LastXdeth

Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

Just to get straight to the point (in case y'all don't want to read my entire post), my overall questions is, "What else can I do with an Aviation Science And Management degree other than flying?"

Now, let's get started to my long story for those that are gracious enough to read. I just recently received an honorable from the Marine Corps. I was an MV-22 Osprey crew chief (aircrewman) for 3 years and a Cyber Network Operator (civilian equivalent = computer network administrator) for 2 years.

I recently got accepted to start college for the first time at Middle Georgia State University which offers a bachelor's degree in Aviation Science and Management in conjunction with flight training. I have already confirmed with the VA official at the school that they will pay for everything including the flight training through the GI Bill.

Now, I know, as a safety net, it is not advisable to get a degree related to the aviation field as just in case you need to make a career change, but I felt like this university's program was the most convenient way to receive both a free bachelor's degree and flight training using the GI Bill.

After watching this video regarding the truth about passion and reading this article, which was mentioned in a stickied thread in the "Flight Schools and Training" forum and reinforced the idea that the aviation industry is a very risky field, I have became dramatically more realistic and cautious.

I am not a pessimistic, but at the same time I want to have a realistic "Plan B" given the circumstances of starting a career in the aviation field. My end goal in life, as it always has been throughout my life, is to make it into the major airlines. However, if piloting doesn't work out due to adverse career conditions or medical, what would others type of career would a Aviation Science and Management degree be able to land me? If it is an extremely limited degree in terms of opportunities, would it be feasible to go back to school and convert into the Business/IT field which relates to the cyber job I did during my last 2 years in the Marine Corps?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

rickair7777

In the past I would recommend people not get aviation degrees for the reasons you mention. The opportunity to get an R-ATP and get to an airline a little bit faster does mitigate that to some degree, and in your case it absolutely makes sense because that's the only way to get both a degree and flight training using the GIB. Don't lose any sleep.

If needed you could update your network skills and get a job doing that...simply having a degree of any sort would likely get you a little more pay, or it might not matter either way. If needed you could get a masters (MBA, CS, etc), as opposed to another BS.

Due to mandatory retirements, it's unlikely you would be furloughed and unable to quickly get another pilot job.

galaxy flyer

Try to specialize in a field of aviation--operations, safety, security rather than general business. Safety is an excellent back-up--lots of applications in and out of aviation. But, I'd agree retirements may make the career secure from layoffs but doesn't help with medical disqualification. I went thru a 3- week safety course with an AS pilot who lost his medical and was going over to the safety office there.

GF

kevbo

That degree along with military background would help get you into a government job or defense MFG. These pay better than most airline management jobs. If it is not too difficult, try to be a pilot. Some people like it.

Sliceback

A couple people do enjoy being a pilot. Few quit once they get established.

A four year degree gets you eligible for a Masters degree if flying doesn't work out.

JohnBurke

A great many of those with a degree do not work in the same field as their degree (which includes pilots, many of whom have degrees in something other than flying).

Much is made of getting a degree in something other than aviation, but a four year degree doesn't actually qualify you to do much anyway. It's more of a lightly specialized continuing general education past high school. In the job market, unless you're looking for a very specific discipline, the four year degree is more of a discriminator or marker that gets you in the application process or consideration for a better paying job, but not necessarily one applicable to the discipline of your degree.

Bahamasflyer

Sorry to get OT, but do the long term disability insurance that most airlines offer cover one losing their medical, if they are able to work in another job that doesn't require one? What about bridging the pay gap if you couldn't replace your income?

rickair7777

My regional has a Harvey Watt plan that essentially covers your take home pay if you cannot fly until age 65. I assume most majors have a similar thing.

State disability plans will only cover own occupation for maybe three years, after that you have to get a mcjob unless truly disabled.