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What college degree do most pilots get?
I'm currently getting my private pilots licenses and I want to pursue being a pilot as a career. College is a must for me, but I would like to get more insight on what degree to get.
#aviation #pilots #college #airline-industry
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4 answers
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Stephanie’s Answer
Hi,
I fly for a major airline and have been here 22 years. My husband also flies for the same company with 36 years under his belt.
We both have aviation families and a lot of experience and knowledge so happy to share with what I do know.
I have a 4 year degree from the University of Washington in Psychology. Honestly, what the airlines are looking for to be competitive these days is a 4 year degree in really anything. Some choose the route of going to a 4 year such as the University of North Dakota that has a flying program. That is one option. Another option is to work on your degree while taking flying lessons on the side like I did at any reputable local flight school. There are also other options that are expensive but will get you your ratings and flight time quick such as ATP and also worth looking into Embry Riddle.
Our airline is hiring 48 pilots a week! There is going to be a major shortage of pilots in the years to come so trying to get as much flying in as you can now and build your hours and ratings is important. I became a flight instructor shortly after I graduated college and then flew a little corporate which is a great way to get some turbine time and experience. I then was picked up by a great commuter along the west coast. I flew for them for two years and made Captain (PIC Turbine) which is also highly desirable on your application.
Airlines now are looking for a well rounded individual with the required hours, experience, community involvement, etc. Always think about what is going to set me aside from the rest. And don't forget to network like crazy!
And one more thing I will mention is look at Aviate. Also some flight schools have training programs that are linked to the commuters as a shoe in. I'm sorry I'm not totally up to speed on all of the requirements and what is involved as it's rapidly changing because of the pilot shortage but what I do know is that you are in a great position. Fly as much as you can, network, get your 4 year degree in whatever you desire and set your goals. Good luck to you and please feel free to reach out again!
Stephanie
I fly for a major airline and have been here 22 years. My husband also flies for the same company with 36 years under his belt.
We both have aviation families and a lot of experience and knowledge so happy to share with what I do know.
I have a 4 year degree from the University of Washington in Psychology. Honestly, what the airlines are looking for to be competitive these days is a 4 year degree in really anything. Some choose the route of going to a 4 year such as the University of North Dakota that has a flying program. That is one option. Another option is to work on your degree while taking flying lessons on the side like I did at any reputable local flight school. There are also other options that are expensive but will get you your ratings and flight time quick such as ATP and also worth looking into Embry Riddle.
Our airline is hiring 48 pilots a week! There is going to be a major shortage of pilots in the years to come so trying to get as much flying in as you can now and build your hours and ratings is important. I became a flight instructor shortly after I graduated college and then flew a little corporate which is a great way to get some turbine time and experience. I then was picked up by a great commuter along the west coast. I flew for them for two years and made Captain (PIC Turbine) which is also highly desirable on your application.
Airlines now are looking for a well rounded individual with the required hours, experience, community involvement, etc. Always think about what is going to set me aside from the rest. And don't forget to network like crazy!
And one more thing I will mention is look at Aviate. Also some flight schools have training programs that are linked to the commuters as a shoe in. I'm sorry I'm not totally up to speed on all of the requirements and what is involved as it's rapidly changing because of the pilot shortage but what I do know is that you are in a great position. Fly as much as you can, network, get your 4 year degree in whatever you desire and set your goals. Good luck to you and please feel free to reach out again!
Stephanie
Updated
Will’s Answer
I will mention that there are straight up aviation degrees. Kansas State University (polytechnic campus) for instance, has degrees for fixed wing, rotary wing, and I believe UAV systems. Those programs are quite expensive though - flying planes isn't cheap.
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Although I'm not an expert in this field, I do have a good friend who is a pilot for a major commercial airline and a cousin who was pursuing their pilots license through college.
Someone else on here hopefully can elaborate further, but from the information I've received from both people close to me, the best and most promising way to obtain your pilot's license, is to join the military and get flight time experience there.
My friend who is a pilot served for 6 years and because of his flight time experience while enlisted he was able to get a job at the commercial airline right out of the gate.
My cousin went to school and was going for their aeronautical engineering degree, but, throughout the course, was told that getting a job with a commercial airline would be difficult since she would not have the massive amounts of flight time training that she would have had in the military.
I believe you can get your degree and still have a pilot's license and work for smaller companies, privately owned jets, etc....
Just all depends on what your greater goal is....
Someone else on here hopefully can elaborate further, but from the information I've received from both people close to me, the best and most promising way to obtain your pilot's license, is to join the military and get flight time experience there.
My friend who is a pilot served for 6 years and because of his flight time experience while enlisted he was able to get a job at the commercial airline right out of the gate.
My cousin went to school and was going for their aeronautical engineering degree, but, throughout the course, was told that getting a job with a commercial airline would be difficult since she would not have the massive amounts of flight time training that she would have had in the military.
I believe you can get your degree and still have a pilot's license and work for smaller companies, privately owned jets, etc....
Just all depends on what your greater goal is....
The military is great but requires a commitment. Seniority is everything at the airlines and dictates what your career will be like along with quality of life when it comes to bidding, etc. Getting hired at a major going the civilian route will get you hired onto a major more than likely at a lot younger of an age. Unless you have your heart set on joining the military then I am going to say go civilian:)
Stephanie Russell
Updated
Josh’s Answer
A bachelor's degree in general shows an ability to accomplish goals and tasks and work in a team environment. An aviation degree would make the most sense to becoming a pilot, as you will learn many things in the aviation world more encompassing than just being a pilot. I obtained a Bachelor's in Aeronautics. Within that degree program, many aspects of aviation and business were covered, to include management classes, economics, values and ethics, and physics just to name a few. All of these classes put together a great education for aviation business. You never know, you may want to be an airport manager or something of the like after you've become a pilot.
Continue pursuing your pilot license and other ratings
Choose a college with a strong aviation degree program such as Embry Riddle
Continue to a Master's program in an area of Business Administration
Josh recommends the following next steps: