Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/12/2007

Question
hey agian! the last info you gave me helped a lot and i wanted to thank you a
lot... i just have on more thing to ask, do you know how long i would have to be
in school just to be a pilot?

Answer
Hi, Brittany:

To become a professional pilot, one has to go to school (depending on the type of school) from one to four years.  One year if it is a purely technical, flight training school (not a college) OR it will be two to four years at a community college or four year university.  I would recommend a four year university only because your overall income will be better if you get a four year degree THAT INCLUDES AVIATION and then search for a professional pilot position.  There are a number of four year schools that offer aviation flight degrees and they are listed in the COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE that is available from the University Aviation Association at 334-844-2434 or by emailing them at their website at www.uaa.aero

Some of the schools that offer aviation are:

My School, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Purdue University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Parks College of St. Louis University
Ohio State University
Kansas State University

Best wishes,

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