Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/7/2010

Question
I am a high school senior and plan on attending Louisiana Tech University in the fall, but I don't know whether to major in professional aviation or aviation management. I am interested in being a pilot but if I do not like the flying aspect of it I would still want to work in the aviation field. My questions are what is the difference between an aviation major and an aviation management major and what are the different job choices within each? Can you only be a pilot with a degree in aviation? I'm kinda confused and really need some assistance. Please answer the best you can and thanks for even reading the question !

Answer
Hi, Matthew;

It is nice to hear from you.  I am sorry for the delay in getting to your questions.

First of all, Louisiana Tech offers a well-known and well-recognized aviation program.  Second, it is typical to have questions about which major to choose since aviation is a fairly large career field to enter.

So, let me start by quickly reviewing the size and scope of the aviation industry for you.  The civil aviation industry in the USA is divided into four major parts with the following approximate employment sizes:

1.  Aviation & Aerospace Manufacturing=641,100

2.  Airlines, including Major, National and Regional (Cargo and Passenger)=620,526

3.  General Aviation (fixed base operators, corporate aviation, MROs, etc)=638,000

4.  Government Aviation (FAA, TSA, states and local airports)=175,048

TOTAL U. S. AVIATION EMPLOYMENT AS OF THE END OF 2009= 2,074,674

Then, let me say that, of the above total employment, approximately 200,000 to 225,000 of the above work as professional pilots (with around 100,000 of those at airlines of all kinds).

Therefore, in terms of overall job opportunities, the aviation management program might offer you a few more options for employment.  On the other hand, some people find that flying is something that is just in their blood and it is something that they would do almost for free--so, I do not want to say that it is just all about the money or the job.  I think it has to be about what you like to do and what you will want to do with your career.

The other way to look at this choice between programs is the nature of the courses that you will take in each.  With Professional Pilot programs, it is very hands-on.  That is, you are learning how to fly an aircraft in many different circumstances and conditions.  It is a fairly physical career.  On the other hand, aviation management is more about working with people and working with budgets and working with planning airports, management of airlines and so forth.  

One approach to this decision is to start with professional pilot and at least earn your Private Pilot License, which is the first semester or two of study.  Once you do that, you will have a feel for what the flight career field is like.  If you really love it, then, continue with it.  If you like it but think that, after that first part, you might want to try the aviation management side of the career field, then, change over at that time to aviation management.

Either way, you will find that the aviation field will start to grow again in late 2011 into 2012 and that growth will give you some excellent choices for your future.

I wish you the best in your choice of degree program and, if I can help further, do not hesitate to ask another question.

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