Hey everyone,
I have been reading all of the forums and I have learned a lot of valuable information from you all. I am hoping that some of you would be willing to offer me some advice for my individual situation. I am 21 and a junior at the University of Pennsylvania. I have 38 hours TT and am about to take test/checkride for my private. I am studying business at Penn, and I really don't like it and I know I want to fly. I would definitely like to eventually get to a major carrier, and can tough out the costs/low salaries on the way to get there. I noticed a lot of you said it would be necessary to have a 4-year degree to get any further than a regional airline. I will have a 4 year degree in Economics (nothing to do with aviation) next year. I am considering places like RAA after graduating Penn, but I really haven't looked much into it. Would I need more education in something dealing with aviation? What would be a good route to take from this point? Many of you are very knowledgeable in this regard and I am relatively clueless. Any advice you could offer would be appreciated. Thank you.

A 4 year degree is a 4 year degree, as long as you have it, your golden. Have fun with your flying!

Addressing strictly education ( as opposed to flight training) the 4 year degree is key...some regionals and all majors require it (OK there are always a FEW exceptions).

A master's degree (in anything) is helpful at the major level because
1) Majors are VERY competetive.
1) It helps set you apart as an outstanding individual.
2) Most of the military pilots who you will be competing with for the job have a masters because the military encourages it and pays for it.

For a civilian pilot, getting your flight training and regional experience quickly is more important, BUT if you can get a masters on the side or are almost there now, by all means do it.

What you're doing is perfect...a business degree from an Ivy League school will be more helpful than any aviation degree, even as a pilot.

let me get this straight, you're paying 30K a year or more to be a business major at an Ivy League school, basically guaranteeing you a front office spot somewhere in America making over 100K, and you want to be a pilot... granted, a passion for flying is what keeps people going, but here i think you are better with the business degree, lots of cash, and the lifestyle NOW, than a poor pilot for the next ten years if you get a job... with the business degree, you can own your own plane and fly it as much as possible.. by the way, is your DE named Vince Licolli out of Northeast Aviation at PNE

let me get this straight, you're paying 30K a year or more to be a business major at an Ivy League school, basically guaranteeing you a front office spot somewhere in America making over 100K, and you want to be a pilot... granted, a passion for flying is what keeps people going, but here i think you are better with the business degree, lots of cash, and the lifestyle NOW, than a poor pilot for the next ten years if you get a job... with the business degree, you can own your own plane and fly it as much as possible.. by the way, is your DE named Vince Licolli out of Northeast Aviation at PNE

"Would I need more education in something dealing with aviation?"

No

"What would be a good route to take from this point?"

You're actually doing a great job so far. You almost a degree and your private at 21. I'm not a fan of RAA. Nice website but pushing type ratings on guys with 350 hours is sick. You could go to any busy flight school and finish out your ratings, get a CFI job, and build your time up to meet hiring mins.

Skyhigh....is that you?

You are spot on!

It just occurred to me that the business school at U Penn is Wharton...the top ranked in the nation. You should eventually be RUNNING an airline, not flying for one!

nah, it wasnt SkyHigh, although somehow we have the same opinions on this one. and yes, the business school at UPenn is Wharton... so therefore, figure out a plan to save Delta or NWA and then remember your friends from APC.com when it comes to hiring pilots again..