What kind of degree should I get to be an airline pilot?

Question

I have been told by many people that a degree in aviation is not nescesarily the best way to go, but that you do need a bachelors degree in something to even have a chance to get a job. The problem is, I can't seem to find anything else that really interests me, any suggestions? By the way, i am currently attending a private flight school, and just finished my first solo.

Answer 1

Mechanical or Aerospace/aeronautical engineering

Answer 2

That's a tough question are there are MANY different paths. You have to pick the one for you, and "fly" that course.

First off, college. Not all airlines require a degree. Several of the "regional" airlines don't require a degree. However, most of the "majors" do. So where do you want to end up? Charter flying and other corporate flying has a policy on a per-company basis. But if you have it, it may put you ahead of someone who doesn't.

Air Force. I tried that and it backfired for me. It's not guaranteed, and you'll be committed to them for no less than 10 years. Are you prepared to devote that time? Not to mention you'll be IN the military and may have to deploy, fight, and possibly pay the ultimate sacrifice. It may be for you, it may not.

If you do chose college, then the question is do you chose an "aviation university" or not. Aviation University's not only include Embry Riddle but several others to include some like Auburn University and others that escape me (WAR EAGLE!!!). OR, you can choose to attend an "airline academy" which will be independent of a 4 year degree but will have you ready from start to ready for an airline interview in XX number of days/months.

Or you can do what I did (which may not be the preferred) which is to obtain all the required certifications one rating at a time until you have it all ('cause you know they all cost MONEY!!!!).

Anyway, to be competitive for a regional airline right now you will ultimately need (in terms of flight experience) your Commercial Multi Airplane license with an Instrument rating at probably AT LEAST 600 hours of flight time of which 100 hours should be in a multi-engine airplane.

If you go to one of the academy's be prepared to spend around $25,000 up front (or within a few months) to get that commercial multi.... Other wise, if you obtain the licenses/ratings as you go the following will become familiar terms to you:

-- Private Pilot License

-- Instrument Rating

-- Commercial License

-- Multi-Engine license/add-on

-- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

-- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

-- Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)

-- Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI)

Answer 3

A bachelors degree is never a bad thing.  The debate you are hearing is aviation degree vs. something else.

An aviation degree is not as bad as people say.  It's just not as versatile as, say, a business degree.  The main complaint that people have is that it's expensive and more narrow in scope than most other degrees.

A college degree (in anything) will provide you with the tools you need to be an efficient learner.  The experiences you will have in college will last you a lifetime.  I'm not just talking about the social aspect of college.  I'm also talking about having that one professor that is so passionate about the subject matter that it just draws you in.  I'm talking about the networking opportunities you will have with classmates and alumni.  I'm talking about all of the clubs, sports, and activities available to you before you have to "grow up" and join the "real world."

An aviation degree will give you a broad knowledge base in crew coordination, interpersonal communications, physics, meteorology, business, management, aerodynamics, aviation safety, and all of your flight ratings.  What it won't give you is a huge advantage in today's regional airline pilot market.  Like I said in the beginning, this is a much more expensive option, but I will not EVER say that getting a good education is a bad thing!  That doesn't make sense!

Since you said you are in Michigan, Western Michigan University has a bachelor's program in aviation.  It's worth checking out.  Northwestern Michigan College has a two year program.  There are several community colleges with aviation programs as well.

If you do not want to go into aviation, business is a popular major for pilots.  I'd recommend going to the best school you can get into and afford.  Again, a good education is never a bad thing!  There are many flight schools at airports all across the state for you to earn your certificates and ratings outside of a collegiate program.  If you can find a good instructor, that's also a great option.

If you don't get any degree, you may still do ok, but it all depends on the industry's demands for pilots.  Right now, regional airliners cannot fill their seats fast enough, so a degree doesn't matter as much.  A degree is still valuable for the major airlines - many times, it's required.

In general, the more education a job requires, the more fulfilling the job will be.  This isn't always the case, but a degree will certainly help land a corporate job in a top aviation department.

I wouldn't recommend an airline academy.  Why?  It is just as expensive as getting a four year degree, but you have no degree to show for it.  You live and breathe aviation until the job no longer sounds fun, and that's a shame.  You are also cheated out of the "college experience".

Just my two cents... I know others disagree, but I'd just say don't cheat yourself.

Answer 4

I'm a commercial pilot by trade and I really do believe that a degree is unnecessary.

It comes down to your licence and qualifications - in conjunction with as much flight experience as you can get!

Even the airlines don't ask for a degree - just a set level of licence (usually ATPL or theory credit for) and set experience requirements in flight time.

An instructor's rating and employment for a while as an instructor is an excellent choice and much more beneficial!

You'd be better off focusing on your CPL and if more theory, start the ATPL theory syllabus - these are the things that matter. Companies really aren't fussed if you do or don't get a degree. My course comprised of an Advanced Diploma - which is a step below a bachelor obviously, but that has never been a hinderance (and it was only an Adv. Dip.) simply because the flight school was tied in with a uni - if it hadn't been, there'd had been no diploma either!)

Honestly...employment chances, right up to airline rely on experience and licence - best thing you can do is go for the hours, now.

Instructing too is an EXCELLENT way to find employment!

Good luck! :-)

Answer 5

If you're going to get a degree, then get one in some field of interest where you can make a living in case the aviation thing doesn't work out...  Many young pilots have to leave aviation because they fail their medical exam, and they don't have a backup plan.  I have two aviation related degrees, but also have one in business, and a real estate sales license.

Answer 6

A degree is a good idea, but a degree in aviation is not.  --Not if you are going to be a pilot.

Answer 7

Join the Air Force

Answer 8

I'd suggest mechanical engineering.  Most of what driving commercial airplanes is all about is knowing how to use the various mechanical systems.  Anyone can learn to use a control wheel, but if a hydraulic power pack quits, you had better know what to do about it.