Beurberry

Hey guys! I'm currently working towards my pilot licenses and I'm wondering if I should pursue a Bachelor's degree or an Associate's degree before becoming a CFI.
I know that these degrees are becoming more and more important in the aviation industry, and some airlines and companies require them for employment.

I don't currently have a Bachelor's or Associate's degree, but I'm open to the idea of going back to school if it would be necessary for me to achieve my career goals. I'm just not sure if it's necessary for me to complete it before becoming a CFI or if I should wait and do it during CFI or regionals?
Thanks in advance.

rickair7777

A few years ago I'd have said absolutely you'll need a degree since 99% of the best major jobs went to four-year degree holders, and the outliers had exceptional aviation experience and were probably a good bit older as well (lost seniority).

But that paradigm has been thrown out with the dish-water for the most part. No (or almost no) majors still require a degree. You can readily get a second-tier major job with no degree, and more than a few folks have gotten top-tier jobs. It will still matter at DAL for example, but it's not a deal-breaker.

With so many retirements and seniority movement, it does not appear to be a good idea to take four years out and lose all that seniority.

That's at this exact moment in time. I assume the college selectivity will return in time (as a competitive requirement if not a formal requirement).

Seems like a better plan right now might be to get on with aviation and work on an AA/AS degree on the side when time permits. If you're still not at your career-destination major when you get the AA, keep working on the BA/BS. That way if they suddenly get selective again (perhaps during an economic slowdown) you won't be hanging out to dry for four years while you scramble to get a degree.

QRH Bingo

You must be drinking too much of that Riddle’ade being thrown at you. Okay, joking aside, Rickair’s advice is pretty spot on, as usual. Best of luck.

JohnBurke

There has never been a time outside of the military when a degree had an applicability whatsoever to instructing, nor has one been required.

Do you need a degree before you obtain your CFI. No. That was never a requirement.

Is it a good idea to have a degree? Yes. It t necessary? No. Is there an order to which you must get one? No. A discipline in which you should seek? No. Should you pursue one? Yes. Will it make you a better aviator? Not remotely so.

Will you grow as a third division women's volleyball coach? That's very hard to say.

TransWorld

I definitely agree with Rick.

Throw an additional thought out there.

If a black swan event happens, and you are low enough seniority to be furloughed a degree, such as business, would help you get a job outside of aviation.

Excargodog

While a degree in aviation woukd most likely share the hit from the same black swan.