Expert: D. Norkus - 6/2/2009

Question
what do you think should i go to collage in a 2-year aviation program or go to a flight school and increase my hours to get hired in an airline?

Answer
Neal

The airlines don't care how you get your qualifications. You simply need to be a competitive candidate. That said, as a fresh graduate of either such program you are not qualified* to be hired by an airline.

In the current job market one must have several thousand hours of experience to get the job as almost no one is hiring. In times like this, candidates with many times over the minimum requirements for the position (flight time and education) are the ones getting interviews. Many airlines also have pilots on furlough. In the next few years this will change as the industry is cyclical, so you have plenty of time to work on your qualifications.

Also, a 2 year aviation degree (or in any subject) is fine for the regional airlines but a 4 year degree is the standard for the majors. In fact, many require it. So, if you don't have a degree simply going to flight school and hoping to get hired with a high school diploma won't get you far.

Since this is such a huge topic, I suggest you get a little career background- http://www.pilotcareer.info
*It also talks about airline affiliated academy programs that promise an interview after graduation. There are also many links at page bottom for further information.

This should get you started on some career points to consider.

Dottie