Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/11/2003

Question
Hi David,

Was wondering what you would recommend: Flight school first (fast track to CFI), or would you try to combine college AND flying, and stretch it out over a longer period?  I have about a year in college already, and am thinking about returning soon.  Would like one day to be a Professional Pilot.  I already have my Private  Pilot Certificate.

Thanks, Ryan

Answer
Hi, Ryan:

Thanks for your question.  I will try to assist!

Since you mention that you are planning to come back to college soon, I would recommend the college route.  No matter what, you will need a college degree to compete for the best flying jobs in the future....whether they are with airlines, corporate flight departments, or with the military (definitely in the military).  I would select a college program that will get as much of your flying done as possible in the first two years and then allow you to get a CFI and then teach for your last year.  That way, you can build flight time while still in college.  Also, select a university that has excellent industry placement connections via a direct hire or flight operations intern program, or both.  My university (Southern Illinois University Carbondale), for example, offers internship connections to American Trans Air, Chicago Express, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines and UPS Airlines (as well as Delta and United but those two have suspended their intern programs for now).  Students work at each of those airlines for a semester (unpaid at all but UPS and Delta) in return for the chance to come back and interview for a full time flight job later when they are qualified.  Chicago Express has taken about 2/3 of interns almost right after the internship to fly there...it has worked out very well for our students.  Purdue University has a direct hire option with Chataqua Airlines and Embry Riddle works with Atlantic Coast Airlines for internships.  So, depending on which university you contact, you will have different options to work with for placement.

The option to go to Comair Academy, Flight Safety Academy, Gulfstream Academy or some other similar, well-known academy with FAR 141 training and great placement is also a good option AFTER you have your degree done.  You can do an accelerated degree first, or even an on-line degree, but, make sure it gets done.  If you go to a flight academy before your degree is done, and then get "on a roll" and finish flying and get hired, it may be difficult to go back to school.  And, the lack of a degree may limit your career choices later...get it all done and out of the way so that you do not have to go to school while trying to fly for a living (that is tough enough as it is, plus, it is the type of career where you will be moving around a bit to "move up" on your career ladder).

The major steps ahead of you are:

1.  A BS or BA degree

2.  Certification and ratings

3.  Flight Experience, including:

A.  Quantity:  Total Pilot in Command (PIC) flight time....3500 to 4000 hours PIC is a good number to provide a good career choice

B.  Quality:  Building up to 500 to 1000 hours of PIC turbine time (minimum) in order to get the very best civilian jobs

4.  Life experience...comes with age!

Good luck and stick with doing what you really love to do.  If you do that, all else will fall into place.

Best regards,

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