Originally Posted by TheDashRocks

I agree and disagree with parts of the above. Making blanket assumptions about people based on whether or not they hold a degree, or have military versus all civilian experience is unwise.

"A degree shows commitment and desire to stick with something because it is hard"? It may. It may also be held by an individual that burned through lots of Daddy's money while majoring in beer-bong chugging and date rape.

Military experience? This may indicate the individual possesses the drive to learn complex systems in a short period and has performed demanding flying under very trying circumstances. On the other hand, there are total tools that also have flown in the military. I am thinking of the Colonel who crashed the B52 at Fairchild during airshow practice.

I have enjoyed and learned from the ex-military pilots that I have flown with. However, I feel that as my own experience level increases, I am able to fly and function on the same level that they do.

I do not have a college degree. At the age of 19, I was in the USAF at Travis AFB vectoring and separating military and civil aircraft including C5's, B747's, and DC10's filled with hundreds of people. I was able to do so because I had drive and mental acuity enough to complete demanding training. During 29 years as a controller, I have seen an MIT graduate wash out and a GED holder excell.

A degree is an indicator of drive and dedication? I have demonstrated drive and dedication by obtaining the ACSEL, CFI, CFII, CMEL, and CMEI ratings while working full time as an Air Traffic Controller. Then I gave over 1000 hours of dual instruction and became a Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor.

I retired from the FAA and one month later was in DHC8 ground school. I worked hard and tied for first on the final written exam. I was awarded a very quick upgrade. I worked hard. I struggled in IOE. The dedication, hard work, and patience of instructors and check airmen allowed me to pass my fed ride. Am I a Captain today because I am so awesome? No. I took advantage of every opportunity, worked hard, and worked at being a faithful and diligent team player. My instructors responded by working very hard to help me succeed. I could not have done so without them, but I did so without a degree.

I enjoy and learn from the degree-holding pilots that I fly with. As I gain experience I feel that I am able to fly and function at the same level that they do.

There have been times when Mesa (yes, Mesa) would not hire pilots with less than 3000 hours total and 1000 hours of ME time. There have been times when UAL would hire pilots with wet commercial certificates. Education and experience requirements ebb and flow with the economy.

If I had the time I would love to earn a degree in English or Journalism. Any major hiring that occurs in the near future will probably require a college degree. Therefore, I will probably earn a degree from an online college that will give me the maximum credit for my ratings and experience. Education is never a waste, but I have to speed the time line along as quick as I can. I am not bitter about it, I need the degree on my resume. The important things about me will be the same, with or without a degree.

The Dash Whisperer