Scrapdog
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2006
- Posts
- 1,127
If you're an aspiring airline pilot, you'd be VERY foolish to ignore that high of a statistical probability that the degree makes a difference in getting the job.
Very well said Lear. Two points to consider that AC and Yip can't manage to grasp.
1. There is a reason why ALL the majors either require or "highly desire" 4 year degrees. They want someone who can be a leader with good cognitive skills. College is instrumental in building both of those traits. They don't want a lemming who can push buttons on the FMS and fly an ILS by ATP standards. A baboon in a pilot's uniform can do that. They want a guy in 10 years down the road will be a captain for them, and when the sh*t hits the fan or something nonstandard happens (emergency, medical issue, hijacking, etc...), that captain is quick on their feet and can think outside the box. College doesn't automatically do that for you, but it certainly helps whole heartedly in building those skill sets.
2. If you happen to get hurt and lose your medical, or if you have a life changing event where you can't fly anymore (and yes, we're all human), you're going to need that solid 4 year degree to get you competitive in today's world. Yeah, you can be a great instrument approach pilot and flip burgers after you lose your medical, or you can be a college grad, a leader, and if something tragic happens, be able to be a leader in the corporate field as well. And EVEN if it's been 20 years since graduating from college - THE COLLEGE DEGREE STILL HELPS!!!!!!!! (Yes Yip, that was aimed at you!)