My dentist is a pilot for USA (AWE side). His brother is also a dentist, and minds the store while he's flying.

Okay, that is one. When you say USA(AWE side) who are you talking about? I am not familiar with those airlines.
BTW, was he a pilot first or a dentist first?

Nice blog. I hope the site helps your readers.

Skyhigh-

If you have a link to that story, that would be great. I don't think I can cut and paste a whole storylike that (copyright stuff), but I will put a link to that story, and that "tale" seems like a pretty good story. It has BOTH success and failure, and that's the kind of stuff I want to get out there. Most other sites have all "success" and happy airline pilots in their uniforms who have reached their dreams. Of course, we all know that isn't the real story of the profession.

Can someone please tell me who I can call with a payroll (time card) question? Thanks

Getting a degree in something other than aviation is not as useful as you'd think. It sounds like a great idea in theory, but in reality, a pilot will spend years flying for an airline before trying to move onto another career. At this point, all employers care about is real world experience. Look at it the other way. Let's say you get an aviation degree, then become a police officer for 10 years. After 10 years, you decided to get back into flying. No one will offer you a job flying due to recency. Other fields are the same way.

I'd agree to a certain extent. But let's say you have a choice...what would you do?

1) Let's say you're a pilot with an Aeronautical Science Degree, and you're furloughed. What can you do with that degree? Pretty much nothing, whether you try to "freshen up" that degree or not. Especially if the aviation industry is in the pits, which is the reason you probably got furloughed.

2) Let's say you're a pilot with a Bachelor's Degree in accounting and you're furloughed. What can do with that degree? Well, maybe you're right- you can't get an accounting job because it's been 10 years. But perhaps you can take a few classes at your local state university and "freshen up" that degree. Or perhaps you could spend a year or two and get a Master's Degree then be eligible for gainful employment in that field.

Which situation would you rather be in, 1 or 2? Neither situation is "good" because, he11, you're furloughed and not flying! But I'd much rather be in position #2 than position #1. So if you're young and it doesn't matter what you get a degree in as far as the airlines are concerned, then why not go for that non-aviation degree?

The reason to not get an aviation degree is that if it's something you are not interested in, then you are more likely to not finish that degree. It does not matter what your degree is in as long as you can check the box. There are some good points on this thread and the website.

Better yet, use that degree at some minimal level to maintain its currency.

I weave baskets on those long DTW IAH flights.

There you go that ERAU is good for something:)