Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi, i am a medical student at the final year ,and i would like to become an airline pilot as my future profession,i am 22 years old ,from cairo- egypt.  what's your advice?!

ANSWER: Hi,

Thank you for your question.  I will try to assist.  It is quite a career change that you are considering:  From the medical field to aviation!  As with any career change of this nature, you are starting over in the new career field.  There are three key qualifications for you to achieve in order for you to become an airline pilot:

1.  Basic and advanced flight certification.  The key thing to keep in mind with this step is that aviation training can be very expensive.  In the USA. it costs US $35,000 to as much as $80,000 to become certified to fly as a commercial airline pilot.  Normally, you go through these steps in certification:

Private Pilot

Commercial Pilot with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings

Flight Instructor Certificate (so that you can teach others to fly and earn flight experience while you do so)

Air Tranport (normally not unitl you have at least 1500 flight hours pilot in command).

2.  As implied above, you must also build your flight experience.  It is essential that you move into multi engine aircraft and build pilot in command hours in such aircraft.  Larger airlines are looking for 500 to 1000 hours turbine pilot in command time before they will even interview you.

3.  A baccalaureate degree.  While not required, a degree makes you more comopetitive.  At least 75 to 80 % o fthose who have recently interviewed for jobs as pilots with major airlines had a baccalaureate degree.

So, my overall advice is to start investigating where you might want to go to flight school.  One consideration in that decision is whether or not you want to go to flight school at the same time you are pursuing a BS or BA degree since you can prurse such a degree in aviation at such US schools as Western Michigan University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, etc.  There is a listing of aviation schools available from the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero

All the best to you,

Sincerely,

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


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

QUESTION: Hi,doctor.Thanks for these useful information and if u don't may i'd like to ask some other questions:-          1-is there's any difference between flight schools and aviation universities in the baccalaureate degree?         2-This question might be somewhat strange but it will help me to take a decision,how long does it take,if the cicumstances are good, for any beginner since the start of training up to finishing and becoming capable to apply for a major airline company?!          3-some friends told me that the tests to become a pilot are very difficult,like (pressure and psychiatric )tests.what's your opinion?          4-Do u think that there might be some difficulties to apply for a flight school at the states specially after 11/9 since i have been refused in the american embassy twice as i am student and not married?!

ANSWER: Hi,

Your best bet in determining the differences between flight schools and universities is to consider what each one does:

FLIGHT SCHOOL:  It's primary mission is to deliver the flight training that you need for certification.  Also, some flight schools (not all) have excellent PLACEMENT programs for graduates of their program.  In seeking a flight school, it is important to not only address the time it will take for training, the cost of their program and, also what they can do for you in terms of placement.

UNIVERSITY AVIATION PROGRAM:  This program will deliver the the flight training noted above but also a DEGREE to go with it.  A key difference is that a university aviation program will take four years while a flight school will take one year to 18 months, (sometimes less than a year) to deliver the flight training plus the degree.  The advantage is that, by the end of four years, you have a degree to help you remain competitive.  As far as placement, every university varies in terms of the placement programs that it has available.  You must ask questions about how each university you are considering can help you with placement.

NEITHER of the above options will prepare you for a MAJOR airline....those jobs only go to those who have fairly lengthy experience in the airline industry.  You should not expect employment with a major airline until five to ten years  on the job at a smaller company.  Most flight schools and aviation universities will prepare you for wotking with a REGIONAL AIRLINE or a smaller general aviation company with a charter department.

Yes, there are difficulties in getting permission to come to the USA for flight training, regardless of the nation you are from.  You must be persistent, or, you might consider training in Australia or Europe.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer

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

QUESTION: Greetings,thanks for your answers doc but my question is that I'm seeking for a degree plus the certificate but 4 years seem to be somewhat a long time ,so can't i study at a university such as Embry riddle but for a period less than the 4 years like if i can make use of time and study more to get the degree in 2 years .i need your advice?!

Answer
Hi,

I am not sure I am totally clear on your latest question, but, the bottom line is that, yes, you might be able to finish a four year degree in less time than four years, particularly since you have prior college as a medical student.  The issue is, however, as noted in my prior answers, you must build up some flight EXPERIENCE (flight hours, etc) and, sometimes, a college aviation campus is a good place to do that on a low budget since you can work as a part time flight instructor before you graduate.

But, again, to answer the time question:  Yes, you can finish the aviation degree at ERAU in less than four years, but, you will still have to find a place to build aviation experience.

David A. NewMyer