Expert: David A. NewMyer - 6/11/2008

Question
hi,i have a bachelor degree in medicine from ain shams university and i am intending to become an airline pilot so the question is whether my degree is in favour of me when applying for airlines or shall i have a degree in aeronautics and what are the age limits to apply for airlines ,hope to hear from you soon

Answer
Hi,

The upper age limits at most airlines is age 65...that age limit was just changed in the USA recently.  As far as what sort of degree to have, the most important thing is the aviation licenses and work experience.....that is, get your pilot licensing and your pilot work experience and the degree title will matter less and less.  Since you already have a college degree, it is more important for you to focus on the aviation training portion of your background.  Now, IF you decide to get another degree as a method of obtaining your aviation licensing and work experience, then, by all means get an aviation or aeronautics degree.  That type of degree (aviation or aeronautics) makes you more marketable in the aviation industry than a more generic degree like medicine.

I hope that this answer helps,

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