Good Morning everyone. I graduated High School this week and I am on track to go to an amazing school in D.C … for International Relations. I wanted to go to Embry Riddle but the 4 year cost made that impossible. I was wondering if ATP was a feasible option, and if I completed the ATP program, would I even need a 4 year degree to join the industry. I speak 3 languages and my goal is to fly for a European. Airline. All help is welcome, I am totally lost, and one month to go before I make a financial commitment.
Brian,
I’m jealous you speak so many languages!
Most of us agree ERAU is too much money.
You need an EASA license for EU airlines I believe (ATP is FAA).
FAA to EASA conversion is a pain in the butt I hear. Prob better to get EASA in EU or at a school here that does it. There are a few.
Lufthansa I believe you need to speak German.
I believe most EU require 4yr degree.
Can’t fly for US airline until 21.
So I’d advise staying in school and finish the degree. Research what flight training you should do for after graduating.
Chris F
Brian,
Welcome to the forum. A few things here:
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Are you a European citizen? If not, it is very difficult to get a job with the European airlines. They have very strict visa requirements and their training requirements are very different. If you can become an EU citizen, I would recommend doing your flight training in Europe as what you will do here will not meet their requirements. To put it in perspective, I have never met a US citizen pilot who has flown for a European airline.
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If you do decide to go to the US route, you will need a college degree if you want to work for the legacy major airlines. The regionals do not require a degree and the national airlines, like Spirit and Frontier prefer one, but do not require it.
Please check out the FAQ section as there is a ton of great information there that will really help start you downtime right path to becoming a pilot.
Of course, feel free to ask us questions as you have them.
Chris
Brian,
The others have answered your questions well. My question for you is why do you want to fly for a foreign carrier? US pilots get paid better and have far better work rules (which is why from time to time you hear of European pilots going on strike vs here). If your goal is to fly worldwide you certainly can do that if you fly for a Legacy carrier.
I would suggest you think about completing your education at the DC school you mention. Getting your degree there and then doing your flight training with ATP. It’s a very efficient route and it gives you a firm back up should aviation not work out.
Finally if you do have some EU citizenship and you want to fly. Many of the EU carriers have cadet programs for young people. You should contact some for more info.
Adam