What should I do?

[socal_pilot]

Ok so i just landed a job flying a 182 and a 210 full time flying about 6-7 hours a day. my question is, i finish my 2 year degree next dec and im not sure if i should start working a my 4 year. i want to fly for a regional and i figure once i get on hopefully next summer ill have more time so i can go to erua online or something, any suggestions. thanks

 

[PBRstreetgang]

Take the job, finish the degree in anything but aviation, underwater basket weaving would be preferred over aviation. Fly and get your jones in, and alternate degree will give you a different path to go when you decide you hate the airline business. And you will, like most here will attest.
PBR

 

[35off]

degree

get a 4 yr degree. It is required at some majors and even if it is not, believe me the guy with your same hours and experience but has a 4 yr degree will get the job before you. Also I would suggest a real degree, this will also give you an edge. Definetely make sure it is a legit accredited university. I know a guy who got a job offer by southwest, but was later told no thanks because he went to an unacredited college.

 

[regionaltard]

Ok so i just landed a job flying a 182 and a 210 full time flying about 6-7 hours a day.

I think that Skybus will probably hire you if you can convince them that you're not just doing it for the type rating.

 

[ASAFOE120]

I would say get on with a regional as soon as possible to start building seniority. Do your research though and shoot for a regional thats headed in the right direction. The ones that you dont see their pilots on here griping are good ones to look at first.

As far as the degree goes, most major universities offer online degrees now. In Texas where I live, Texas Tech, UT, UTA are just a few that I know for sure offer online degrees. There are probably some in your state as well. Just get the degree and be sure its in something other than aviation.

Just my $.02

 

[lear24]

I say it depends some on what your degree is in. Leaving it behind now and trying to finish it later or online might be very cumbersome for a challenging course of study. The longer you're away from it, the more you forget. If your degree is in basketweaving, probably no trouble picking it up later or online. If your degree is to be in electrical engineering, you might want to wrap that up before you undertake anything else.

 

[andym037]

My advice would be to get the degree. No, you do not need it for a regional job, and I doubt if most regionals even care if you have a degree. The reasons I'd advocate getting the degree are as follows: 1.) To have a "plan B" if for whatever reason flying doesn't work out... i.e., What if you lose your medical? What if you get get furloughed/laid off/fired, or just decide you don't care for it. (on this note, I'd strongly advise getting a non-aviation degree). 2.) The Majors still do require a 4 yr degree. 3.) Once you start flying for a regional, it will become difficult to impossible (due to the irregular schedules) to obtain a degree. So, in short: get the degree now. The regionals aren't likely to stop hiring anytime soon, and you'll have the degree for life.

 

[relief tube]

aim to eventually get a real non-aviation degree...and as for the job, don't get on with mesa, gojet, or pinnacle. Hold out for some place you'll be able to half-enjoy.

 

[wahoo250]

My two sence is that if you want to be an airline pilot get a different degree. If you want to work in the aviation field get a degree related to aviation. There is a lot more to do in aviation besides fly. I know a few people with the same degree as me in aviation that are making a lot more money than people with an engineering degree are. You can always get a degree in aviation and get a masters in business. BTW all of them are close to 100K at the age of 27...thats not that bad. Its all a matter of how you use the degree that you get and your personal skills.

 

[$$$4nothin]

If you are flying a 182 and 210 you are most likely at a drop zone. My advice is to get them to throw in an AFF liscence also. Its expensive if you have to pay for it yourself.

 

[rogerwilcoout]

My two sence is that if you want to be an airline pilot get a different degree. If you want to work in the aviation field get a degree related to aviation. There is a lot more to do in aviation besides fly. I know a few people with the same degree as me in aviation that are making a lot more money than people with an engineering degree are. You can always get a degree in aviation and get a masters in business. BTW all of them are close to 100K at the age of 27...thats not that bad. Its all a matter of how you use the degree that you get and your personal skills.

Your two sence, huh? Hmmmmmm

 

[Quack]

GET THE DEGREE...hands down!!!!

 

[Goose Egg]

A degree in anything would be good, even one in aviation. Whatever you do, make sure it's in a subject area that you can enjoy. I'm actually pretty pleased with how things have worked out for me so far; if it weren't for my BS in aviation, I wouldn't know that I wanted to get a MS in an field that somewhat relates to an aviation topic (wx).

People have mentioned that seniority is of prime importance. I would agree, but only to a limited extent. Seniority is everything only to the point that your company stays in business or you can deal with the airline lifestyle or if you have a high enough number to avoid a furlough. Otherwise, I think it's pretty much useless. If the above conditions are met, then it could be good, but I think it's important to mention that there are more than a couple scenarios where it wouldn't mean a whole lot.

I'm not sure what the regionals are wanting as far as a degree right now. They all list a 4-year as being "preferred," but they also list 1000/100 and we know that only a couple of them are holding to that.

Anyway, hope that helps.

-Goose

 

[Goose Egg]

ERAU online would be good. That way you could still build flight time while you are finishing your degree, and you could do a masters or a 2nd BS in something more "meaningful" down the road if you desired.

-Goose