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Starting From 0 Hours

Old 02-10-2019, 05:46 PM
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Hello! I am a 21 year old student currently enrolled at the University of Southern California, finishing up my third year. I have always loved aviation, as my dad and grandfather are/ were both UA pilots. I have recently taken this more seriously, and am looking into starting on getting my licenses and ratings to get this process going, but I’m not sure what would be the best way to start. Would it be best to transfer try to work towards an aviation degree? How important is the degree type to my eligibility at an airline? Also, what would be the quickest/ most efficient way to get from 0 hours to ATP right now? I have been looking at Liberty College’s online program that partners with several flight schools and offers a restricted ATP program, but I haven’t heard anything else about it. If anyone has any info that might help, I’d be so grateful!
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Old 02-10-2019, 06:07 PM
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Easiest? Start “rushing” a guard unit for a UPT slot. You’ll have to want to serve, however.

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Old 02-10-2019, 06:19 PM
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Always have a plan B as your medical is just one bad decision away from being gone gone gone.
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Old 02-10-2019, 08:26 PM
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It’s been over 25 years since I started flying so I’m probably not the authority on the best way to get started these days. But from what you wrote, I’d say your best bet would be to just finish up the degree you have going now. Meanwhile, you can get going on your Private Pilot’s license at a local FBO. Biggest thing there is to find an instructor you like and that can explain things so you understand. If you still have the passion for flying after the privates, go for the Instrument (then the Commercial, and so on and so forth). And if at some point in training you lose the passion or it’s just not what you thought it would be then maybe time to reconsider (imo, flying is flying and if you don’t enjoy flying small planes, you won’t like flying big ones either).

Regarding the degree, most major airlines just want a Bachelor’s (doesn’t really matter in what). The only exception might be Delta…from what I understand they’ll give weight to someone who went to a top tier school, completed a challenging curriculum, etc. But I wouldn’t worry about that too much…good luck, have fun

Oh yeah, your pops might know a thing or two about the subject
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Old 02-16-2019, 06:49 AM
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There's really no quick path to earning your way in this industry.

Personally, I'd look to double major at some point, add a degree to the one you have (or are in the process of earning).

Avoid debt....this can be near impossible, try to minimize the amount borrowed. Perhaps you can work after graduation and carry a 2nd or 3rd job to save for ratings?
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Old 02-17-2019, 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by smc2020 View Post
There's really no quick path to earning your way in this industry.

Personally, I'd look to double major at some point, add a degree to the one you have (or are in the process of earning).

Avoid debt....this can be near impossible, try to minimize the amount borrowed. Perhaps you can work after graduation and carry a 2nd or 3rd job to save for ratings?
I want to echo the avoidance of debt. It’ll sink you faster than anything. You’ll have more options, make better decisions and have way less stress in your life if you’ll listen to that counsel. Good luck in your journey!
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Old 02-18-2019, 02:22 AM
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Well, you really need to finish your degree somewhere. Some depends how strong you want to take this ‘new direction’ towards piloting? I’d start the ball rolling towards a private pilots license locally.

The very 1st step may well be a ground school of sorts, get an intro flight.

The exact degree doesn’t matter a whole lot. I’d try to keep most of your credits already earned, there or if you transfer. You have plenty of advice fr9m the home front, hopefully some $$ help too.
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