Expert: Dottie Norkus - 8/29/2006

Question
Hello!  I have just enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University through their Distance Learning program.  The B.S. in Professional Aeronautics degree attracted me there, but I have lately been hearing a lot of bad things about getting an aviation degree.  Do you know why this is?  What can you do with a Professional Aeronautics degree?  I really want to become a pilot, but have been trying to explore other avenues of Aviation jobs just in case that doesn't work out for me.  Embry-Riddle also offers a B.S. in Technical Management (Logistics, Professional Valuations and Occupational Safety and Health concentrations.)  Would it be better to get a degree in Management?  If so, what can you do with a management degree.  Right now I've been thinking of getting the B.S. in Prof. Aeronautics with a Management minor and a certificate of completion in Internation Relations.  Is this a good idea, and do you know of what I could do with this besides becoming a pilot?  And finally, What is Aviation Management?

Sorry about all the questions at once, but thank you very much in advance!

M.G.

P.S. - I've seen some information on co-op's with NASA, do you know anything about these?  And - could you tell me what kind of flying jobs there are that can make you a decent living?

Thanks Again!

Answer
"... I have lately been hearing a lot of bad things about getting an aviation degree. Do you know why this is?"

Because, if you ever get furloughed from your airline pilot job you have no degree to fall back on to help you in your new job search. Many suggest that it is wise to get a non-aviation related degree in case you ever lose your medical or experience a furlough. A degree in aviation has a very slim marketability.

Read this link on that subject- http://www.jetcareers.com/content/view/22/44/

"What can you do with a Professional Aeronautics degree?"
Be a professional pilot. That is the sole purpose of this type of degree program.

"I really want to become a pilot, but have been trying to explore other avenues of Aviation jobs just in case that doesn't work out for me.  Embry-Riddle also offers a B.S. in Technical Management (Logistics, Professional Valuations and Occupational Safety and Health concentrations.)  Would it be better to get a degree in Management?"

Yes, if you can find an interesting major that you would like, do try to diversify. Airlines do not care that you have an aviation degree. They only care that you have a bachelors. It is good that you are already considering all the options and possibilities. You never know what may happen or how things might turn out. Also, ERAU CCE is a much less expensive option than campus, so you will save yourself some money. Those I know who did campus have told me they wouldn't do it again. Why? Not worth the huge financial burden for a full 4 years. (If you can get scholarships, that may affect your choice.)

"If so, what can you do with a management degree.  Right now I've been thinking of getting the B.S. in Prof. Aeronautics with a Management minor and a certificate of completion in Internation Relations.  Is this a good idea, and do you know of what I could do with this besides becoming a pilot?"

Not sure. I didn't do management and I don't know how hard it would be to get a job. I chose NTSB/Safety as my minor because if I ever lose my medical, I can go to work as an accident investigator. (They are required to be multi/commercial pilots with at least 1,000 hours & 300 ME.)
The only reason I did Pro Aero is that I didn't have any other idea of what to take at the time. All my eggs are (almost) in one basket. Luckily, during my forst furlough of 2 years, I had a job to fall back on as my 'pilot degree' wouldn't have gotten me far.

"And finally, What is Aviation Management?"
A generic catch-all degree for those hoping to land a non-flying, upper level position with an airline, airport or other operator. Check the ERAU catalog for some really good descriptions of their degree. As I didn't take any Av Mgmt classes there, I can't elaborate much more on that.

"I've seen some information on co-op's with NASA, do you know anything about these? "
No, I do not.

"...what kind of flying jobs there are that can make you a decent living?"
Starting out? Not very many. In all reality it will take a few years to earn a liveable wage as a pilot. (Do you consider less than $25K liveable?) Regional airline pilots are notoriously underpaid for their first few years in the business. Once you have some experience, you will move up on the pay scale or it will be easier to find a job that will pay $35-50K, but until you get that, the options will be slim and not very high earning.

Go to http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com and do a bit of research on airline pay. My flight training & careers site also explains pay calculation and what to expect-
http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html

Let me know if you have any further needs. Hope this can help.

Dottie


The Jetcareers link above has many other tings on their site that you should check out. I think it will help you out with  some decisions. They also have message boards.