Expert: David A. NewMyer - 6/6/2007

Question
hi, ron
I am currently going into 10th grade and I’m starting to look at collages I would like to go to for aviation. I have been thinking about going to Western Michigan, but how good of a chance is it for me to become a commercial pilot after I graduate? Would I have a better chance of becoming a commercial pilot if I go learn privately? What do the big airlines look for in a pilot when they hire them? Around what would cost be for a beginner pilot to go through all the proper training?
thanks for your help.

Answer
HI,

Right now, the regional airlines (the smaller airlines such as Skywest, Comair, Mesaba, Skyways and American Eagle) are hiring a lot of pilots.  This is expected to continue for quite some time since the airline industry is growing substantially and the airlines will continue to need pilots to operate as they grow.  The one thing to keep in mind is that the very desirable airline pilot jobs are with the larger airlines such as American, UPS, FEDEX and Southwest.  They pay very well, on the order of $200,000 a year for a 20 year captain, or more. The largest of the regional airlines will pay close to $100,000 a year for a 20 year captain....still a good wage, but, not as much as the larger airlines.  So, your chances of finding a job are good.

As far as learning privately vs. going to an aviation college to learn to fly, I would definitely recommend the college route for you since you are young.  If you already had a college degree, it might be different, but, at your age, you need to get a college degree anyway and you might as well do it while you are learning to fly.  In general, larger airlines over the last five years tended to employ people with college degrees as pilots (90% of those hired by the larger airlines as airline pilots had college degrees).  So, increase your chances of being hired by the larger airlines:  Get a college degree.

Flying privately to learn to fly can also have its draw backs in terms of the consistency with which you are taught.  This does not mean that all private flight schools are bad or anything like that....but, you will tend to get a broader, aviation industry-oriented education at a college aviation program.

Airlines mainly look for a good personality and someone who is trainable when they hire a pilot....they are also looking for future leaders.  That is,  most airlines are hiring future captains (pilots who sit in the left seat of an airline aircraft are called captains and are in general charge of the flight)...therefore, they hire those who demonstrate that they can lead others.

Costs can vary widely for a four year college degree that includes aviation flight training:  Anywhere from $80,000+ on the low end to $140,000 on the high end for a four year degree that includes an FAA Private Pilot Certificate along with an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi Engine ratings.

I hope that this helps.

Best of luck to you.

Sincerely,

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