I am looking into schools and the ones that have my interest are Emrby Riddle, Purdue, and University of North Dakota. I do not need to hear how it is a bad idea to go to an aviation school. My parents are paying for the schooling and I wan't to enjoy myself and benefit myself educationally there. Double majoring is something I am planning on doing. If I happen to go to Emrby Riddle lets say, is it a good idea to major in Aviation, and Business? What about ATC? I hear that they pay well, so could that be a backup/side job?

It certainly gives you flexibility and a back up plan. ATC pays well but I would guess that there is a tendency for ATC's to get layed off or at least not hired at the same times airlines layoff, so its not very "diversifying." You can think of your education almost like a stock portfolio.

The first and most important question is whether you can handle the workload.

ATC cannot be a backup or side job. The training and currency requirements are extensive and there is a maximum age of 30 to start (unless you are a retired military controller). It could be an ejection-seat I guess, but only once if you decide you hate your regional job before age 30.

ATC hiring has almost nothing to do with airline/pilot hiring cycles...it seems to have more to do with demographics (retirements), policy, federal funding, and politics.

My thoughts are if you choose an aviation major, concentrate on that and girls during undergraduate. Get good grades and try to be involved in some things outside of flying. Do a minor in something unrelated you like. If aviation does not pan out then go get your masters.

Also, good for you that mom and dad are willing to pay toward your education. But, I'd advise you to not discount some of the other "regular" colleges that offer aviation programs. There are definitely schools that offer a quality education without being Riddle or North Dakota. You can take the money you save and put it toward future certificates, flight time, retirement, alimony... Good luck in your choice!

No, it's far better to major in business and get a minor in "flight/piloting" or whatever it's called. Getting two degrees is better, but if that 2nd degree is "flight", it's nearly worthless and you should have spent your time in classes pursuing a different minor. Realize that the "flight" degree doesn't do anything. Having a college degree, all the required certificates and ratings, and the experience is what gets you an airline job. Notice I didn't say a "flight degree". It's not that the degree is completely useless. Pessimists and debbie-downers will say this, but it does have value in pursuing some aviation paths, such as dispatch, maybe UAV ops, maybe career flight instructor (such as sim stuff at CAE/flight safety), aircraft insurance, and so on. It's just not particularly helpful and really doesn't do anything for the jobs people traditionally want. This is the reality of the industry.

If you ever want to be a test pilot, get an engineering degree. If you want to be involved in aviation during your career, make good money, have enough to own or build your own plane, and fly where you want when you want, again, consider the engineering degree. Compared to the pilots that can make 20-30K out of college AFTER they've amassed the necessary experience to work for regional airlines, the guys that go from college to an engineering position at say Boeing or another company are comparatively rolling in cash. They see a return on their investment much faster.

Never limit yourself to just one "path". Unfortunately, putting all your money and hopes on a "flight program" tends to do this. Realize there are many many good opportunities to act as a pilot and earn a good living OUTSIDE of being an airline pilot. Realize there are many many more areas and industries you can work in and be involved in aviation every day, and have enough money left over that you can fly yourself when and where you want, as well as do things like get type ratings, fly fighter jets, or something to that extent.

So yes, it would be a good idea to major in business. If I did it again, I'd do Engineering, but I feel I've made up for that pretty well with my Master's degree.

If you go to Riddle you will do little in the way of studying girls. You will regret this. I would highly suggest, like others, to look at different aviation programs at schools like Aurburn, Purdue etc. If your parents are footing the bill, go to a school where you will enjoy the WHOLE college experience.

Aviation isn't like law or medicine where people actually care if you went to Brown, Harvard or UCLA, so the "top" aviation programs are a waste of your time IMO.

And ATC as a "side job"? Did you think that's just a part-time thing guys do for fun??

Go to a real college. Major in something non-aviation related. Fly at a local FBO. You'll save your parents a ton of money.

Also, DO NOT GET YOUR (private and instrument) TRAINING IN GLASS COCKPITS!

"I do not need to hear how it is a bad idea to go to an aviation school. My parents are paying for the schooling and I wan't to enjoy myself and benefit myself educationally there."

Clearly he isn't concerned with wasting his parent's money. Sad.

I done the Riddle thing for 4 years. In three short years since leaving ERAU, I have had the chance to fly for some great companies starting out with almost no TT at all because of the contacts I made. With that said, I would strongly advise a pass on this very over costly school. As said above, go to a big school like the O or Purdue and major in something non-aviation that you could see yourself doing if you don't end up flying for a career. Major/learning to fly on the side and save a BIG amount of money that could be used to built time.