Originally Posted by
AboveTheRuin
Fair enough...
Any greater level of education can potentially be of benefit to an individual and their goals and is in some cases certainly required. But the bottom line of ones measured success is perseverance of ambition and skill.
I still do not see how ultimately a basic 4 year degree requirement can improve the conditions, and pay of the US airline industry
...(And at the risk of sounding arrogant) that's just the simple thoughts of someone coming from a long and strong background of higher education.
The terrible issue of low pay plaguing the US industry is far too deep rooted and far spread to suggest a prerequisite of any 4 year degree will and can solve. I mean, pull your heads out of the box and have a look around...
...I'm not talking about Southwest (lol), or Delta gentlemen. Have a good look at the requirements of the highest paying pilot jobs around the world...Maybe the industry here could learn a thing or two.
Most of the highest payed pilots I know do
not have four year degrees...and nor was it required. Some do, but most don't...And the ones that DO, will be the first to admit that they could have easily done with out it...
...sounds to me, that there maybe a little jealousy here?...that those with the degrees are having a little bit of a harder time finding those illusive "diamond" gigs, while somehow the degree-less have quietly gone on successfully unearthing.
Anyways, I'm not here to argue...and in my opinion there have been many valid points presented on both sides of the issue. But the idea of bringing in a mandatory degree requirement is far too broad to suggest that it is a possible solution, or that it could even be a contributing factor to correct the despicable conditions that plague this particular industry.
Let me ask you this:
Since Compass has introduced the degree requirement, have the starting pay scales been increased?
Anyways, back to living the dream...
The best to all of you, whatever side of the fence you may sit on regarding this issue.
Cheers,
ATR
Blah Blah Blah, You sure are long winded. For you to say those of us advocating a College degree as a minimum hiring requirement are somehow jealous of those without a college degree is downright laughable.
Why would I be jealous of you of all people? It's like accusing an officer of being jealous of a senior noncom. Without a college degree, I would not have been able to fly frontline tactical fighters for the military as an officer. I am not envious of any pilot unless he is a senior wide body legacy carrier CA with at least 20 years seniority in this economy. Better yet, if you have a net wealth of at least $10 million, then yeah, I'd be jealous. Who wouldn't be.
Based on your reponse, I'd say at best you are a student pilot, and even if you are a regional pilot, which I seriously doubt, good luck to you trying to make it without a college degree, in this economy. You are the one who needs to get your head of the box and look around you. I know plenty of people who lost their medical and they had no backup plans.
I can't believe all these chatter against a simple requirement for college degree for part 121 flying. Whether you are against it or not, fact of the matter is, given a same qualification and experience, one with a college degree or even an advanced degree like MBA will get picked ahead of you.
Good luck to you though. I mean it. If you can do it without a college degree, more power to ya.