Hello, I am 24 years old. I graduated from college witha B.S. of Aviation Technology with an emphasis in Aviation Admin Managment. After, I got my B.S. I went to grad school and recently received a M.S. of Aviation Managment. I recently realized that I want to be a pilot. Having a master degree is obviously not going to hurt when I go for a job interview with FDX, UPS, ect. I do realize that interviewing with these companies is long way down the road, and a rough one too. My question is this; Is me having a Masters degree, going to be a huge advantage for me? Or does it really matter? I know that I still have to attend flight school and get all my ratings, and fly for a regional for many years before I am even a competitive candidate for one of these carriers. Thanks for your input.

Dittidano

 

It will matter if you get furloughed and need to find a job elsewhere. It may be a tie breaker if you get an interview with a major but that's probably about it.

 

I wouldn't even put it that high. I would say (for any job, but especially Fedex); network, network, network. Make friends flying, keep in touch, help others get jobs, and stay in touch with thoses who get better ones (than you got ).

 

If you are carrying any student loans that came with the Masters Degree then I would say that you are at a disadvantage. Why would you want to become a pilot anyway? Don't you already have enough eggs in one basket as it is? Why not go to electrician trade school or something? You have to make a living someday or are you financially independent?

If you just completed 6 years of education then you are probably reaching 25YO. Add one to two years of flight training and two to three years as a CFI and then 3 to 7 years as a regional FO and you will be an old man before you come even close to making a living. My estimates are average times. By the time you reach a point to apply to the regionals the industry could be very different.

The results could be 15 years and 200K invested to get a job that pays 42K and you could be laid off at any moment. Why don't you use your masters degree to think about that for a while.


SkyHigh

 

It's a damn shame that aviation works this way, but the masters probably hurt your aviation career in the long run. It would have been better if you had spent those last two years building flight time and gaining job experience. You could have a position with a regional airline or freight company by now instead of having to build hours for the next 2 years, and in the airline industry, seniority is everything. A better route would have been: get your flight ratings, build your hours, get a flying job, and then go to night classes or take online classes. The master's itself won't hurt you, but it's the loss of 2 years of professional flying that will sting.

 

Dittodano:

I think it safe to say that you won't have an advantage. However, though, as was suggested, go and get your licenses and ratings. The Master's degree will come into play later after you have retired from the flight deck and go to management. This will benefit the guys/gals who are still there and ensure a voice for pilots in years to come.

Good Luck. Much success!!!

 

Thanks for all the input. You guys are right; I should have been flying for the last couple of years, instead of going to school. This is to skyhigh, I am not loaded at all,however, I do not have any student loans. I have worked road construction in the summer months since I graduated highschool. I make really good money in the summer, but I also dont have a life in the summer months. It does suck but I am debt free . I plan on working one more summer, and then attending a flight school somewhere. If I work one more summer, I can almost pay for flight training out of my pocket. I have always wanted to be a airline pilot since I was a little guy. Aviation runs in my family; I have a lot of family who are airline pilots. Im going for it!! Thanks for all the input guys; I apprecitate all responses(good and bad).

dittidano

 

Something to think about...go be a military pilot and fly "heavies"...BUT make sure when you sign recruitment papers that it says you'll be going to pilot training.

Serve 10 years, get your flight time and ratings, get out at 36 years old, apply for the majors...

Yes, it will be hit or miss...but when you can get out in 10 years, you can maybe decide to stick it out for military retirement if the industry is still in the crapper. 10-year Air Force pilots are making $80,000 a year now...not too bad...

Don't mind Skyhigh...he's our resident pessimist

I love you Skyhigh, don't get me wrong!

 

I agree with you. The military would love your masters degree and at least you would get fed.

SkyHigh

 

10 year USAF pilots make 100k (counting the pilot bonus) and if they are in the combat zone it's closer to 125.

Active duty USAF is not a wise choice for you. The Guard or Reserves are.