Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/25/2005

Question
Hello, I am seeking a career in aviation. I don't really know the path I want to persue but I have always wanted to be a charter pilot. I love aviation and currently fly precision and (3D) aerobatics with giant scale R/C planes. I am currently employed as a desktop support technician for a local computer company. I enjoy computers but aviation is my passion. The problem I am having is finding out where to start, I have no college degree or courses and no flight hours built up. Most jobs I have found in aviation require some sort of previous experience. What should I do?  

Answer
Hi, Anthony:

Thanks for your questions, I will try to assist!

There are a number of things you can do to find out how much you really like aviation, but, the very first thing that you can do is this:  Go to this website:

www.beapilot.com  

And, you can download a certificate for a low cost introductory flight.  This website will also list local flight schools where you can learn to fly and also where you can take your introductory flight.

You can also go to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association website at www.aopa.org or www.learntofly.com to get more information on what you need to know to learn how to fly.

In general, there are three key steps to an aviation career:

Obtain Certification to fly, starting with your Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Certificate.

Obtain a BS or BA degree---this can be a degree in aviation or not, but, if you earn a degree in aviation, then, you will be not only getting a college degree but also getting some of the certification and flight experience that you need to compete in the work world.

Obtain flight experience---the first flight job is usually as a flight instructor.  However, there are some aviation programs out there who prepare you to enter the advanced flight crew environment directly from training.

There are many ways that you can proceed to do the above steps.  There are aviation-oriented colleges and universities that offer you a way to do all three of the above steps in a four year degree.  There is a listing of such colleges and universities available from the University Aviation Association at www.uaa.aero    The listing is entitled the COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE.  The cost is around $25 to order it from them.

I hope that this answer is of assistance to you.  Best wishes and let me know if you have any additional, follow up questions.

Sincerely,

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