Expert: David A. NewMyer - 2/12/2008

Question
I'm 18, currently taking IBDP year 5 (will be completed in 2 years time, equivalent to A level). I have done O level last year. I have a lot of questions regarding becoming a pilot or a air attendant. Hope you can give me some advices.

What is the minimum age to take pilot course? Must I get the International Baccalaureate Diploma or an A level Cert in order to further pilot course in an university? What are the top universities to study it? Any university will accept people with only the qualifications of O level? Do I have to be very very good in physics and math? How can I apply for the scholarships and what are the requirements and qualifications? What does the scholarships include and how much approximately do I need to stay in that particular country to complete the course? How long is the course till I get employed by the airlines? Is there any job attachments during course and is there any attachment bond for that particular scholarship?

I'm shortsighted, what is the medical standard for vision? If I cant reach the standard, can I still study after I go for Lasik surgery? What is the average pay of a pilot upon completing the course? what are the rankings and how to achieve it?

I like physics math, but sometimes will just stuck somewhere. I don't really know about pilot course, but I wish to fly as a pilot. What is the maximum age being a pilot? and I'm an Asian female, not from a wealthy family background, so I have to plan and budget, a scholarship will really help me. I don't mind staying in a foreign country (because I already study in a foreign land, on scholarship)

Thanks.


Answer
Hi,

You have asked a lot of questions....I will try to assist the best way that I can.

Minimum age:  It depends on the nation within which you do the training.  You can do pilot training in the US in the company of an instructor at age 16.  The maximum age to be an airline pilot in the USA and in most other nations is age 65.  You can fly as a corporate pilot for a private company longer than that as long as you can hold.

I am not sure about internatinoal admissions, so, I can not answer your second question about the INternational Baccalaureate Diploma.  I would simply ask each school that you are interested in attending what their admission requirements are in your case.

Some of the top aviation universities in the USA for international students to study are as follows:

Embry Riddle Aeronatautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

Western Michigan University, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan

Regardling your O level questino:  Check with each university as to what they will accept or not accept.

Physics and Math are part of most aviation flight programs at the university level.  Math requirements at most aviation universities will be either College Algebra and Trigonometry or Calculus.

Scholarship availability will, again, depend on each school.  However, there are two general websites with aviation scholarships available:

www.uaa.aero  Has a Collegiate Aviation Scholarship Listing

www.avscholars.com  Has some good aviation financial aid and scholarship information

Most university aviation programs are four years long.  The costs can vary from a low of $85,000 US to as high as $145,000 US for an aviation degree that includes flight training.

I do not underestand your question about "bond attachments" etc.

Aviation-related employment eyesight requirements will depend on each employer.  Here in the USA, most aviation employers ask for vision that is correctible to 20/20....some overseas employers ask for uncorrected 20/20 vision only.  So, it will depend on where you apply to work.  Check each national standard about lasik surgery...some nations might still ban it for aviation certification purposes.

Average entry-level, first year pay for a new regional airline pilot will be between $20,000 US and $30,000 US.....you will likely stay at such a regional airline for three to five years, make captain and then work two more years minimum before having the qualifications to move up to a larger, better paying flight job.  Top pilot salaries in the airline industry in the USA are about $300,000 a year for senior captains at UPS Airlines, FEDEX and American Airlines.

Not sure what you mean about "rankings".....

I wish you the best of luck in your search for an aviation program that serves your needs.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale