Expert: D. Norkus - 9/17/2004

Question
hi, i am a 16 yr old grl that would love to be a pilot. i just want to know if you can tell me what is the number of GPA you have to get atleast to go to the university (aviation). THANK YOU  

Answer
I think you want to know about the grade point average one must have to get into an aviation university?

Like most universities, I would say that varies by the school as some are more competative to get into than others. The premier name schools, at least a B avg if not better most likely, while smaller schools may take a low C avg. To check out schools with aviation curriculums, visit the University Aviation Association website. They have a list of schools you can browse to request information:

http://uaa.auburn.edu/msie.htm

Even if you have bad grades in H.S., you can go to a 2 year college, bring up your GPA and then transfer to a 4 year school later- and at a great savings at that! Schools like Embry Riddle can cost upwards of $60,000 for your degree if you enroll as a freshman. That's a lot of money for a job that starts out at under $20,000.

Also, one does not need to go to an aviation university to become a pilot. A great many do not. I think their big appeal is that they offer classes in what aspiring pilots are interested most, so students chose to get their degree in aviation. However it's a popular opinion among many to NOT major in aviation. This industry is very cyclical, and as such furloughs happen every 10-15 years. If you are on the bottom of the employee list when that happens, then you may be out of a job for a while. In ths case having a degree in something other than aviation will be good to fall back on. (Post 9/11 thousands of pilots were laid off and have been out of work for 3 years).

Please visit my page about flight training (outside the university route) and pilot careers. There are numerous links that are very informative on the bottom-

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ/html

Dottie