Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/8/2009

Question
i am graduating from highschool next year. I am really set on becoming a pilot. What college course should I take to ensure i am heading the right direction. my dad wants me to take up aeronotical engineering. he thinks at least i can stilll work in the aviation industry in case i wouldn't or could no longer make it to the cockpit (he is thinking more of medical reasons,like what if over the years my vision gets in the way  and can no longer be in the cockpit....dads!)thanks

Answer
Hi,

Thanks for your questions, I will try to assist!

First of all, there are over 80 aviation flight-related degree programs offered in the USA.  So, if you wish to fly, a college degree in flight or something related to it, would be a good way for you to go.  There is a directory of aviation programs entitled THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE and it is available from the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero

Second, a degree in aeronautical engineering might be more limiting than a degree in flight in terms of where you can use an aeronautical engineering degree for employment (largely at larger aeronautical manufacturing firms like Boeing or Lockheed Martin, etc).  Pilots work throughout the aviation industry, for airlines, for general aviation companies, for corporate flight departments, for government agencies, etc.  One way to include what your Dad wants in your degree is to attend a university that offers Aviation Flight along with another degree or minor.  An example is Southern Illinois University Carbondale (where I work):  We offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Flight, which you take in your first two and an half years.  Then, once you finish that degree, you take a B. S. in Aviation Management in your last 1.5 years. That degree allows you to learn all about the business side of aviation including airport management, airline management, general aviation operations, aviation security, aviation industry regulations, etc.  So, you have one degree that is focused on flight and another that is focused on aviation management-related employment....and, both degrees are earned in four years.  Other schools allow you to do this by majoring in Aviation Flight and minoring in Aviation Management or business.  In any case, that gives you the "fall back" position that your Dad wants, and still allows you to fly.

I hope that this helps.  Please email me with additional questions, as needed.

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu