First get all of your certs and ratings and then apply to UVU. You can challenge a lot of the classes with your certs and ratings. Then take the rest of the classes needed for the B.S. in aviation (professional pilot) all on-line and have the books mailed to you. Some of the classes will require a proctor (someone at your flight school) but most of the classes have exams on-line. To reduce your costs you can take some classes at a local college and have them transferrred. Good luck.

 

I understand that the industry has changed and everyone makes the case for not going to a university to study aviation because:

1) Its always nice to have a backup plan
2) Getting your ratings at local podunk airport gives you the same slip of paper

However, what ever happened to pilots being professionals? I studied aviation at a university and I KNOW I am a better pilot (in knowledge, skill, and experience) than I would have been just doing the bare minimum.

No one is saying that you can't double major!

What do you guys think?

 

Check out Central Washington University.
-Small town, small airport, makes flight training easier.
-Professor know their stuff.

In the long run I don't think it matters what you major in, as long as you have a B.S. in something. I majored in Aviation, I learned a lot of extra things, but aviation classes can become repetitive and you learn the same stuff. But I still suggest it, just my opinion

 

I agree. Everyone says "Major in something that interests you unless it's Aviation." So you should spend 4 years studying something you don't intend to use? There are so many crap majors, Aviation isn't one of them. Plenty of non-pilot jobs around in Aviation, even a few that REQUIRE an Aviation degree (Airport Ops/Manager). Pretty much any entry-level management job will hire someone with an Aviation Degree...and if you had to go back, you can get another Degree in 1.5 years. I'd say 2/3 of my friends from college are in careers that aren't directly related to their major. While 2/3 of my Aviation Department buddies are gainfully employed in Aviation, even now (Pilots, Dispatchers, ATC, Jeppesen Dataplan, NASA, Military, etc...).

This attitude is what's killing some great University flying programs.

 

The Cheaper the better...... I went to Embry and spent more than I should've.

 

I wouldn't be so quick to say that. Preparing for war in time of peace is a "mantra" of mine now. I just wish I would have do that 25 yrs ago; meaning that being one dimensional can have its setbacks.

I have degree in aviation, however my aviation career has been sporadic at best. The future, I believe....Financial Planning & Hospital Admin/Mgmt. There is nothing wrong with having a B.A. or B.S. degree in Hospital Admin and being a 121 pilot. JMO.



atp

 

Unless things have changed, Metro doesn't care where you get your ratings from. Depending on what emphasis you do, you have to have your CPL by your expected graduation date. If going the management route, it's not a requirement.

 

I agree.
I already have a backup plan. So please stop saying I need one.

 

Served....

 

Scorpion,

First off, take it easy there. These people are trying to help you. The reason people say "have a backup plan" is that they have these things called a mortgage, wife, kids, ex-wife, etc... and in aviation, there are two guarantees: you have lost a job (furlough, airplane was sold, downsized, etc) or you will lose a job. Life is expensive, and hard to afford without a paycheck.
I went to ERAU in Daytona. I have a degree in management of techincal operations (aka business). I flew at the local FBO for half the price with instructors that trained at Riddle. Finished my flying twice a quickly as my buddies who flew on campus. I didn't get the "riddle run around" as it is known. My business degree helped me get my first job with a corporate flight department.
I think the aviation degree is useful (shows a lot dedication), but when I was there the school was 86% male.... you have to love it to be there, lots of friends went back to "normal" colleges.
IMO, Middle Tennessee is pretty well known, as is Auburn, Parks... don't be afraid to major is something other than aeronautical science (or the equivalent). 50% of my friends are using their minor to pay the bills right now (Safety, computer science, ATC)...
Good luck.