Expert: D. Norkus - 2/10/2004

Question
Hello, ihave a major decesion to make and would really appreciate any advice you could offer. I have been gathering information and researching for months now on wether to attend a non aviation university or not. I am 17 years old and currently have 75 hours and my private pilots license. My dad also owns a very nice Cessna 172 making flying whenever i wish not a problem. But my problem is I have been accepted into Michigan State University were i always have wanted to go, and University Of North Dakota to major in aviation. I have looked at the curriculm and it is definatly more intresting to me than majoring in geography or maybe geology at MSU. I understand the airlines don't care about the degree earned and everyone tells me the key is to start young. Well im 17 and allready hold a PPL, and could earn my IFR before evin going to college, than my Commercial/ Multi next year and my CFI by summmer, enabling me to part time teach while still in college, while at UND I will only be beging my Instrument or going over my Private again. Going to MSU also gives me a fallback degree but what im wondering is if there is anything i will get out of Part 141 training that I will not from Part 61 training. I have heard 61 better prepares you for real world flying, but Part 141 produces more professional and knwolegable pilots. I would much rather stduy aviation and what i love, but also care about my future and being qualified to do more than just one thing- fly an airplane. Would you recomend me going to Michigan State and flying on my own, or going to a certified FAA flight school like UND. Thank you so much for any help.

Answer
Corey

Sorry I couldn't get back to you last night. I had hoped to resond in the a.m. but got called out on reserve for an early trip this morning, so I have been away from the computer all day. I have been pondering what I would have done all over again, and you are right- it IS better to start EARLY! I am starting my second career (having been hired in 2001 then furloughed and recalled last fall) and would have done it all sooner if I had known better myself back then.

You say you have always wanted to go to MSU, so that could be a factor in your decision. (I guess it's only Western Michigan University that has an aviation program). True, your major really doesn't matter. True again that having one outside aviation gives you something to fall back on! The interest level of the classes and your major is something to be considered, but only you can decide how much better you like aviation compared to other majors offered at MSU. If you aren't interested in being there, it may be drudgery whereas an aviation curriculum may keep you interested.

The main benefit I can see is that it may be less costly to go to MSU and do your ratings on the side. Plus you will already be a CFI by the time you are a junior it sounds like. Time, hence seniority, are everything so that is very appealing! Especially since you have access to a 172, there is even more reason to go to MSU (I assume you must live nearby now). That will be a golden opportunity for you to build some much needed flight time you will have to pay for at UND.

Bottom line: chose the fastest route your flight time and preferrably the least expensive for your degree. Unless your parents are willing to foot the bill (and even if they are) college loans are a lot to pay off. Especially for new pilots making $20K/yr! There will be several lean years after flight school and/or college where you will have to learn to get by on <$1,500/mo. Plus, the quicker you get there, the sooner you will get a seniority number. Since it rules your life from the time you start with an airline, obviously quicker you can get one, the better. If you graduate UND with only a commercial multi inst and low time, it is better to get going via MSU and instruct while in school to get ahead. That way when you are out of school you will have that magic 1,000TT required to get interviews. With some carriers it's 1,500TT so you can see why getting ahead is important. It may not matter so much when you are 25 and making $22K/yr, but when you are in your 50's making $150K+ every year, any extra year you can have at the end of your career is very lucrative!  

As a side note to the school issue, you can always go to a 2 year school (maybe a local one has aviation) and ERAU offers Extended Campus classes to complete your $ yr degree plus offers credit for your licenses & ratings. Just an idea...

Part 61 v Part 141. The debate over which is better is never ending. It all comes down to who the schools have on staff and their curriculum. I have known several 141 schools where 80% of their CFIs are <500TT and still rookies themselves so how they turn out "more professional and knowledgable pilots" is of doubt to me.  For instance, two of my friends did a rating via American Flyers, a 141 school and both had miserable -and expensive- experiences. You should thoroughly check out what is available in your area. Ask about the CFIs and their background. Since you are soending A LOT of money be sure you are satisfied with the product you are getting. Too many students let their schools railroad them and they aren't always happy. That is too expensive a mistake to make. Plus it ruins the learning environment.

Check out my website. It may offer some additional insight, plus the links at the bottom are almost essential reading/research for any career minded pilot.

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

Let me know if you need anything else,
Dottie