Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/14/2004

Question
Thank you Sir for your time and patience. Your help is certainly appreciated, I can not thank you more. From the e-mail, I gained very valuable pieces of information. I would like to clarify things at this instance so that I will be sure I am going on the right track.

The first thing that I can do is attend Cal State university and earn my BA in Aviation Management.
My questions are these.

After that, I will have to take additional courses related to flight itself, correct?

And I suppose this will take a few more years after the BA?
(After earning my BA, I suppose I will have to spend another 40-80 thousand just to become a pilot?)

And...BA in a topic such as Aviation Management will certainly help in the process of becomming a Pilot since before entering, a BA is needed, correct?

Are there other topics in which I can earn a BA, other than Aviation Management that will also work at the same qualification level?

Thank you for your time and patience. You are a great individual, helping many people and I really value and cherish your time.
-Take Care
George

Answer
Hi, George:

1.  Right, you will have to do additional work to earn your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private and Commercial Certificates with Instrument and Multi Engine Ratings.  This coursework does not have to be done via a university but can be done through one of the well known large FAR 141 Pilot schools such as Flight Safety Academy, Pan Am International Flight Academy, Sierra Academy or Southeastern Flight Academy.  Or, you can do it at a local flight training company near you.

2.  A pilot school can you get you through you basic ratings in a year, sometimes less....and, if they do that in residence, yes, you will pay at least $40,000 or more to do so.  But, for the speed and the general quality (airline related training in some cases) and due to the placement into a job from the larger schools, it might be worth it to you.  Check out these special features as you talk to each alternative school and see which one has features that best fit your needs.  And, do not buy sight unseen....go visit each school and keep good notes on common points (key things you are looking for) so that you can make an intelligent decision on where to go to learn to fly.

3.  A BA is needed ultimately to compete in the job market....90% of those hired as pilots at major airlines have the BS or BA degree.  A BS or BA degree may not be required for lesser flying jobs.  But, the ultimate jobs with good pay will, more and more, require the BS or BA.

4.  I think that a BA or BS in any subject is of assistance.  The advantage of an Aviation Management degree is that you will learn about the business side of the aviation business, which no other program will formally teach you.  If, for example, you earn a degree in business, it will be generic degree....which is fine but will not customize your knowledge for you as an Aviation Management degree would.  I guess my advice would be to get a BS or BA degree in what you are most interested in getting.....the key thing is to make it through and I believe you will have a better chance of success if you are interested in the subject matter.  If that is Aviation Management, then, great.  If not, then, choose something closer to your interests.

I hope that these answers are of assistance.

Best wishes,

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