Expert: D. Norkus - 9/19/2011

Question
Hello Dottie! I thought perhaps you might be the best expert to ask about starting a career in aviation, as my question mostly has to do with what happens AFTER education (and a bit with the fact that I’m a girl).

I’m currently attending a community college for my general education and I’ll be attending the local flight school soon for my PPL. I’m very aware of being a female with plans to enter such a male-dominated field, so I want to make the decisions that will make me a competitive professional, and I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my planning. My first thought was to attend Cal State LA (as I live in California) to major in Aviation Administration, and simultaneously go to a local flight school to build up my hours for a commercial license. However, I’ve been told that it might be better to go to a university with a flight program, such as the University of North Dakota or Embry-Riddle. Still others have said that a degree in flying is unwise, as all that really matters to be a pilot is the license (and the flying time!) and a degree in something like administration, or even a different field altogether, is a much safer route.

Needless to say, it’s all a bit much to take in and my head is beginning to spin a bit. I know I want to fly but I also know I don’t have a ton of money to fund a career that might not take off (pun slightly intended). And I’m passionate enough about aviation that I’m sure I’d be happy to fall back on an admin position if necessary. So, do hiring airlines really care that much about where you went to school so long as you have your license? Would it behoove me to have a bit of something else under my belt in case there just aren’t enough jobs for pilots? And what effect will my being female have on whether or not I’m a competitive candidate for pilot jobs?

Thank you very much for your time, and sorry to bombard you with such a large block of text!

-Casey

Answer
"I’m currently attending a community college for my general education and I’ll be attending the local flight school soon for my PPL."

Casey, I think going to a C.C. first is a great idea- especially for an aspiring pilot on a budget. I transferred to ERAU Extended Campus after getting my two year and my cost was far less than it would have been had I done a 4 year there. Extended Campus offers local classes all over the world or online classes for academics. Considering a new hire pilot starts out at about $22,000 the less debt you have from training and college the better. In addition to a flight school, look into what a local flying club has to offer. They are often a more affordable avenue to the same goal.

Since you are female, there are some resources you can use to help fund your pursuit. Both The Ninety-Nines and Women In Aviation International provide scholarships. I suggest finding your local chapter of The Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots in your area (Los Angeles Palms?). In addition to grants for education or pilot ceritifcates/raings from the organization, many "99s" chapters also give their own scholarships. Several chapters in California do including San Fernando, San Diego, Ventura, Coyote Country, and Long Beach. You will also find some good advice about where to train in your area from other women pilots. Get more information at their site- http://www.ninety-nines.org

Women In Aviation has some opportunities for aspiring pilots although most are for the more accomplished aviatrix. See their site- http://www.wai.org

"My first thought was to attend Cal State LA (as I live in California) to major in Aviation Administration, and simultaneously go to a local flight school to build up my hours for a commercial license. However, I’ve been told that it might be better to go to a university with a flight program, such as the University of North Dakota or Embry-Riddle....do hiring airlines really care that much about where you went to school so long as you have your license?"

An aviation degree is not necessary but many do it because they want to- it interests them and thus they get better grades. However a big name aviation university degree may not be affordable for you depending on your situation. As long as you get the required flight time, pilot certificates and ratings where you go to school really doesn't matter. On the application you are only asked to check the box saying that you have a degree, not where you got it. That said there are also other schools in the area like Mt San Antionio.

"Still others have said that a degree in flying is unwise, as all that really matters to be a pilot is the license (and the flying time!) and a degree in something like administration, or even a different field altogether, is a much safer route."

I agree. I have an aviation degree and I have been furloughed (26 months). There isn't much much you can do with a pro pilot degree when you are laid off! In addition, if you have a degree in something else that you can turn into a side job you can also do while flying, you will be that much better off. I know many pilots who have other businesses on the side to supplement their income. In addition, it's career insurance in case something happens. This back up also applies not just in case of an airline furlough but in case you lose your medical. If such a condition were to be permanent, your flying career would be over.

"Would it behoove me to have a bit of something else under my belt in case there just aren’t enough jobs for pilots?"

Yes, however I do not think you should because of a shortage of pilot jobs. In the coming years the situation will be the opposite- there will be a serious shortage of qualified piots.

"And what effect will my being female have on whether or not I’m a competitive candidate for pilot jobs?"
It may or may not improve your chances of getting called for an interview. While women only account for 6% of all pilots (less at the airlines) it is your qualifications that will get you the interview. I am not part of the hiring at my airline but I personally don't feel that 'affirmative action' is a driving force as it once was in getting minorities hired. If you don't meet the hiring minimums, they won't interview you. With the regionals expanding over the past two decades, it's a somewhat different hiring climate than a generation ago. Then couldn't get an interview without thousands of hours or military experience. That's changed as the airline opportunities have expanded and I have seen an increased number of women pilots. Not large numbers compared to the whole, but an increase still.

Please visit this site- http://www.pilotcareer.info for more details and then check out the websites on the links page for further info.

Hope this helps,

Dottie