Searching for college
12-11-2007, 04:25 PM
#1
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 2
Searching for college
Okay, so I know there are probably a hundred and one threads on this but I can't find any that fit my predicament so anyways, here goes...
I really want to become a pilot (bet you didn't see that one coming) and that is what I have my mind set on. I'm currently a sophomore in high school so the college search will start very soon. Does anyone have suggestions? I'm from California and budget is not the number one priority but I would prefer a little cheaper. I know I want to check out ERAU, Purdue, and maybe Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but are there any other places that are good (I would also like the college to have flight training)? So that's the first part. Now, I really want to be a pilot but my parents (I think I also agree with them) think that I should major in something like Aeronautical Engineering so as to have a fallback should I (for some weird reason) decide that being a pilot is not the thing for me. Is this a good thing to major in and will I still be able to continue my path to becoming a pilot? Are there any other majors that are better? And finally, once this whole college thing is over, how do I continue to become a pilot for an airline? I read somewhere that you need thousands of hours in the air and that your best bet was to get your instructors rating. That way you could make money and gain hours at the same time. Is this true?
Okay recap:
I have three questions basically:
1. What are good colleges?
2. What should I major in?
3. How would I go about to becoming a pilot after college?
Thanks a lot to anyone that decides to read this all and answer my questions.
Nick
I really want to become a pilot (bet you didn't see that one coming) and that is what I have my mind set on. I'm currently a sophomore in high school so the college search will start very soon. Does anyone have suggestions? I'm from California and budget is not the number one priority but I would prefer a little cheaper. I know I want to check out ERAU, Purdue, and maybe Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but are there any other places that are good (I would also like the college to have flight training)? So that's the first part. Now, I really want to be a pilot but my parents (I think I also agree with them) think that I should major in something like Aeronautical Engineering so as to have a fallback should I (for some weird reason) decide that being a pilot is not the thing for me. Is this a good thing to major in and will I still be able to continue my path to becoming a pilot? Are there any other majors that are better? And finally, once this whole college thing is over, how do I continue to become a pilot for an airline? I read somewhere that you need thousands of hours in the air and that your best bet was to get your instructors rating. That way you could make money and gain hours at the same time. Is this true?
Okay recap:
I have three questions basically:
1. What are good colleges?
2. What should I major in?
3. How would I go about to becoming a pilot after college?
Thanks a lot to anyone that decides to read this all and answer my questions.
Nick
12-11-2007, 06:59 PM
#2
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,186
Your parents are pretty sharp. You will want a non-aviation degree, or an aero-engineering degree in case flying does not work out due to furlough, medical, poor career economics, or loss of interest on your part.
1. Cal Poly and Purdue are good schools. I would avoid ERAU, everybody I know who went there thinks it was WAY overpriced. Also the graduates have a poor reputation in the airline industry, although the ones I know are all good people (just broke). At your age also consider the Naval and Air Force Academies as well as ROTC scholarships...just be comfortable with military service (possibly non-aviation) before you commit.
2. Major in anything that interests you which will also allow you to earn a decent living. If you are independently wealthy, major in whatever you like.
3. You could fly in the military. There are many advantages to this, as long as you are enthusiastic about and qualified for military service. Otherwise I would recommend doing flight training while in college if possible. Some schools have aviation programs (just avoid non-engineering aviation degrees) or you could train at a small school or flight club nearby. It's usually practical to get all the ratings you need while still in school, that way you can get a pilot job (at least as a CFI) when you graduate. If you need to focus on school only, you could get your ratings afterwards at a small local school or club, or a large aviation academy. The local outfits are usually cheaper and allow you to live at home, but you need to carefully investigate ANY flight training provider before comitting your money. There are plenty of relevant threads on this forum.
1. Cal Poly and Purdue are good schools. I would avoid ERAU, everybody I know who went there thinks it was WAY overpriced. Also the graduates have a poor reputation in the airline industry, although the ones I know are all good people (just broke). At your age also consider the Naval and Air Force Academies as well as ROTC scholarships...just be comfortable with military service (possibly non-aviation) before you commit.
2. Major in anything that interests you which will also allow you to earn a decent living. If you are independently wealthy, major in whatever you like.
3. You could fly in the military. There are many advantages to this, as long as you are enthusiastic about and qualified for military service. Otherwise I would recommend doing flight training while in college if possible. Some schools have aviation programs (just avoid non-engineering aviation degrees) or you could train at a small school or flight club nearby. It's usually practical to get all the ratings you need while still in school, that way you can get a pilot job (at least as a CFI) when you graduate. If you need to focus on school only, you could get your ratings afterwards at a small local school or club, or a large aviation academy. The local outfits are usually cheaper and allow you to live at home, but you need to carefully investigate ANY flight training provider before comitting your money. There are plenty of relevant threads on this forum.
12-11-2007, 07:14 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 216
I second what Rickair said. I am going to school for exercise physiology right now and I love it. I am graduting in August and hopefully will start flight school in February. I'm glad it will give me some secondary options for to work my way through flight school and have a fallback when I go into professional aviation. Just make sure you do something you really enjoy since it is four years long...at least. Also, have some fun, college is great.
12-11-2007, 08:07 PM
#5
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: CFI (Right Seat)
Posts: 9
Ok, I'll throw in my two cents. I am going to ERAU right now in Daytona Beach. I love it here, is it expensive yes but the quality of instruction is amazing (I have flown with many flight schools) and my professors are willing to go the extra mile whenever I need help. I know that there are people that strongly dislike the school but it really is all what you make of it, and that goes for any school.
I agree with the other posters that you should look for a degree that is not directly tied to aviation. Talking to a lot of my friends, both graduated and not, popular ones include business, education, and communications. You can still incorporate aviation (i.e. Aviation Business Administration) if you want to.
As far as "becoming a pilot after college," there are so many ways to do it. The most important thing to remember is find a way that keeps you comfortable and happy - thats what we all strive for and I dont think too many people could disagree with me here. You could go for a Part 61 school, become a CFI and instruct, or get your commercial and do other flying jobs. Whatever fits your lifestyle!
I agree with the other posters that you should look for a degree that is not directly tied to aviation. Talking to a lot of my friends, both graduated and not, popular ones include business, education, and communications. You can still incorporate aviation (i.e. Aviation Business Administration) if you want to.
As far as "becoming a pilot after college," there are so many ways to do it. The most important thing to remember is find a way that keeps you comfortable and happy - thats what we all strive for and I dont think too many people could disagree with me here. You could go for a Part 61 school, become a CFI and instruct, or get your commercial and do other flying jobs. Whatever fits your lifestyle!
12-11-2007, 09:01 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
Hi Nick.
Where you go to school doesn't really matter. You should major in an area of interest you have outside of aviation. Hopefully you have one. Then try to find an in state college that won't cost a lot.
As far as the airline pilot part, you can start flying as soon as you can afford it. You can get your Private license at any little flight school. Then, you just work your way up the ladder as you have the funds. Eventually, you can get your CFI and instruct to get enough hours to move on to a regional airline or small freight company. Eventually, you'll have a shot at the big time.
I might suggest you check out the home page at www.jetcareers.com
There is a lot of good info there for the beginner.
Where you go to school doesn't really matter. You should major in an area of interest you have outside of aviation. Hopefully you have one. Then try to find an in state college that won't cost a lot.
As far as the airline pilot part, you can start flying as soon as you can afford it. You can get your Private license at any little flight school. Then, you just work your way up the ladder as you have the funds. Eventually, you can get your CFI and instruct to get enough hours to move on to a regional airline or small freight company. Eventually, you'll have a shot at the big time.
I might suggest you check out the home page at www.jetcareers.com
There is a lot of good info there for the beginner.
12-12-2007, 06:22 AM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 382
go to a regular college (one with girls and frats and fun stuff like that), go to a local fbo near that college and get your flight ratings there (much cheaper and more personal than an aviation college), then teach while your in college. Have as much fun as possible and then you can go to the airlines when you graduate. Trust me, you don't want to go to aviation college and become one of those aviation dorks that reads flying magazine on their days off. Real college and a degree in something other than airplanes will make you much more rounded.
12-12-2007, 07:08 AM
#8
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
I'm going to Plug Purdue, because I'm an alum. Yes I would change some of the things I did if I could do it over again, but the experience is great.
Purdue Has:
1. Girls
2. Football/Basketball(Big 10!!!)
3. Things to do besides flying
4. Great aviation school, very small compared to most other programs
5. Two 727 Simulators, one's full-motion
6. King-Air time with Purdue captains. You really learn some great lessons here
7. Several other major's, exluding aviation the skies the limit, counselors are great at getting all your classes in for you.
The only truly bad thing about the program, but it's not really absolutely horrible, is the airport is on the opposite end of campus as all the other classes. The majority of all AvTech classes are at the airport, but your electives could be a 10+minute high speed bike ride, or bus away. Everyone manages to make it work, so not the worst thing in the world.
I've have friends that have went to UND, and Western Michigan, and Pan Am as well. Everyone brings a unique aspect to flying, and honestly, in the end it's not really where you came from, more so how your attitude and willingness to learn and always improve on your skills.
Purdue Has:
1. Girls
2. Football/Basketball(Big 10!!!)
3. Things to do besides flying
4. Great aviation school, very small compared to most other programs
5. Two 727 Simulators, one's full-motion
6. King-Air time with Purdue captains. You really learn some great lessons here
7. Several other major's, exluding aviation the skies the limit, counselors are great at getting all your classes in for you.
The only truly bad thing about the program, but it's not really absolutely horrible, is the airport is on the opposite end of campus as all the other classes. The majority of all AvTech classes are at the airport, but your electives could be a 10+minute high speed bike ride, or bus away. Everyone manages to make it work, so not the worst thing in the world.
I've have friends that have went to UND, and Western Michigan, and Pan Am as well. Everyone brings a unique aspect to flying, and honestly, in the end it's not really where you came from, more so how your attitude and willingness to learn and always improve on your skills.
12-12-2007, 07:42 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: E190
Posts: 103
I strongly agree TXT.
Skip all of those aviation colleges. The hiring departments know you can be just a much of a tool as anyone else even if you go the prestigious academies. They are a waste of money. Quality instruction can be found if you look. When direct hire becomes the norm for these institutions my view will change. The airlines will teach you everything you need to know and many pilots out there did not go to these universities and do just fine on the line.
Find your first FBO at a mixed field. That is a field with instruction/cargo/charter/corporate. This makes it easier to work up within contacts on the field. FBO's that have all of the above are gold. Meet and greet everyone you can. You may not have to wash and wax planes in this hiring boom but creative introductions can lead you into a nice cush job flying to Jamaica once a week. Social contacts count much much much much more than a degree from any university. However, currently, the majority of the heavy metal still requires degrees. My advice is to look for a degree in a field you can possibly cross over into aviation. Teaching, engineering, sales, marketing. Hybrid education doubles your salary or makes you the best candidate for a job.
Think of the locations that degree will restrict you. Teaching, health care, or sales will allow you to set up shop in the current location you just got furloughed. Engineering will be more restrictive depending on your specialization. However, petro-chemical engineers write their own tickets.
Ask around and try out several instructors. Look for lifetime instructors if you can find them. 141 schools and universities are good places to learn but a 10,000 flight instructor who loves what he is doing will give you the in depth knowledge. Don't worry about FMS, glass, and high altitude sign offs, the company you get hired with will teach you. Learning this stuff at a university won't help you much if you can't shoot an approach. Getting a 747 type at a university shows you have money but they still won't let you touch that 747 for another decade. Unless you have at least 500 hours in that aircraft, your training is like perfume on a resume.
Now in a hiring boom flight instruction suffers due to the quick career progression. Be direct and ask if your flight instructor has any plans to leave in the next few months. Inquire about schools that have student to instructor progression.
Schools like American Flyers in SMX are great for picking up time but the field is limited outside of instruction. Van Nuys is better suited to work your way up on the field and there are two other airports in the valley a short drive away. All ATPs Riverside is a great place to work yourself to the bone but you will get 1000 hours in 1 year.
This boom will probably not take you all the way to the heavy metal. Make your life comfortable within your own means. You will most likely be sitting at the regionals for a while before the next boom.
Most pilots have a few airline uniforms in their closet. The people who are streaming from the regionals to the majors are very happy and hit a good wave. There will be many on the backside of this wave too. Make your jumps well timed. If you want to go to the top you will get there in aviation no doubt. It is just a matter of when and how long.
Skip all of those aviation colleges. The hiring departments know you can be just a much of a tool as anyone else even if you go the prestigious academies. They are a waste of money. Quality instruction can be found if you look. When direct hire becomes the norm for these institutions my view will change. The airlines will teach you everything you need to know and many pilots out there did not go to these universities and do just fine on the line.
Find your first FBO at a mixed field. That is a field with instruction/cargo/charter/corporate. This makes it easier to work up within contacts on the field. FBO's that have all of the above are gold. Meet and greet everyone you can. You may not have to wash and wax planes in this hiring boom but creative introductions can lead you into a nice cush job flying to Jamaica once a week. Social contacts count much much much much more than a degree from any university. However, currently, the majority of the heavy metal still requires degrees. My advice is to look for a degree in a field you can possibly cross over into aviation. Teaching, engineering, sales, marketing. Hybrid education doubles your salary or makes you the best candidate for a job.
Think of the locations that degree will restrict you. Teaching, health care, or sales will allow you to set up shop in the current location you just got furloughed. Engineering will be more restrictive depending on your specialization. However, petro-chemical engineers write their own tickets.
Ask around and try out several instructors. Look for lifetime instructors if you can find them. 141 schools and universities are good places to learn but a 10,000 flight instructor who loves what he is doing will give you the in depth knowledge. Don't worry about FMS, glass, and high altitude sign offs, the company you get hired with will teach you. Learning this stuff at a university won't help you much if you can't shoot an approach. Getting a 747 type at a university shows you have money but they still won't let you touch that 747 for another decade. Unless you have at least 500 hours in that aircraft, your training is like perfume on a resume.
Now in a hiring boom flight instruction suffers due to the quick career progression. Be direct and ask if your flight instructor has any plans to leave in the next few months. Inquire about schools that have student to instructor progression.
Schools like American Flyers in SMX are great for picking up time but the field is limited outside of instruction. Van Nuys is better suited to work your way up on the field and there are two other airports in the valley a short drive away. All ATPs Riverside is a great place to work yourself to the bone but you will get 1000 hours in 1 year.
This boom will probably not take you all the way to the heavy metal. Make your life comfortable within your own means. You will most likely be sitting at the regionals for a while before the next boom.
Most pilots have a few airline uniforms in their closet. The people who are streaming from the regionals to the majors are very happy and hit a good wave. There will be many on the backside of this wave too. Make your jumps well timed. If you want to go to the top you will get there in aviation no doubt. It is just a matter of when and how long.
12-12-2007, 03:38 PM
#10
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 2
I was looking around the rest of the website and came across the thread about the high school snior who went to Florida Tech. I was looking around and found out about the Aviation/Meteorology major. Now I have to say, that really intrests me. I would really like that. So I know that Florida Tech obviously has that kind of major but do you know of any other places that have that sort of major? I think I saw ERAU did...
