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

Question
Dear Sir,

I am asanka silva from Sri Lanka.I am looking for avition degree with a scholarship whcich can cover all my expences including the cost of living and tution feeses. I am looking for a degree which can qualify me as a commercial pilot or an air craft engineer.Can you please provide me the information about the places from where I can get a scholarship for the above purpose? If needed I can enter into a agreement with the organisation which give the scholarship to repay my scholarship after I have started my career as a pilot or an air craft engineer.
I have some other questions regarding becoming a pilot or an air craft engineer.
How much time does it normally takes to complete a degree in flying or air craft engineering?.
Is there a minimum age limit to be a pilot or an air craft engineer?
Is there a high demand for commercial pilots and air craft engineers in the world now?.
What are the specific issues of a persons' health looking for by the reputed air lines when they recruit persons as pilots?
In average how much amount of money is paid in the reputed air lines as the salary for pilots and air craft engineers?

Thank you.
have a nice day.
Asanka.

Answer
Hi,

Thanks for your question, I hope that I can assist you!

First of all, aviation scholarship information is available from the following websites:

University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero  There is a Collegiate aviation scholarship listing available at this site for you to examine....

www.avscholars.com  is a website devoted to aviation financial aid and aviation scholarships for those wanting to attend an aviation university or college.

In addition, many of the institutions that offer aviation degrees may offer their own scholarships or financial aid.  Some of the top aviation schools in the USA are as follows:

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida
Western Michigan University
University of North Dakota
Purdue University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

It normally takes four years to complete a flying-related degree that includes the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Certificate and Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Mulit engine ratings.

The age limit to become a pilot depends on what nation you are training within (where you will earn your first pilot certificate).  In the USA, you must be 17 to earn a Private Certificate, but, you can solo at age 16.

Right now, no, there is not a high demand for commercial pilots due to the economy.  But, when the economy rebounds in two to four years, there will be.

You must also pass a medical examination administered by an Airman Medical Examiner (AME) in order to be certificated as a pilot in the USA.  There are numerous limitations and medical requirements to become a pilot.  Check with your local AME to find out more details.

As for the amount of money you can earn to be a pilot, it can range from a very small amount when you are starting out ($8 to $12 dollars US per hour working as a beginning flight instructor) to as much as $300,000 per year US once you are working for 20 years or more for a major airline.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer