Expert: D. Norkus - 3/12/2009

Question
Hello I am currently a junior in high school. I've been recently looking at alot of aerospace engineering schools because i wanted to fly but have something to fall back on. At Embry Riddle, I could take AE and minor in Flight or i could go ahead and take the AS and get my professional pilot degree. Which would help me in the long run? And will minoring in flight be the same as the flight training i would receive in AS?

Answer
Austin

If you want to get an aero engineering degree, and can do it comfortably  financially, go ahead if that is your interest. You do not need such a degree if you simply want to fly. You can major in any subject and be a pilot. The airlines don't care what your degree is in, they just want you to have one. (It helps eliminate candidates and implies study & critical thinking skills. About half of the pilots I work with have non-aviation degrees.

I also think you should choose a major that interests you so you will get good grades and not just because you think it will help you land a job. In this competitive job market, quality flight time (night, IFR, multi-engine, jet) is far more important than what a pilot majored in at college. For example, right now only those with substantial flight qualifications or a personal contact/internal recommendation with the interviewing company are getting hired in this poor job market. Also, attend a school that will not stretch your budget to the max. Having something you can fall back on is a great idea. You mentioned an A.S. degree and my thought on that is if you can get one at a nearby community college, that can help to greatly offset your costs. Essentially most A.S. degrees have all the basic pilot certificate ground schools, weather, and flight physiology classes. The flight training should be pretty much the same. (Depends on the school and the classes offered. Some may not include flight instructor courses.) You could get a 2 year associates in aviation (with pilot certificates) and your 4 year bachelors in any subject you desire as a back up plan.

See my site for basic need to know career info- http://www.pilotcareer.info

..as well as the links at bottom for more.

Good Luck
Dottie