Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 6/9/2007

Question
Hi,
My niece who is in India,has just completed her 10 plus 2 in Commerce and would like to pursue a career as a pilot.

Since Math and Physics were not her subjects, she is finding it very difficult to get into an Indian aviation college.   We want her to do a degree in aviation and then go for pilot training.  We thought perhaps an online degree in Aviation would be a good alternate.  I know many Aviation colleges in the US have online degree programs.  Could you please advice..
1) If it is advisable for her to do an online degree.
2) If yes, what kind of degree do you think she should pursue in the aviation industry.
3)Could you please recommend few online colleges (USA only) with low tuition fee.
I would very much appreciate your help.  

Answer
1. There is a few dozen of colleges in USA that do have aviation degree subjects. The online program is really not bad deal, however I would suggest to take some classes in class environment, because it could be really difficult over Internet, like Math, Physics.
2. There is a few different ways that you can take an aviation college and few different degree specializations and degrees. For pilot purposes an standard aviation aeronautics program is usually recommended.
3. I do suggest Embry Riddle Aeronautical University ERAU because that is most famous aviation college in the world. www.erau.edu
However, this college is not cheap and it has moderate price list for classes, but it is very well known in USA and the world.

Good Luck
Ismar