Expert: D. Norkus - 1/10/2008

Question
hello dottie, I see that you were a female pilot who graduated from embry riddy aeronautical university. I was wondering if you knew how hard it would be to find work after graduating from there. As a female I have no concerns about how I will do as a minority at the school and in the profession. I am stong mentally and I know I will be able to handle it. I wouldnt mind a little reassurance.
thank you for your time,
Athen

Answer
Athen

Do you mean finding work as a pilot after graduation? Or are you taking some other major at ERAU?

If you hope to find employment as a pilot after graduation from ERAU (or any other aviation university), you will have no problem getting hired at a regional once you meet their minimums. In fact, the regional airlines are very desperate for pilots right now. In the Dec 10th class at one Dallas headquartered  regional, 6 new hires had between 200 and 350 hours flight time. Pretty low compared to years past! Such low time pilots came via bridge programs with schools like ATP Flight School. On average, the minimums are 500 flight hours at most regionals now. Some regionals may have an affiliation with ERAU for grad placement with reduced flight times. I don't know which if any do anymore. Ask ERAU about this.

On the subject, I must mention a financial consideration:
I know several ERAU grads who, in hindsight, said they would NOT chose to spend $80K-100K getting their training and degree there if they had to do it over again. I obviously don't know your financial situation but I do suggest comparing the financial obligation you will have upon graduation from ERAU versus going to some academy bridge program and getting your degree from a state university.

In all seriousness, having $80K+ in student loans is simply crazy for a job that starts at $20K a year in my opinion. Unless you have some large scholarships, I suggest looking into ALL other options before committing to ERAU for 4 years. In todays regional pilot job market, I would not hesitate to skip the high cost if Riddle for a less expensive option. Even though their marketing dept does a great job or selling you on the fact they are the 'best of the best', take it with a grain of salt. The pay in this career is not what it used to be, so starting out with as little debt as possible is going to become very important when you make so little.

Personally, I chose ERAU Extended campus for academics only after going to a 2yr community college and did all my flight training with a local flying club. This route saved me tens of thousands of dollars. I decided that a campus education with them was simply not an option for me due to the expense. If I had to do it again, I'd do all my training as I did locally or go to an academy program.

Either way you chose to go, you will surely find a job.

Dottie

P.S.- Some resources for you-
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com
http://www.pilotcareer.info
http://www.jetcareers.com

The Int'l Organization of Women Pilots-
http://www.ninety-nines-org