Expert: David A. NewMyer - 2/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, my name is Stalin , im from miami, fl and my question is: which is the right path to become a airline pilot right now im in college enrolled in a Aviation Adminitration program at Miami Dade College. Im really interested in becoming an airline pilot but is confusing on how to, so please help me.. thank you

ANSWER: Hi,

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist!

If you wish to become an airline pilot, you should be enrolled in a professional flight or aviation flight program.  In other words, if the Aviation Administration program that you are currently enrolled in does not contain a program to obtain your Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot Certificate, then, you need to move to a program that contains such a program.  In order to become an airline pilot you should have three basic things:   Flight Certification (as mentioned above); Flight experience....normally, to be hired by a regional airline to fly smaller regional jets you will have to have 500 to 1000 hours of total flight time and 50 to 100 hours of multi engine flight time, as an example.; and, you should have a degree in order to be competitive in the hiring process.

I hope that this information is of assistance to you.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So actually besides the program i need some of degree? if yes.... what kind of degree ?, if it is no too much ask, I'm thinking on enrolling in the delta connection academy, what can you tell me about them, if you have knowledge of course...thank you

Answer
Hi,

Yes, a degree is highly recommended as it makes you more competitive in what is a very competitive industry (aviation).  For example, at larger, global airlines, over 85 % of the pilots hired at those airlines have a baccalaureate degree.

Delta Connection Academy is a well-known, but, expensive flight academy.  As far as I know, they are not awarding any sort of degrees through this academy, but, that might have changed.  An advantage of Delta Connection Academy is that they have a very nice follow-on employment program for their graduates.

Best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer