Expert: D. Norkus - 2/2/2004

Question
Hello Dottie,

I have 13 year old son who has wanted to be an airline pilot since he was 5. He is currently going on his second year in the air cadets. He thinks he can become a pilot without college and university. Is this true?


Answer
Carolyn,

I am not quite sure what the 'air cadets' program entails, but it sounds like he's at least getting a head start on aviation. However, if he intends to land an airline job, he must get a degree. Smaller regional carriers usually will not consider a person unless they have an at least a 2 year Associates degree, but prefer applicants with a higher education. Major carriers require a 4 year Bachelors degree in order to apply. I am not aware of an airline that will accept applications from a pilot without at least a two year degree.

At the regional level, a 4 yr degree will score more points with the interview board than a 2 year degree. In this highly competative job market everything one can do to have the most impressive resume should be done. Having anything less than a 4 year will severly limit his job options, while having less than that will not make him competative in this job market. Most likely, he will not meet airline hiring requirements with out one.

Since you say, "He thinks he can become a pilot without college and university" it sounds as if you live outside the USA. (Here, Americans say going to 'a' university.) If in fact you do live elsewhere I suggest he visit this predominantly British/European pilot message forum for more career information-

The Professional Pilot Rumour Network
www.pprune.org

No matter where one lives, this job is highly competative and sought after. So while I can't be sure of foreign carriers requirements (if you do live abroad), I cannot imagine them being more lax than those in the USA that I have detailed above. Have your son go to the websites of airlines he might want to work for one day and see their requirements. This will help him know now what he must work towards to be considered.

Dottie
www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html