Anthony -
You're getting some really good advice here - these folks have walked the path and can help you with thinking though the decisions...
You're doing the right thing by asking as many people as possible their advice. But please remember that while most people have good intentions, their advice is an opinion, an opinion based on their experiences. Take all advice you can get, step back and evaluate that advice and implement what fits you.
Just to reiterate what I've seen here already - go forward and get the college degree - in anything BUT aviation. Aviation degrees are not regarded very highly. The real reason you want to get a degree in anything but is the "just in case" factor. Statistically, every pilot is furloughed at least once in their career. Be prepared with a formal education in something that you can fall back on if that furlough lasts any length of time. I've seen folks justify a finance degree from an aviation school as if they get furloughed they'll just get a job at the airline in the finance department. It doesn't work that way. The jobs at the corporate offices are just as competitive, and seriously... if the airline is furloughing do you really think they would be hiring at corporate?
I would look very seriously at ASU. They are a well recognized school and centrally located to several smaller airports.
There is no "fast" way to becoming an airline pilot. This is good - we don't want inexperience in the cockpit.... While I think having the goal of an airline pilot, and ultimately Lufthansa, is great there are many other goals and benchmarks along the way. It's important that you focus on the "next" achievement rather than just the long term. Be top of your class.
It was already illustrated to stay in school, get your ratings, etc. so I won't repeat those - but a couple of points need mentioning.
Identify what your next step is and go for it with gusto. Be the very best at whatever that step is...
Also, someone mentioned "traditional" hiring minimums for regionals being 1000 hours. This is only in the very recent past. 15 years ago those minimums were 2500 and an ATP. My point for bringing this up is that the hours of experience to land a 121 job change, sometimes with big swings. I agree that you should shoot for 1000 hours with 100 multi - but don't hang your hat on those minimums. Instead, focus on the intermediate goals of obtaining your ratings and learning all you can about the industry (outside the classroom.) Become a CFI and aim for Gold Seal. Be the best.
When you're ready to start learning how to fly, choose your school wisely. There are a lot of really good flight schools out there, but you need to do some homework. I wrote an article on choosing a flight school that I'm sure is in the article archives on this site - but you can also find it on my website:www.flytheline.com/articles
Hope this helps!
Lori
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