Originally Posted by
Colgate502
getting out of the army within 3 months, I have GI BILL!!! i had nothing to do with aviation but i have grown a lot of interest in pursing a career to be an commercial airlines pilot.... ive thought about this a lot yet i still know almost nothing. i know its nothing to jump right into but I'm going all in...
first question
do i need a four year degree?
Ive been trying to figure out which flight school or college to go to and ive read that you don't and that you do need your degree...
second question
which is the best flight school or college to go to?
ive seen embry riddle as a four year university, and ive also seen flight schools only taking up to 9 months such as phoenix east aviation, atp flight school and so on...
what else do i really need besides a commercial pilots license or flight school? degrees certificates etc
First off, thank you for your service to our country! As far as your questions go, I would absolutely get a 4 year degree. You will get alot of mixed reviews on here whether to 1) get a 4 year degree at all and 2) if that degree needs to be aviation related. It is all about what YOU want and what works for you. Personally, I chose to get a 4 year degree in something other than aviation for that "just in case" scenario. Airlines used to have a requirement for having a 4 year degree. Now, I think it is more of a "preferred" thing. That being said, I think a 4 year degree is extremely valuable. If you are trying to get in and get out, ATP is a great option. I went part 61 and finished all my ratings in 10 months. (0 flight hours to Flight instructor). If you go to a 4 year school, it obviously will be 4 years before you are done. It sounds like ATP would be a great option for you. It can be done however you want and completely depends on your work ethic/schedule. Last, make sure you can acquire a 1st or 2nd class medical. Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in your area and request a 1st class medical. Good luck in your search and journey!