Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/11/2009

Question
Hi I am a sophomore at Saint Louis University and I recently switched my major from aerospace engineering to flight science.  I was also thinking of adding a double major in aviation management and was wondering the benefits to doing so.  I also would like to know more about the career path to becoming an airline pilot.  This switch brings quite an increase in the amount of money that I will be spending for my education so I was also wondering if you knew of any good scholarships that are specifically geared towards this sort of major.
Thank you.
-Nick

Answer
Hi, Nick:

Thanks for your questions, I will try to assist!

First of all, I think that Aviation Management and Flight Science are a great combination of degrees to include in a double major.  The reasons are many, but, here are a few:

A.  These two majors, Flight Science and Aviation Management, give you two areas in the aviation industry to work:  In the cockpit or in an aviation management position in support of the cockpit (or elsewhere in aviation such as working with an airport).

B.  Having both gives you a "back up" in the event you lose your medical and then can not fly;

C.  Having both gives you that much more to market yourself with when you apply for aviation jobs.  It gives you two different kinds of skillsets, one in the airplane and one that helps you play a management role in aviation;

D.  A pilot also needs to be a really good manager, especially when that pilot makes it to a "pilot in command" job.  Think about what happens when the door closes on an airline flight:  The Captain is in charge.  It might initially in your career be a small aircraft; however, later in your life, it might well be a 777 or 747 freighter:  The aircraft is worth millions itself, not to mention the contents (and/or people aboard) and the crew interactions.  You are in charge of a lot of different facets of aviation to manage.

As far as aviation scholarships, both flight and aviation management scholarships are listed in the University Aviation Association's COLLEGIATE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP LISTING.  This listing is displayed at www.uaa.aero and you can also order your own personal copy from that website.  Also, the scholarships link at that website also shows some of the aviation scholarship applications.  In addition, you might also check www.avscholars.com for another listing of aviation scholarships as well as ideas about aviation financial aid.

Best wishes to you at SLU!

Sincerely,

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