Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/4/2010

Question
Hello Mr. David,

My name is Maha A. Jammoul.
I'm a half Filipino and half Syrian.
Currently studying in the New Filipino Private School in Sharjah United Arab Emirates.
I'm only an eight grader but since here in my school with its American standard curriculum, we graduate after grade 10. So, i have two more years to go. I've decided that i want to be a pilot. But i really got no ideas what branch or type people like you say..so you can get me..like for example Commercial Pilot. Private Pilot or whatever it is. All i know the type i want is the one who works in an airlines. I really want to be an airline pilot in United Arab Emirates in Emirates Airlines. But I'm going to study in Canada. All I need i a guide on where to study? Is it needed to take grade 11 and 12 even if our standard is only up tp grade 10? What type or branch will i take if I want to be an airline pilot? Are there required age, height and weight? Is there a college in Canada wherein I can study aviation ( airlines pilot) right after i graduate high school ( grade 10 ) here in U.A.E ? I know that my questions are many and pretty complicated but I will really appreciate you sharing your wisdom with me by answering my questions. Please dont ignore this because I'm only an eight grader, in fact I have to know now since I'm going to study in a different country , I really have to prepare as soon as possible.

       Thank you for your kind consideration and understanding.
I REALLY HOPE I WILL BE ALL CLEARED ABOUT MY CAREER AFTER YOU GIVE YOUR WISE SUGGESTIONS AND ANSWERS TOWARDS THE MATTER IN QUESTION.

GOD BLESS. :)
MAHA A. JAMMOUL  

Answer
Dear Maha:

Thank you for your questions!  I will try to assist!

There are a number of excellent aviation degree programs at colleges and universities in Canada.  The following are the best examples I have found:

1.  British Colombia Insititute of Technology:  wwww.bcit.ca/transportation

2.  Canadian Aviation Institute--Georgian College:  www.georgianc.on.ca/aviation

3.  Seneca Collage of Applied Aviation Tech:  www.senecac.on.ca  Contact: Professor Dominic Totino at dominic.totino@senecac.on.ca

4.  University of Western Ontario:  www.uwo.ca  Contact; Dr. Joan Finegan at finegan@uwo.ca

I believe that all of the above colleges/universities do offer flight training.  Please check with each of them regarding what they offer to prepare you for a career with the airlines.

With regard to your transferability to these schools from the New Filipino Private School in Sharjah, UAE, you will have to contact each school to determine their transfer credit policies and how they apply to your personal situation.

I am glad that you are planning early for your college career in aviation and I wish you the best in your pursuit of higher education. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

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