Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/15/2006

Question
I am 15 and want to know to go about starting a career as a commercial pilot.
Could you please recomend me the best way to achcieve this whether it be through University or trying to get a scholarship. Can you also please give me the appropriate details on this career i.e. the tests and certificates i would need.
Many Thanks

Answer
Hi, Michael:

Nice to hear from you, I will try to assist!

I work for a university aviation program, so, I am biased in that I think it is important to have BOTH aviation certification and training and to do so via a university aviation degree program.  As to which university to select, there is an excellent guide that lists most aviation university and college programs entitled the COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE.  It is available from the University Aviation Association at uaa@auburn.edu or at www.uaa.aero and the cost is about $25.  Their phone number is 334-844-2434 if you wish to call to order.  They also have a publication called THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP LISTING that costs about $15, if you wish to order that, too.

As for what you would need, you will need the right mix of CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.

CERTIFICATION:  the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot certificate to start; Then, the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings; Finally, the Flight Instructor (Airplane) Certificate to teach others to fly and to build flight time and experience while you do it.

EDUCATION:  In order to fly for most larger airlines, a bachelor's degree is a key credential to have.  Given that it is alos important to have certification, too, why not combine the certification classes with your bachelor's degree curriculum in order to "kill two birds with one stone" as they say?

EXPERIENCE:  In order to transition to the commercial aviation industry as a pilot, it is recommended that you select a school that offers at least one of the following:

Turbine transition training in a simulator or flight training device (FTD)

Multi Engine Time building options

Flight operations intern programs with airlines

A "bridge program" (hiring program) to an airline

The university I work for, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, offers all of the above.  Some universities offer all or at least one of the above.  As I indicated above, collect the appropriate information on each university aviation degree program in which you are interested to find out what each offers.

I hope that this answer helps.  Email in another question via AllExperts.com if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

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