Expert: David A. NewMyer - 1/30/2005

Question
I was wondering what the best degree and program that will help me become a fighter pilot. Also what are some of the best aviation collegs. One more thing what are some good aviation scholarships. Thanks for reading my question, and have a good day.

Answer
Hi, Jake:

Nice to hear from you!  I will try to assist.

As far as being a fighter pilot, the best degree programs will depend a bit on what the military wants.  In general, they seem to like to hire engineers simply because they have had good luck getting engineering graduates through the aeronautical portions of the military flight training.  HOWEVER, any major can do well in military flight training.  Quite a number of graduates of aviation-related degree programs such as Aviation Flight or Aviation Technologies (Airframe and Power Plant) degrees also do well in military flight training.  One thing that I would look for if I were you would be an Air Force or Navy ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program on the college or university that you select for your degree.  Many times, the ROTC connection will give you a great chance at getting a military flight slot right out of college.  The only better chance for you might be through one of the military academies such as the Air Force Academy in Colorado or the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

As far as the best aviation colleges, your best bet would be to order a copy of THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE which is published by the University Aviation Association.  They can be contacted at uaa@auburn.edu or at (334) 844-2434 or on the web at www.uaa.aero   The cost of the publication is about $25.  As one way to guage the quality of flight programs, below is a list of the schools that do well in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association national flying competition held each year:

Embry Riddle Prescott
Western Michigan University
University of North Dakota
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Embry Riddle Daytona
Kansas State Univ--Salina
Purdue University
University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign
Parks College of St. Louis University
The Ohio State University

As far as good aviation scholarships, the University Aviation Association (contacts noted previously in this answer) also sells a UNIVERSITY AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP LISTING that lists about $1.4 million in aviation-related scholarships.  In addition to this source, check the following website for some good overall aviation-related financial aid and scholarship information:

www.AvScholars.com

I hope that you find this information of help.  Best wishes to you,

Sincerely,

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