Expert: D. Norkus - 12/24/2006

Question
I've been reading the information you have about becoming a pilot and I'm wondering what kind of degree would I need to get to become an airline pilot. So could you be more specific on what type of degree I would need to get in order to have a career in piloting?
Thanx

Answer
Amber

While many aspiring pilots do chose to get a degree in aviation, as that is their major interest, it is not necessary to be a pilot- airline or otherwise. I know many that have majored in business, communications, English and even history. You should take what interests you and in what subject you will get good grades. The airlines do not care where you got your degree or what subject it is in. They just want you to have one.

That said, there are a few regionals that have affiliations with some universities and interview their grads with reduced qualifications. However, attending these universities (like Embery-Riddle) may cost double what it will to get your B.S. elsewhere at Anyname University in any other major.  

Many also advise against getting an aviation degree. If you are ever furloughed (laid off) during the course of your career and majored in aviation you will have nothing to fall back on to find employment until you are recalled to flying.  An aviation degree is only meaningful in this industry.

Read more about the topic of degrees for pilots at Jetcareers.com-

http://www.jetcareers.com/content/view/22/44/

Hope that helps
Dottie

See my site for answers to more pilot FAQs
http://www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html