Expert: D. Norkus - 7/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: If you want to be a pilot, what subjects are necessary?
What subjects to I have to take?

ANSWER: Ally

In school or college, there are no required subjects or classes one must take to become a professional pilot. All the subject matter you will need to know will pertaining to flying be covered in your ground school classes or one on one with your flight instructor while taking your flight training.

Some say that you should focus on math, physics and advanced science but that simply isn't true. The most complicated math we ever use in the cockpit is far less complicated than the math that will be required to earn your degree! When I was a student, I wasn't a great in any of those subjects and I find that in my career I really don't need them.Most all calculations are computerized now anyway. If you really want to know the kind of math you will need, get a copy of Ronald McElroys book, "Mental Math for Pilots" at amazon.com as it covers all you will ever need.

When in college, you can major in any subject that interests you. Airlines don't really care what subject your degree is in- just hat you have one. For more on that topic, read this link about professional pilots and degrees-
http://www.jetcareers.com/content/view/22/44/

The site above also has lots of great career information.

Good Luck
Dottie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Could you please recommend any good aviation Universities in the U.S. or in England. Thanks :)

Answer
Ally,

There are many good universities that offer aviation degrees in the United States. I cannot advise on any in the UK.

In the USA, there are more than 150 schools to chose from. There are big name schools like Embry Riddle Aeronautical or University of North Dakota/UND ($80-100K USD for a bachelors degree plus flight training!) as well as smaller universities or colleges with a more intimate setting like Daniel Webster in New Hampshire or Mount San Antonio College/MSAC in Southern California. The "best" for you can only be determined by your budget and your personal preference. I have known people who went to ERAU and were happy to pay big dollars to have their degree with their name on it- and its implied reputation- as they are probably the best known of the 'Big Av Universities'. I have also known students who left after a year or two and those who graduated from ERAU and wished they had gone elsewhere. So, the "best" school for you may not be the best for someone else, regardless of their reputation.

You can find a directory of U.S. aviation colleges and universities here- http://www.uaa.aero

The forums at http://forums.jetcareers.com have a collegiate aviation section and you will find lots of info there.

All aviation colleges/universities will get you to the same end: a degree with your pilots certificates and ratings. In the end, U.S. airlines do not care about the name of the school but only that you have your degree. This is why I previously mentioned that having an aeronautical degree is not necessary to become a pilot. You can major in aviation if you like but it is certainly not required. In fact, if you are ever laid off as an airline pilot or lose your medical certification to fly, you will need to have a non-aviation degree to fall back on so you can find work. Don't go to an aviation university just because you think it will help you land a job. You can major in anything and still get your certificates and ratings outside a collegiate  aviation program. So, bottom line is study what you are interested in!

Re: England
Since you also asked about schools in the UK, I am wondering if you are British. If that IS the case, it will affect your answer greatly! The flight training environment and airline hiring requirements are a bit different between the USA and elsewhere.

If you are a foreign national wanting to come to the USA for flight training (degree aside), you will be subject to what is called the "Alien Flight Training Rule"/AFTR. After a background check, you will only be allowed to attend certain schools that are approved by the Transportation Security Administration to admit non US citizens. To find out about the AFTR and the approved schools, visit- http://www.flightschoolcandidates.gov

It should be noted that many airlines outside of the USA do NOT require any formal degree but place pilots via hiring specialized flight training schemes. If you are an aspiring BRITISH pilot, you should visit these links:

http://www.pprune.org & http://www.oxfordaviation.net

Hope this helps,
Dottie