Expert: D. Norkus - 9/22/2007

Question
Hello,
     My name is ALisha. I really want to become an airline pilot, but i have few question i wanted to ask you?? How many (female) join to be a pilot each year in U.S.A? How can i get a scholarships to study. HOw much does it pay you? At what age can you start training and where is the best place u can start your carrer. Do u need to go to college and get a degree and finally  which university focus on being a pilot?? Thanks a lot..


Answer
1) How many (female) join to be a pilot each year in U.S.A?
There is no way to know how many females get hired by the airlines each year unless the airlines actually dislose their hiring numbers by sex. There are only about 36,000 female pilots of all levels in the USA. Of that, maybe a few thousand work for the airlines.

2) How can i get a scholarships to study. HOw much does it pay you?
It is doubtful you can get a scholarship to cover all your training. Most flight scholarships are one time grants that pay $1,000-2,000 towards reducing the expense of your flight training. Most are given by organizations for women pilots like the "Ninety-Nines" or Women in Aviation International. Find grants here- http://www.flightscholarship.info

As far as scholarships that will fund educations at an aviation university, try http://www.avscholars.com

2) At what age can you start training and where is the best place u can start your career?

There is no real age you can begin. You can begin at any age as long as you can fund your lessons. The place? There are sooo many options! The best is a very individual decision. There isn't just one "best" place as the right choice for one student may be the wrong choice for another.

Read about the three routes you can take here- http://www.pilotcarer.info
If you have more specific questions after reading it over, let me know.

I also suggest checking out these sites for career info-
ttp://www.jetcareers.com
http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com

3)Do u need to go to college and get a degree?
Yes. The major airlines want pilot applicants to have a bachelors degree. The regional airlines will accept less.


4) Which university focus on being a pilot?

There are many! However, know that you do NOT need an aviation degree to become a pilot. If you ever get laid off during your career, a non-aviation degree will give you something to fall back on. Also, avation universities can cost up to $100,000 for your bachelors degree plus flight training (like Embry Riddle Aeronautical), so finding the right school for you will depend on what you can afford and which campus you prefer. While ERAU is a very reputable name, other much smaller and more affordable shools will get you the same qualifications. The "best" school for you will take a bit of research on your part after determining your funding options.

If you really want to major in aviation you can find a list of schools from the University Aviation Association- http://www.uaa.aero

Hope this helps.
Dottie