Originally Posted by
wilco811
There is always risk involved with any big decision you make. Delta alone will hire 8000 pilots in the next 10 years and UA AA showing similar numbers. American already doesn’t care about the degree as long as you fly RJs for them for 5-6 years. SWA said no 737 type needed and people are getting on without 1000 TPIC. Next they’re gonna soften the degree req. You all think the 25,000 pilots needed are all going to be super humans with perfect records and college degrees? Obviousiy they can’t say you don’t need an ATP. Like you say it’s the best time to gamble to not get a degree. I didn’t mean to say that getting a degree is a waste of time in my original post. I didn’t mean it in a nagative way. The 4 years I spent at college were amazing I would recommend getting a degree to anyone. Just in this particular case of this OP I wanted to let him know that there most likely will be a way into the majors without one in the near future. And if you do get a degree make it in something unrelated to aviation from a good school just so you have a good back up plan in case you lose your medical. I don’t think you should buy a degree at some online university just to tick a box.
Just a little perspective. I'm mid 40's. Started on my ratings in my mid 20's while working crappy jobs. It took me years and lots of hard work to get through all my ratings. I built my time and eventually flew 135 cargo. I skipped the regionals because the pay was dismal and I was raising a family.
I never thought I'd have a shot at flying for a major, ever. I eventually did some charter, then a great Part 91 operation that ended abruptly. Did some 135 again but got tired of being away from home so much. Landed another good 91 job but it only lasted a few years.
Now, after all this flying, with the hiring the way it is and my kids getting older, I'm finally seriously considering the airlines. With 10,000+ hours and much of that is TPIC but no degree, I know that it will be much harder for me than most of my peers. My buddies at United that encouraged me to apply all agree that I'll need more on my resume to have a realistic expectation of getting called for an interview.
I was offered a position at a regional and I'll make the best of it by taking on more responsibilities in training etc. I'm looking at options for online degree programs as well. All the while I will be adapting to compensation far below what I was making before all in an effort to finally fly somewhere that offers great QOL combined with great pay.
I'm not bitter, I love the career and I wouldn't trade the experience I've gained, especially at the tougher flying jobs I've done but right now, I know my life would be a hell of a lot easier if I had gotten my degree a long time ago. I'm halfway through my career and I'm going to put my heart and soul into getting to a major carrier. Even if it takes me 5 years it's worth it.
Don't do what I did. Get your degree and position yourself for a position at the best airlines, it's absolutely worth it. If I were you, I'd do the regional thing ASAP and finish the degree online, just get the degree.