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How can I still become a private charter pilot without going to college?

When I graduate in May, I am going to a part 61 flight school (although I am taking there accelerated program) and getting all my rating there. My goal is to become a private charter pilot.
I do not plan to go to college though. Do I need to?

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Tammy’s Answer

Dear Corinne,

I'm thrilled you're considering becoming a pilot. My brother is an executive at Delta airlines and I bought him his first flying lesson at age 12. I highly recommend going into the military and learning to fly for free. Candidly there are very few opportunities for those who don't go to college to be hired as a private pilot. There are also considerations like benefits, insurance and a steady salary -- none of which private pilots typically receive. Also companies with private jets want someone with hundreds if not thousands of hours of flight experience. It's a very costly venture and is free if you go into the military. If you go to college and join an Air Force ROTC program, your education and flight school and subsequent flight hours are paid for by the military. The airlines and private charter jet companies alway look for military experience.

Best of luck in your future journey and safe travels!

Tammy

Tammy recommends the following next steps:

Look into ROTC programs
Look at what experience charter jet companies and airlines are looking for when hiring pilots
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Corinne
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Zakari’s Answer

No, you don’t need college to become a private charter pilot. (Highly Recommended though)

Some bigger operators may prefer a degree, but it’s usually not required. Your flight time and safety record matter more. Matter of fact, 2 of the biggest 135/91 operators in the US (Netjets/Flexjet) don't require a degree. But Flexjet has '' Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management'' Listed as preferred under their Pilot requirements.

Charter companies (Part 135/91) care more about your ratings, Personality, flight hours, and experience than a degree. Focus on getting your Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi, and most likely your CFI to build hours toward ATP minimums.
Thank you comment icon This is really helpful!! Thank you so much! Corinne
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Jose’s Answer

You can definitely become a private or charter pilot without going to college. You don't need a degree to get a pilot certificate. What really matters is getting flight training, earning certifications, logging flight hours, and meeting the requirements set by aviation authorities. You can complete your flight training through Part 61 instead of college-based Part 141 programs. This option gives you more flexibility with your flight lessons.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much!!! Corinne
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Bethany’s Answer

I come from a family of pilots, including my dad, brother, nephew, and husband. Most of them earned a bachelor's degree because many airlines require it. They all started by getting their private pilot license, then their instrument rating, and finally their commercial pilot licenses. They worked as flight instructors at local flight schools to gain flight hours and earn money. My husband also flew skydivers.

Besides building flight hours, networking in the aviation industry is very important. Talk to pilots at flight schools, connect with any pilots you know, or attend career fairs with airline representatives. The pilot network is a great way to find opportunities, make connections, and get advice. Good luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Corinne
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Tyra’s Answer

Hi! It's not required to have a college degree to become a pilot as you know. I would encourage you to think about other areas that you will develop in college. For example, college helps you develop habits that lead to the discipline you need to be a great pilot (i.e. time management, building a network, teamwork, etc.). You will be exposed to challenges that require solution and college is a great place to practice developing the solutions. College also gives you ideas on other areas of interest. Take some time to think about the benefits of going to college. I wish you the best of luck in your career!
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Peyton’s Answer

Hey Corinne, not a pilot myself but I have 10 friends in my close circle that are all pilots (crazy right?). None of them are private pilots, they all work in the commercial space. They were all part of the same collegiate flight program. In the collegiate programs, they were able to not only get their license, but they also had the opportunity to train other students and learn the full 360 of what it means to fly. I understand the collegiate programs can be a financial burden so I'd echo Tammy's recommendation about potentially looking into the Air Force, but I can vouch that my friends not only gained all the skills of becoming a pilot, they did also gain life long friendships. Also - I don't know if this is 100% true but I've heard it's common for private pilots to own their own plane to charter out, rather than being sort of an "on call" person waiting for a need. Just a few things to think about! Best of luck and enjoy soaring among the clouds!
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