Options with out a 4 year degree.
 

I recently had a conversation with a friend I flew with at a now defunct regional.

He was wondering where he could go without a four year degree. He has a two year, 10k+ 3k+ TPIC, mid 40's, and unfortunately no longer current. He isn't really interested in going back to a regional but realizes it is probably a required step to get back into the business.

I figure it is an uphill battle as even though it isn't a requirement at some places it is still highly desired. I know even my regional has hired very few folks without one. It is just what the current market demands.

What would you tell this guy?

JetBlue, Spirit, Virgin, Atlas, Kallita

You would have to be extremely well connected to get hired in this current environment without a degree. I suggest he look overseas.

He could always get the degree, finish it up online, just get it done

Regional lifer? Fly with plenty of them without degrees.

Lot of work but is he remotely interested in getting his degree ? Did mine online while flying at Pinnacle in about two years . It was a lot work but glad I got it done.

Just did it all on long overnights

No degree? Well, to quote the immortal Dr. Peter Veinkman "you should have no problem finding a top flight position in either the housekeeping, or food service industries"

Nu

I have suggested the online route while working at a regional, but money is an issue. I just finished an online class (working towards getting my CPA certification) and it was very easy to accomplish on off days, only took the lap top with me once on an overnight all semester. So it is very doable.

I'm trying to steer him towards 135 or charter work, better money to start, and time to get his degree.

I worked a job fair booth earlier this year and was surprised at the number of young people (well younger than me, I'm 30) that are CFI's or at regional's without a 4 year degree (by number I mean I talked to 5 or 6 in one day and to me that seems like a lot, especially given the hiring environment that last 4 years)

Many pilots just can not afford to finance both a degree and flight training, some have to decide on either or until they make enough as a Captain to pay for college out of pocket. I just think its ridiculous that a pilot with a History degree or something non relevant has the leading edge over a non degree pilot that has quality experience flying mainline passengers operating in the same environment as its major partners. I think companies need to focus more on the individual than anything else.

I do not agree with you. I consider flying a career. I believe professional pilots should be educated.