Expert: D. Norkus - 6/22/2008

Question
Hello. My goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. I am currently about to start with Grade 12. I don't have much knowledge about becoming a pilot but this is what i want to do. can you please tell me what university/academy will be the  best to attend so i can become a pilot. can you also tell me how i can become a pilot in the least time possible and with the best cost-efficient way. i want a degree in this course as i have heard that pilots with degrees are preferred over those without degrees when applying for jobs.
please help me out. your help will be greatly appreciated.
thank you.
Fahad Ashraf

Answer
1) Can you please tell me what university/academy will be the best to attend so i can become a pilot.

The "Best" place to get flight training for one person, may not be so for another. Some want their education and flight training from the same place. Others do not. For some, just because a school or university is a "Big Name" or has a certain reputation, they are the "best" by default. That is not true for everyone, regardless of what the school recruiters may tell you or try to sell you. (Take it all with a grain of salt!) The "best" for YOU can only be determined by YOU based on your personal needs/desires and budget after visiting the locations that fit your criteria most. (The price difference can also be upwards of $50,000 depending on your chosen route.)

2) Can you also tell me how i can become a pilot in the least time possible and with the best cost-efficient way.

Until recently, the fastest route to an airline cockpit was via an airline affiliated flight training academy. For $50,000-70,000 a student could complete all their training from zero experience and 12-18 months later find themselves as a first officer with an airline.  In spring 2008, that all came to an abrupt end due to the fuel crisis when almost every major and regional airline stopped hiring, announced cutbacks and many even announced furloughs. In light of this, the most cost efficient way you can go would be to train at an affordable school or flying club at the quickest pace you can while doing your ratings and certificates, then try to get a time building job. By the time you are ready to be hired in 2-3 years, hopefully the industry will be on the rebound. However, you should be prepared just in case it has not as you could find yourself an unemployed pilot.

3) i want a degree in this course as i have heard that pilots with degrees are preferred over those without degrees when applying for jobs.

True a degree is definitely preferred, however an aviation degree is not necessary. Pilot applicants can have a degree in any subject. The airlines only care that you have one, not what subject it is in, because it implies you have study skills and critical thinking. Although many pilots do chose to major in aviation, if they ever get laid off or are  "furloughed" an aviation degree is pretty much useless to help you find work in the interim. More on the topic here- http://www.jetcareers.com/content/view/22/44/

Check out this site and the associated links at bottom to help you get a better idea of what you need to know to make informed training and career related decisions.

http://www.pilotcareer.info

Good Luck
Dottie