Originally Posted by
majortom546
I just graduated from high school and my dream job is to become a pilot. I have wanted to be a pilot since a very young age. I plan on attending my local community college this fall. They offer an aviation science program that is mainly a transfer program where you go for 2 years then transfer to a 4-year school for the other two. The course description says:
The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is awarded upon completion of requirements for this program.
- Student will satisfy all requirements to earn a Private Pilot License.
- Student will satisfy all requirements to earn an Instrument Rating.
- Student will satisfy all requirements to earn a Commercial Pilot License.
The total cost of the program is $27,000. What schools could I transfer to after this? And do you guys think its worth it or should I persue a degree in something else? What is the job outlook like? Thanks.
The airlines don't care where your degree is from or what it is in. They only care that you have a college education. Do yourself a favor and get a degree in something other than Aviation Technology or Aeronautical Science etc... If you can hack it get a degree in engineering or human factors both of which have multiple applications in the aerospace industry. You could even do well with a business degree I guess but, everyone majors in business these days.
The point is diversify your education and have a plan B! This industry is cyclical and when the S hits the fan you can easily find yourself on the street.
As far as the flight training is concerned... in my experience college aviation programs produce pilots who are better prepared for their first airline job. The military does a great job as well. The reason is these programs are set up to prepare you to be a professional aviator where as mom and pop's flight training center most likely is not. Purely my opinion. Talk to as many people as you can and seriously consider your decision. You are going to be making one of your life's largest investments.