (I have one of those and it is practically useless). A management  or business admin. degree would be much better, as would any type of engineering or even aircraft maintenance.

Again, neither of your suggestions will make you any more hireable or  competetive for an airline pilot position. This is not what the major aviation schools such as ERAU or UND would have you believe, but it's the truth.

Answer 5

Actually, some  of the best degrees for Aviation is project mangement, finance, or business, as it provides a backup plan when you get laid off. (Its almost a guantree that you will get laid off at some time in your flying career)

I wish someone would have told me.. I doing mine in Aviation Flight Techonoly.