Hi all. I was talking to the flight instructor with whom I did my PPL last summer about which route to take to commercial flying, and he suggested UND or a similar school DESPITE the fact that I already have a non-aviation bachelor's degree.

He had to go fly before we could finish our conversation, so here's my question: Does UND (or similar) have non-degree programs that just let you fly a lot? Programs you could complete in a few months? Why would it make sense to "go back to school" rather than just flying at an FBO? From all the posts I've read here, the hiring environment is such that attending UND or Embry-Riddle won't really put a star on your resume.

Any insight appreciated! Thanks.

Appropriate to the topic; yes.

If you already have a degree 98% of people will say just to get your ratings and build your time. There is no need to go for another degree; especially aviation related. But I'm sure you'll get some other answers as well.

Just make sure you do your research...and more than just airlinepilotforums.com. Talk to pilots, students, CFI's, visit FBO's and schools. Make an educated decision and you'll be fine. Good luck!

Depending on you, it may be worth it. If you currently have to work a lot and aren't able to block off most of your time for flying, FBOs are much more suitable. It is possible to find an instructor/FBO combination that can work with you if you do have a large chunk (read weeks and months) of time to train. They can be harder to find. Schools like UND, MTSU, ERAU, and yes even ATP almost demand that you do little else except fly if you want to complete their program. It can take less time, but you can get in real deep before you figure out whether it works for YOU.

Like veedubs said, you have to do your research, and you need to know what will work for you. No one else can decide that. Best of luck.

If you already have a degree you'd be better off at a good flight school to get your ratings. Academies are quicker but cost more. Anyone who would suggest UND to a guy that has a degree already drank waaaay to much Kool-Aid.

I suggest either doing it on your own for a lot cheaper if you can afford it, or do your Master's at a school where you can get a graduate assistantship and take out loans to fly.

de727ups, I hope you weren't referring to me. A10 had a good idea. A Master's program at a college isn't a bad idea if you want to go back to school. Me, I'm done, hopefully. There are only a couple of reasons why I'd feel like going through graduate school and they all start with furlough and industry downturn.

UND does not allow you to just "fly." You have to complete the degree program. It can be done in 2 1/2 years if you take classes year round but you would be better off going to an FBO since you have a degree and you want to get your ratings within a few months.

A degree program would be a waste for you...an aviation degree is useless anyway...adding one to an existing degree would be really useless.

Find an FBO or local flight school, or maybe attend ATP. Where do you live? Someone here will probably have a suggestion...