RJ Pilot Prep Program
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2016
Posts: 343
It really depends on what degree you go for. That's exactly what I did with my school, since the Army paid for all of my ratings, I just used the FAA cert to show that it was completed, and checked the block for the credit. You usually have to be careful that you don't go over arbitrary numbers for how much external credit you have, though... That's stuff you need to talk with your adviser about, though. There are plenty of respected (read: regionally accredited) schools with online programs that you should be able to apply aviation ratings towards credit. You just have to find what's right for you.
I believe Utah Valley University has an online professional pilot program, and is regionally accredited. (I was looking at going there years ago when I was a helicopter guy, and not interested in fixed wing...).
Excelsior has online degree programs as well, and I had good communication with them, just never got into it.
I ended up at Bridgewater, if you care, but they don't have much of an online presence for aviation just yet. (I was only able to get I think two major courses done that way.)
I started my Masters with Florida Tech; not sure what they have for Bachelor's online with aviation focus.
I believe Utah Valley University has an online professional pilot program, and is regionally accredited. (I was looking at going there years ago when I was a helicopter guy, and not interested in fixed wing...).
Excelsior has online degree programs as well, and I had good communication with them, just never got into it.
I ended up at Bridgewater, if you care, but they don't have much of an online presence for aviation just yet. (I was only able to get I think two major courses done that way.)
I started my Masters with Florida Tech; not sure what they have for Bachelor's online with aviation focus.
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2016
Posts: 343
It comes down to this. What if you suddenly have heart problems, Epilepsy, or something else one the long list of conditions that will disqualify you from a First Class FAA Medical? That aviation degree is worth about as much as the paper it is written on. Diversify, get a degree in something else you are interested in so you have something to fall back on in-case the unexpected happens. The only instance where an aviation degree can be beneficial is when an R-ATP is attached with it. Otherwise you are right, all it is worth is a box check.
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2018
Position: E170 CA
Posts: 138
Remember that it’s not just about loss of medical. It’s also about the economy taking a turn and aviation in general getting hit hard. In those cases not only are you out a pilot job but they don’t need additional management people in aviation either, so your aviation degree becomes useless. Get your degree in business or accounting or something that doesn’t involve aviation to better hedge for the unknown.
#24
That’s assuming EVERY PSA stays for the flow. There are things like PSA CA lifers that choose not to flow, loss of medical, and attrition. PSA pilots get on with many other carriers. So I’d argue that it actually is closer to 7-10 years for flow. In any case, it’s an awesome back up.
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,099
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