Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/30/2004

Question
Hello,

I am currently active duty Air Force. I have been a firefighter for 10 years on active duty now and have finally decided to get my degree and gear myself for my childhood dream to fly. After reviewing degree programs, I found that with my odd schedule at work that UVSC seems to offer the best curriculum for an Aviation Science Degree. Is this the right choice? My ultimate goal is to fly for a living after my retirement (39 yrs old). Also, after I have my licenses and ratings, what would be the best way to achieve flight hours. I was thinking that Civil Air Patrol would be the best. I will still have 7 years left in the Air Force and I luckily work 24 hours on / 24 hours off. Thanks for your help, I am just hoping I can achieve this.

Answer
Hi, Christopher:

Nice to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

As far as recommending a particular program, that is not something I do via AllExperts.com since I work for a postsecondary aviation degree program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and it would, in my view, be a conflict of interest for me to recommend any program over another (people would accuse me of a conflict if I ever recommended SIUC).  What I would say to is that, if you have examined all of your options and the program at Utah Valley State College is the best for you, then, you have made your choice based on criteria that I would not know about...and, that is your choice.  Generally, UVSC is known for being a big on-line program provider (especially for ground schools related to flight certification) but is not necessarily known that well outside that circle.  So, I can not comment on their aviation flight program quality or placement since I simply do not know.  I was not clear from your question where you intend to actually gain your initial flight training and certification.....locally where you are?  If you are in Utah, I think that Utah State at Logan has a very good flight program and Embry Riddle might be on base at the USAF base at Ogden with a BS degree (but not with flight training) that would give credit for earned flight certification.

However, if you still wish to examine other program alternatives, consider the following:

1.  There is a national list of college and university aviation degree programs available from the University Aviation Association entitled THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE.  They also have a COLLEGIATE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP LISTING available with considerable scholarship listings for those affiliated with the military.  Either or both documents are available from UAA by emailing them at uaa@auburn.edu or by calling (334) 844-2434.  They take credit cards for phone or email orders.

2.  Consider Embry Riddle Aero Univ....they frequently offer aviation degree programs on USAF bases around the nation.  Check with the base education office to see if they are located on your particular base.

As far as building flight hours, there might be a flying club aboard your USAF base.  If there is, that is an excellent way to build flight time and, sometimes, even earn basic licenses.

I wish you the best in the pursuit of your dream.  Let me know if I can assist further.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu