Questions from someone looking to get into aviation. Any info greatly appreciated.
 

I am currently a sophomore in college. Since somewhere around the 10th grade I have had in interest in becoming a pilot. I am currently majoring in Finance and I'm not sure if it is for me. Lately, I've been looking around at different options for stepping into the aviation field, I've never flown a plane, but it is something that has always fascinated me simply through being a passenger on them.

My college, Kent State University, offers a degree in aviation ( i think the formal wording is flight technology...Bachelors Degrees). I have heard and read in different places that the airlines, mainly the big ones, which is what would be my, as well as everyone elses im sure, plateau i would like to reach are only hiring pilots with four year degrees( and lots of experience). If i were to stay in college, would it be wise to stay with my current degree in finance and do flight training on the side, or go to the aviation major? I have read views on both sides, but im looking for a general consensus.

Another option that I have read about is going to a "flight academy", such as the ATP, Delta Connection, etc etc. The main argument that i have heard about these is something about after graduating, you end up in a sub par smaller airport with not much oppurtunity for advancement. As usual I've read the opposite. Again, I'm looking for the general opinion on this. Also if people advise against this and recommend going to a small school to get your license, is this place considered one, or is it more academy like? ( American Winds Flight Academy Home Page). The place is like 30 minutes possibly less from my college campus so it would be pretty convenient.

Basically, what I am trying to find out is the best route to take to one day have the oppurtunity to be making the big paycheck and flying the big plane. I want to know what way is best to make it to a commercial airline and get out of regional. I also realize that everyone starts out on the bottom rung of the ladder, and I will not be any kind of big shot pilot anytime soon. That is the same as with any other profession and I in no way consider myself above it.

So any info on what routes experienced pilots would reccomend and how they did it and how it worked out for them would be very much appreciated, as well as info on how being a pilot asks the family life. I know I've asked a pretty decent amount of questions, but I am trying to figure out how to do this right if I end up doing it, and there is a pretty good chance of it.

Thanks kindly for any help.

You should check out Jetcareers.com - Welcome The home page is set up to give you a lot of the info you need. Personally, I'd shy away from the aviation degree as you might be able to figure out a way to make use of the finance degree in the future. If you can afford it, you could start flying during the summers at the local flight school. No reason for a big academy because they charge a premium to get you in and out in min time. I've never been a fan of training that way.

If you haven't already done so, I would read over this thread: http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/fl...mind-also.html

A lot of the questions you have asked can be answered in there.

A wise man once told me "never go to school/institution with the word academy in thier name." I know people that have gone through academies and the tradtional fbo route and really it is what you make of it but be prepared to pay a lot more for the academy route and don't give in to the hype about them being the fast track to an RJ.

I'm not sure what you mean about "sub par, smaller airport" - please expand. American Winds seems like a decent school, but a little too structured for my taste, but thats just personal opinion. Find what works for you. Their rental rates seem fair for a large flight school as does their ground instruction.

I also would advise against switching degrees, this is going to add to the amount time your in school and an aviation degree will not allow you to switch careers as easily should the need arise.

I honestly dont know what i meant by sub par smaller airport lol. Im going to attribute that to quickly typing that message out in the wee hours of the morning and just making a bonehead mistake. I think i meant to say small airline but im not sure where the sub par thing came from....my bad lol. But I do appreciate the advice and links, and am glad its coming from guys with experience. But if anyone has any other info they'd feel like sharing, it'd be awesome. Thanks.

DON'T GET AN AVIATION DEGREE!!!!!

That is all.