How Necessary is a 4-Year Degree?
 

I want to hear from some of the people here about what their opinions are on the need for a 4-year degree and what impact it makes on a potential pilot career. I am currently a Sophomore going for a 4-year degree but really want to start training to be a pilot, with the intention of getting an ATPL and working for an airline. Would it be worth it (financially and otherwise) to continue on with the 4-year program or to stop school now and start pilot training? Hopefully a good discussion follows. :)

Most majors, and many regionals require them. If they don't require them, competative minimums usually dictate it because most of your competition will have one.

OK, so I should definitely still continue with the 4-year degree. So the best thing would be to take training in the summers as much as possible, correct? How much do you think I could accomplish in a summer starting from zero?

(I could probably get my medical exam in during spring break, or winter break)

Why not fly while in school? Fly twice a week during the semester, go crazy while on breaks and you'll have your ratings through CFI in two years. Instruct while finishing college and you'll have more than enough time to move on to a regional, 135, or whatever floats your boat when you graduate.

Flying through school i something you'll want to do. Don't expect it to be easy. With things the way they are you shouldn't have problems flying 3 times a week. That's the optimum amount. Any less and you'll just be hurting yourself. Get your degree but stay on top of your flying. Regardless how hard life gets you have to stay on it. My university treated our schooling and our flying completely separate. It was tough and most people didn't make. There were 88 in our class and only 6 of us made it out in my graduation. Everyone fell for the same reasons. They became so busy with school and fell off the wagon. They never finished. GO TO SCHOOL and stay on your flying.

You definetly need a four year degree period....dosen't have to be in rocket science or physics. Realistcally you could get a private in 6 months. But gotta have that sheepskin.

Get the degree and make sure it is not an aviation degree. Major in something that you would want to do it you woke up tomorrow and lost your medical. Sorry to say but an aviation degree is pretty much useless outside of aviation.

The problem is that there are absolutely no flight schools near my university. I also don't have a car on campus. When I go home in the summer there are a couple FBO's near my house which have 141 programs.

http://www.tulipcityair.com/flight_school.htm
http://www.bbaviation.com/

Why do you need a 141 program. Have you ever flown before? How much time do you have? Before you go sink tens of thousands into a 141 program why not try the part 61 route while in school. Make sure this is something you really want to do and to be honnest have the skill and decision making to do this job.

Im always amazed at the number of people who want to be pilots and have zero to a few hours in a plane. I do not know if this is your situation but why not get your private part 61. When you get it, sit back and re-evaluate if it is still what you want.

having a degree is the best you can do! Plus it gives you a plan B in case something goes wrong in the aviation industry!