Nate Graf

I have herd some talk in other threads about larger universities, such as Embry-Riddle and Perdue, being a waste of money and that aspiring pilots should focus on smaller technical flight schools, maybe Flight Safety or Aerosim.

Is the extra investment really not worth it? I would think the extra schooling associated with the flight program would be very beneficial but I have herd that many airlines are impartial to where one graduates from and focuses more on the necessary requirements. Is this true?

I am a graduate student working on my MBA and potentially moving to FL this year to start flying and make my first steps towards becoming a pilot. As of January I have just been granted my first federal loan to finance my graduate degree and flight schooling and want to invest wisely. Any advice?

Emb170man

You won't like my advise, but if you have an MBA, go out, get a job in business. Make lots of money, buy a plane and fly for fun.

propdriver86

Probably some good advice. There is so much uncertainty in this industry that it makes it really hard to know your best route. What works today may be looked down upon tomorrow. But if you are dead set on getting into flying as a career and already have a degree there is no need to spend the extra money on an university program. Go somewhere you can knock out all your ratings and start building experience. Airlines don't care where or what you have a degree in.

Nate Graf

Thank you and I appreciate the advice. My father and grandfather were both pilots and the past 5 years have also advised against becoming a pilot. However I am deadset on this route. If things don't pan out then hey, I always got an MBA right?

PotatoChip

I love it. Ask for advice, then everyone gives you the advice of ,"Do not become a professional pilot," and you don't listen.

Since you have also repeatedly read over and over again what a waste of money the big name, big money aviation schools are, just go. You seem dead set on finding someone to tell you they are worth it.....

hawgdriver

Now for an optimistic post......if you already have your education then go to a fast paced flight school that you can get all your ratings from. Don't go back to a University, it will be a waste of time and money. If you have your heart set on becoming a professional pilot then go for it. Good luck.

rcfd13

I liked the aviation training I got at a big university. The extra ground school and older full time instructors were really helpful and I liked the ability to get a different degree in something unrelated and generally be a normal college kid while doing it.

That said, if I already had a bachelors degree or MBA I would definitely not have gone that route. I went through a university program because I wanted a degree. If you already have a degree it will be a huge waste of money.

Nate Graf

You seem to miss-understand what I have said and are making the assumption I am set on a large University. I asked what the difference is between larger and smaller schools.

Clearly you aren't reading much of the thread because I thanked Emb170man for his advice and affirmed my commitment to making a life as a pilot. Thanks for the criticism.

Spicoli

Don't listen to the guys posting negative stuff about being a pro pilot, I have been doing it for 12 years now and it was the best decision of my life. It sounds like you would be miserable working a 9 to 5 job and being stuck in an office, as would I.

Go with the advice about getting your ratings fast, wherever that may be, and start building experience. Finish your MBA, and when you get to the airline you want to spend your career with, you may have the opportunity to crossover into management if you desire.

Under no circumstances should you waste money on Embry Riddle.

PotatoChip

No, I was following the thread. I am not trying to be negative. I am being direct. Your own family members told you not to become a pilot. People in the thread are telling you to use your MBA. These are all pilot. Yet you choose to to not take their advice. Fine.

Here's advice direct to the question. Do not go to a large school university or a smaller university. You already have a degree. There is zero reason to waste that kind of money. Airlines will not care that you do not have a degree in aerospace etc, some may be happier with a different degree. All airlines will likely appreciate the MBA.

What you need are ratings and total time. If you have the money, and are trying to get through quickly, I would recommend a "certificate factory" such as ATP Flight School. You can opt for a part 61 local flight school, but you will likely not get done quickly. There are many other options, such as Sierra Academy in Oakland, CA and many community colleges have programs as well.

Good luck. At least you have that MBA.