Aviation academies and airline placements.?

Question

Are there any Legacy Airlines that hire graduates of aviation academies? If so which ones and which academies do they hire pilots from? What aviation academy is the most-highly accredited throughout the US?

Answer 1

No legacys are hiring right now period. No real short cuts in this industry. It's probably a good time to start training though. By the time you are done, this slump in air travel will hopefully be over. What ever you do, don't go to Emery Riddle. No reason to pay $150K for something you can get for less than half that. No one cares what college you went to, all they want to see is a 4yr degree. Best bet would be to get your degree in something besides aviation.

Answer 2

There are no legacy airlines that hire directly out of any kind of educational program.  Some regional airlines will hire directly out of academies, but in general, those are not the most highly regarded jobs.  Legacy airlines and major airlines hire people with years of experience in smaller jets.

That's kinds of like asking which college to attend to get hired as a surgeon directly out of school.  It doesn't happen.  Surgeons have to go through the hoops of pre-med programs, med school, and residencies.  Pilots need to go through many levels of certification and then years of experience building.

In general, aviation academies are not very highly regarded in the industry - no more so than getting a good college education and earning your certificates and building experience.  This can be at a collegiate program or your local airport.

There really aren't any long-term shortcuts in this industry, if that makes any sense.  It's all a combination of a good education, good experience, a good head on your shoulders, and a whole lot of plain old hard work.

Answer 3

Korean Air hires some graduates of Korea Aerospace University.

Some aviation programs are reputable, but no training is as highly regarded as is a good professional record.  

If you need placement there is a problem.  In the early 1990s the problem was with the aviation economy.  In recent years low time pilots have been able to get on with commuter air carriers, progress from there into regionals, and then large jet aircraft.  I know one fellow who was hired to be a BE1900 copilot in 2002, and who was flying B757s in 2007.

Answer 4

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the best place to go. Looks great on the resume', too.