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Christopher
Student
Santa Ana, California
1
Question
Updated
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How can I go to college to become a pilot for free? #fall25
What are the requirements to become a pilot?
What kind of school should I attend to become a pilot?
What's better, being a private pilot or being a commercial pilot?
Can I study Aeronautical and learn how to fly a plane at the same time?
What kind of engineering could I study that also connects to planes/being a pilot?
Can I pursue a trade and attend flight school on the side to become a pilot?
Is going to the Air Force a good way to learn about planes and how to pilot them?
#fall25
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Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
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Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Joining the military, especially the Air Force, is one of the most effective ways to attend college and become a pilot for free, since it covers both education and flight training in exchange for service. Civilian routes are also available through scholarships from AOPA, EAA, Civil Air Patrol, and universities with FAA-approved programs. To pursue a pilot career, you’ll need a high school diploma, strong math and science skills, good health, and the ability to pass FAA medical and written exams.
Many colleges offer aeronautical science or professional pilot programs that let you earn a degree while learning to fly. Schools such as Embry-Riddle, Purdue, UND, and several community colleges provide structured training. A private pilot license is for recreational flying, while a commercial license is required for paid flying. You can study aeronautical science and fly at the same time, and majors like aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering pair well with aviation through their focus on aircraft systems and aerodynamics.
Experience through EAA aircraft-building projects, drone engineering teams, and model aviation clubs strengthens practical skills, while internships, volunteering, or shadowing at airports, museums, Civil Air Patrol, or flight schools offer valuable industry exposure. Virtual platforms like Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and online ATC networks help build early navigation and communication skills. For test prep, programs like King Schools, Sporty’s, Gleim, MZeroA, and Gold Seal are reliable. Earning certifications such as the PPL, IR, CPL, ME, and eventually the ATPL, combined with flight training, a related degree, and hands-on or virtual experience, creates a strong path to a pilot career.
Many colleges offer aeronautical science or professional pilot programs that let you earn a degree while learning to fly. Schools such as Embry-Riddle, Purdue, UND, and several community colleges provide structured training. A private pilot license is for recreational flying, while a commercial license is required for paid flying. You can study aeronautical science and fly at the same time, and majors like aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering pair well with aviation through their focus on aircraft systems and aerodynamics.
Experience through EAA aircraft-building projects, drone engineering teams, and model aviation clubs strengthens practical skills, while internships, volunteering, or shadowing at airports, museums, Civil Air Patrol, or flight schools offer valuable industry exposure. Virtual platforms like Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and online ATC networks help build early navigation and communication skills. For test prep, programs like King Schools, Sporty’s, Gleim, MZeroA, and Gold Seal are reliable. Earning certifications such as the PPL, IR, CPL, ME, and eventually the ATPL, combined with flight training, a related degree, and hands-on or virtual experience, creates a strong path to a pilot career.