Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/25/2004

Question
Hello. I am currently a freshman at middel tennessee state university and am thinking about majoring in aerospace administration because I lack the money for the pro pilot program. I want to eventually be a pilot of some kind, preferably smaller aircraft. I am just wondering how to get my start in aviation. Is a college degree useful,or would I be better off to go somewhere else and get hands on training?  I don't necessarily want to be an airline pilot, but something more flexible and fun like a bush pilot or corporate pilot. Is an associate's degree somewhere an option? If I do go for the degree, would aero administration be a good choice? Would a degree in geography or geology somehow plug into aviation? Flight training is another question? Any advice on where to go or how to fund it? Do you know how much it cost in all? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Josh

Answer
Hi, Josh:

Thanks for your questions, I will try to assist!

First of all, I understand about lacking the money for a pro pilot program.  But, please check the following sources of information on aviation scholarships and funding:

A.  This website is helpful:  www.avscholars.com

b.  This publication is helpful:  Collegiate Aviation Scholarship Listing.  It is avialable from the University Aviation Association for about $25.  They can be contacted at (334) 844-2434 or by emailing uaa@auburn.edu

With regard to the aero administration degree, yes, it will be helpful to you.  It will help you understand the breadth of the aviation career field as well as how the aviation industry works.  If your ultimate goal is employment somewhere in aviation, remember that there are about 2.2 million jobs in the aviation industry nationwide and only about 250,000 or so of them are pilot jobs.  Another 400,000 or so are aviation mechanic jobs...the rest do something else.  Also, there are various segments of the aviation industry within which to work such as aviation manufacturing, airlines, general aviation, airports, government aviation and so on.  Finally, the BS or BA degree will be helpful to you in an increasingly competitive aviation industry.  Without it, you will be at a competitive disadvantage if you only have an Associate degree.

As far as geology or geography, why take those subjects if you want aviation?  However, geography at some schools does offer a meterology option...in that case, there is a way to "plug into" aviation.  Otherwise, no.

As far as going into direct, hands-on, training as a pilot without a degree, you will still be at a competitive disadvantage later in your career.  It is worth it to stick it out now to get the BS or BA degree.  However, it you do decide to go to a flight school, make sure that you are selecting one that has a good reputation and has a good placement program.  They are all a bit different and it is good to compare two or three before you pick one.

I wish you the best in your search for an education option that is good for you.

Sincerely,

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