What Universitys Are Good for Future Pilots?? - Merged

[bobbysamd]

Got another pigeon for ya, Yip

I am Currently 14 and I am working on my PPL and from there I will go for my other ratings. But I am starting to think about what university I will attend. I know to get a Commercial Airline Pilot Job, You have to have a 4 year degree.

(d@mn straight!)

So could anybody give me some ideas on which universitys that would be good for me.

You are smart to realize the importance of the degree. There is one member of this forum, who hires on-demand freight pilots, who insists a college degree is unnecessary for a successful aviation career. Unnecessary? Perhaps, but extremely doubtful because you'll do better with it than without. Don't let anyone talk you out of going to college.

There are plenty of four-year schools you can consider. A lot depends on what you can afford and how far you want to travel from home. I know Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University well, having flight instructed there. It has campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona. It has an excellent - and expensive and sometimes frustrating - Aeronautical Sciences program. One of Riddle's primary rivals, University of North Dakota, has an excellent program. You can't go wrong by going to Purdue.

There are many good two-year aviation programs. You could earn your ratings and two-year degree, transfer to a four-year school and earn that degree in something other than aviation, and, all the while, flight instruct part-time. In so doing, you will have covered all the bases, especially the one where an aviation-only degree is not recommended, and have built some time by graduation.

Once more, don't let anyone talk you out of going to college. Good luck with your plans.

 

[Carmelo_15]

Yeah, I think I will get my ratings outside of school. Then get a non-avation 4 year degree at Purdue. Do any of you people fly for a regional or a major airline and can give me more advice.

Thanks

 

[flyer172r]

Yeah, I think I will get my ratings outside of school. Then get a non-avation 4 year degree at Purdue. Do any of you people fly for a regional or a major airline and can give me more advice.

Thanks

I'm finishing up at Purdue now, it's a great school. PM me if you want more details or have specific questions.

 

[ParrotheadPilot]

I go to Purdue also...3 semesters left. PM me also for any info or questions.

 

[Thedude]

Dont go to Riddle ( I am a Riddle grad, '93) or any of the other flight university. Don't even do a Tech Univ if you can help it. Go to a school like Perdue or Auburn, one that is a traditional college. You want the diversity because you will get fed up by thinking about and being around airplanes all the time. And the prescens of women really helps too. When I started at Riddle the ratio was 13:1 (that would be guys:girls) and of course we knew the first and last name of every female on campus.

 

[pilotyip]

College Degree not required

A college degree has nothing to do with flying an airplane. If you are intent on going to college get a real degree that has a market value outside the cockpit. I.e. Engineering, Sciences, Math, Accounting, etc.

 

[pilotyip]

A college degree has nothing to do with flying an airplane. If you are intent on going to college get a real degree that has a market value outside the cockpit. I.e. Engineering, Sciences, Math, Accounting, etc.

 

[FN FAL]

A college degree has nothing to do with flying an airplane. If you are intent on going to college get a real degree that has a market value outside the cockpit. I.e. Engineering, Sciences, Math, Accounting, etc.

I was thinking about getting my degree in Phrenology...it has applications both in and out of aviation. With the 2007 hiring binge coming up, I'd be a "shoe in" at some airline's Human Resources department.

 

[JonJohn82]

The University of Oklahoma is an excellent school. Extremely competitive prices!

 

[Goose Egg]

what about non-mormans like me...is it only a morman school.

No, that's why they call it Utah State University. Anyway, spell it right; mormon.

Mogus:

Go Aggies! I went there for a couple years, but ended up getting my aviation degree at another state institution further to the south (with a program bigger than yours!) In fact, I think I'm still on academic probation in the College of Business at USU. Accounting and crazy girls with issues will do that to you. Some great mt. biking in Logan Canyon though. Should have spent less time doing that instead of studying.

FN FAL:

Good one! I actually had to look that up. Funny, funny.

All:

In regards to the original question of which college to attend, the correct answer would be any, and that goes for degree programs as well. You'll probably save quite a bit of $$ by sticking with the state-run institutions, especially if you are a resident. That's what I did, and I'd do the same again. ERAU is cool, but it is very expensive, and in the end, you won't end up any better off than anyone else.

-Goose

 

[TrafficInSight]

Myself and Vnugget go to San Jose State in San Jose California. I'd be hard pressed to suggest it right now, however, as the department is in a lurch. We, the students, are trying our best to set the school straight but we're dealing with the entire Cal State system and it hasn't been easy. You can PM me for more info if you really want to know the whole story.

California also has some wacky law that means state schools can't have actual flight programs so all of your flying has to be done outside of school... which means it's cheaper generally so it's not such a bad thing except that your financial aid only covers it if you stretch it to cover it.

 

[typhoonpilot]

Go Spartans !!!

If you are in California then you should take a serious look at SJSU's Aviation program. They have a couple of options based on your area of preference; be it operations, maintenance, or management. I found it to be a decent base from which to begin a career as a pilot. The lack of school sponsored flight training is actually an opportunity. If you go there as a CFI then it is relatively easy to pick up students.

The advice to get a degree in something other than aviation has merit as well, but you need to be interested in the subject. College is hard enough to finish when you are studying something you like, let alone when you are studying something you don't have any interest in.

Typhoonpilot

 

[DGdaPilot]

Well since you're so young, about the time you'll get into college, Southern Illinois University should have it's new Transportation Education Center open. It really seems like it'll be a work of art. New buildings, sim rooms, 757 hangar...some cool stuff. I'll be graduating from SIU this May. I've instructed here for nearly 2 years now, so I know the program in and out. I've enjoyed every minute of it. Visit a bunch of schools and see what feels right. Get opinions from different people, but take it with a grain of salt. There are always a bunch of disgruntled people in the crowd.
Later

 

[ERAUBrat3]

I am Currently 14 and I am working on my PPL and from there I will go for my other ratings. But I am starting to think about what university I will attend. I know to get a Commercial Airline Pilot Job, You have to have a 4 year degree. So could anybody give me some ideas on which universitys that would be good for me.

Thanks

Hey buddy,

I know a lot of people on here don't like Embry-Riddle, but I'm attending the Prescott campus and am pretty happy with my decision (regardless as to whether or not I'm paying a LOT for it). Some may say that a degree is not necessary and that's true, but why rob yourself of furthering education? The program I'm in right now is pretty sweet. I'd suggest you go into it if you choose Embry-Riddle...it's called the Aeronautical Studies Program (ASP for short). You fulfill your basic requirements for a degree plus you choose 3 minors that are 15-18 credits...right now my minors are aeronautical science, aviation safety, and meteorology.

Aeronautical Studies courses include things like aerodynamics, turbine engines, airline operations...basically aviation-specific classes in science, management, etc.

Aviation Safety is a big interest of mine...some classes include safety program management and crash investigation.

Meteorology focuses on burning a hole in your brain for weather and related info. Right now I'm taking thunderstorms which is an entire semester on the development and forecasting of thunderstorms. There's also radar/satellite interpretation and weather available for air crews.

The way I see it, this program will suit me best. Flight training isn't done through Embry-Riddle for this major and it is a 4 year degree. Since flight training isn't done through Riddle, you can get it cheaper at some other place plus you have more free time. I'm taking it because if something were to happen to me and I couldn't continue as an airline pilot, I would have multiple doors still open to me rather than if I came out with ONLY a degree in Aeronautical Science.

Good luck!

 

[bobbysamd]

A college degree has nothing to do with flying an airplane. If you are intent on going to college get a real degree that has a market value outside the cockpit. I.e. Engineering, Sciences, Math, Accounting, etc.

At least Yip isn't altogether discouraging you from going to college in favor of flying.

Any college degree, as long as it is from an accredited college, has value. It lets you apply for any job in any field which requires or prefers <a college degree.>

 

[jppt2000]

If going to a "major" is your goal, I would put the degree on hold, get your ratings ASAP, possibly at ALL ATPS, Gulfstream, DAL Connection Academy.
After getting on with a 'regional", and getting the all important seniority number, you'll have plenty of time to get an online degree.
I flew at ASA about seven years ago, a guy was hired at age 21, had 1.5 years of college. I would guess he is now in the upper 25 percent of seniority list, and enjoying all the benefits of a good seniority number.

It takes alot of dedication but a regional,is probably where you'll be headed for a while.
By the time you have a degree, you'll have the experience to move "up" to a major.

 

[pilotyip]

I have never encouraged a person not to go to college. I have only said you can succeed as pilot without a 4-yr degree.

 

[TonyC]

I have never encouraged a person not to go to college. I have only said you can succeed as pilot without a 4-yr degree.

I can give you examples of pilots hired at FedEx without ATPs, but I wouldn't recommend anyone try that.

 

[DirtyBeech]

if you're down in the deep south then louisiana tech's got a pretty good program. new aircraft, buildings etc.... you get out of it what you put in, but isn't that the case with all training. oh, and you will have PLENTY of time to study in scenic ruston.

 

[bobbysamd]

I have never encouraged a person not to go to college. I have only said you can succeed as pilot without a 4-yr degree.

You have written many times, Yip, if one wants to fly airplanes that one should fly airplanes. You have written that "TJPIC" gets one the job. You have stated that going to college delays the obtaining of "TJPIC" and that putting off college in favor of obtaining "TJPIC" early is your recommended career path. And, yes, you have said that one can succeed without a four-year degree.

In making these statements, your subliminal message, to young people, especially, is clear. Your message is college is unnecessary. There is no other conclusion to be drawn. Although you suggest earning an online degree, for most people that becomes increasingly difficult with age and added family and professional responsibilities. Meaning, it becomes less likely that someone will go back to college as he/she gets older. Although you don't come right out and say it, you are discouraging people not to go to college. To discourage anyone from going to college, under any circumstances, is wrong and irresponsible.