Expert: D. Norkus - 4/5/2010

Question
Hi

Im an Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering Student at Purdue University, West Lafayette. Even though my adviser would never appreciate me asking questions like these, Im still very adament and would like to seek answers to my problems.

When I chose this degree, I chose it for the Aeronautical part of it. As an honest confession, I would openly admit that I have no interest whatsoever in space , or in NASA, or in being an astronaut or being part of the JPL team in Pasadena, California. Neither do I want to get stuck in a blood sucking company like Boeing and design plane parts all my life on the computer. I want to be up there in the cockpit, either as an aeronautical engineer or as a pilot.

I chose engineering because I thought I would excel in it. And I do, my gpa is remarkable and I have worked on a few projects here and there which are a great success. But during the course of time, I have developed a love for flying. I want to have flying hours on my account, to open myself a door that I would probably pursue in the future ; being a pilot.

In our aviation technology school at Purdue, they offer 2 courses called 'Private Pilot Lessons'. The first part is 4 credits, and comprises of lectures. The second course is 2 credits and they take you in the air, after which u receive a private piloting license.

When I put these courses in my plan of study, my advisor immediately disapproved them and said they are of no use to me, because all they give is a license (which, FYI is exactly what I want!!) He said these courses belong in tech electives, and I cannot minor in flight, becaus such a minor does not exist.

I am very torn on this. I want my engineering degree really bad. Purdue ranks # 4 for its Aero & Astro Degree in the country. I do not want to give engineering up. On the other hand I do not want to be pushed towards something that I dont like doing. I want to be a pilot side by side, and I want it to happen while Im at Purdue, I want to graduate with two career choices. Please advise me on this. I appreciate your time and effort.

Sincerely,

Reema

Answer
Reema

Since you desire to finish your engineering degree and you do seem to like Purdue, you will be bound their catalog. Since they have no degrees in flight operations or professional aeronautics, you will likely have to do what your advisor says and take the Private Pilot course as an elective if you want to get university credit for it.

However, even if Purdue were to offer a Pro Pilot degree, you would not be graduating with "two career choices". To be considered for a job upon graduation, you would need not only all your pilot certificates and ratings (Private pilot, Commercial pilot, Multi-engine rating & Instrument rating) but at least 800 flight hours as well. (This is the new minimum enacted by Congress a few weeks ago for regional airline hiring standards.) Most graduates of university aviation programs have only 250-350 flight hours, so even those with a professional pilot degree are not qualified to be hired. Flight training can can also typically cost upwards of $45,000-$70,000 at an Av U. (if they offer all courses). Also, there are so many pilots out of work now that the competitive flight times to get hired (when hiring resumes) will easily be 2-3 times that minimum of 800 hours flight experience.

If you are willing to forgo the credit hours you can certainly do your flight training outside of a university aviation program. Purdue has a flying club, and you could probably still join that even as an engineering major and do your flying on the side. I suggest talking to the folks that run it for more about this avenue.

http://cobweb.ecn.purdue.edu/~ppi/about.htm

You might also search out other flying clubs in your area and comapre rates.

As far as "[being] up there in the cockpit, either as an aeronautical engineer or as a pilot". The only aero engineering majors I know who are also pro pilots work for the Boeing Company in the flight test department. For most people, such a major isn't a route to the flight deck. The only way to be a competitive pilot candidate is if you have the qualifications and flight experience in addition to your engineering degree. (As may aero engineering friends have needed to do to create piloting job prospects.) I suggest reading over this link for some basic career information-

http://www.pilotcareer.info

Hope this helps,
Dottie