I have a bachelors's degree, but many people at my current employer, Kalitta Air, do not. Our HR department has about 4000 qualified resumes on file however, so having a degree is one way that they use to reduce the size of the pile when it comes time to hire crewmembers. I think we've hired around 100 people this year.

I think you are better off getting a degree. Most airlines require it now [though to be sure, you don't need a skin on the wall to operate in a Pt.121 cockpit successfully- everyone knows that], and this will only increase in the future.

B safe!

N

 

You don't need no stinkin' degree! Demonstrate to the world and to any potential employers, that you're mission-oriented, and that your "mission" doesn't entail spending 4 precious years in some stupid college learning about the profession you've chosen, how to communicate effectively, or the world in general. You gotta show 'em some testicular fortitude, Dude! You gotta show 'em some that proficiency in video games is an acceptable substitute for "book larnin' " and that having a "college degree" has no bearing on how well a guy can fly an aeroplane! Let them know that "a mind is indeed a terrible thing to waste," and that you're not about to waste yours sitting in a classroom learning about things that have no direct bearing on how quickly you can stack boxes in an airplane, or how to properly jump-start your airport vehicle in the middle of the night.

If and when you do submit an application to a major airline, your logic and disdain for the educational process and the "bovine-excretia" that it represents will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the hiring committee. Good Luck, and see you out on the line!


*Note to all the future pilots out there who will be competing for the good jobs in a few years;

That's one down. I've done my part...the rest is up to you. Now back to class, everybody!

 

Is this R.M or B.M.? My wife and I are X QX and we think we know you from Boise.

 

Hey brinkrt, that's right! I've wondered about you guys. We moved away from BOI a few years ago and have lost track of a lot of folks. I'll try to send you a PM, if that doesn't work we should figure out some other way to get in touch.

 

UPS will hire w/o 4 yr degree, but no code on what that is. Low time likely equated to a manager referal (earlier post). Not common at UPS according to UPS HR. I know that some folks went ahead and started flying while doing college online. Check Embry-Riddle and some others.
Best

 

Maybe at tradwins. I recommend getting a degree. Good luck.

 

Something to consider

Ive seen two students drop out of a major college aviation program and go to 135 frieght. 3yrs later they were hired by UPS while the rest of thier class was graduating. (hummmm?)

I have a BS and a MS. Plus, so many certs in and out of avaition Ive run out of wall space. It hasnt brought me **** in the flying world. Ive turned down six figures behind a desk though.

To be honest, I dont believe Ive ever had to show proof of them. So, for that matter go buy some boggus degree and they will never know the difference.

 

I wouldn't go there, at FDX they check. Had a guy from the corporate world turned down 'cause he said he had a four yr degree from a college in his home country (Sweden) and FDX checked. NO degree = no job & no chance of ever interviewing at FDX again. You have what you have and if you don' t, tell them...if a company wants you they'll hire you. In the job search process there's always someone who has more time, more ratings, more degrees and less years than you do. The interview folks make you feel that "hours insecurity" on purpose to see how you'll react.

 

Peck,

Good luck looking for that brass ring. However, it is a competative market out there, and the more squares you fill the better.

 

Hey speed I didnt know you didnt have a degree!!! I was the only guy in my 8 class that didnt have any college. I have plenty of jet time for the two cargo biggies and have umpteen high level recomendations....the last word I got from FDX was that if I hire you and the guys with 4 year degrees we didnt hire find out it would be law suit city!! So I sit on furlough (5 plus years and counting) waiting for my only hope. Get the degree, unless the demand goes up you will absolutely need it.