Matt,
While I’m not always right I am often enough 
Adam
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Thanks again, you guys. I will definitely keep you posted if and when any big decisions are made, and will certainly be lurking around here soaking up knowledge.
Hello!
I have just chimed in to this forum after a few weeks of navigating the options for future pilots/careers. I am 37 and just now deciding to seriously consider perusing a career as a pilot. I grew up in AK, flying as a passenger on various “bush” planes since the age of 3. I’ve always imagined the career but ultimately I fell into banking which is not a true passion for me nor did I truly enjoy it.
I have another 25 years (God willing) to devote myself to a career I can love and be proud of. I’d like to get myself there without hesitating any further. My goal, fly for a regional airline, move up to majors.
My questions, to start, should I obtain an associates degree in something like “general studies” prior to starting a pilot training program, then while instructing/building hrs, persue a bachelors (to fulfill the majors requirement on education)?
My idea, thus far, is to obtain my PPL here locally (I have recently relocated to VA) and while doing that, also obtain my associates in a field that allows various opportunities should the pilot career not work out. From what I am reading, ATP requires an associates degree as an admission requirement (unless previous related experience). As I have only been a passenger and never worked in a related aviation field, it’s safe to say I have no experience.
Would you recommend ATP from zero to flying or obtain my PPL, then on to ATP? Does ATP make exceptions for the lack of associates/experience in order to enroll in their program?
ATP seems to be a highly respected and reputable program with ties to the regionals that may be harder to come by if NOT in the ATP program. Is this fair to say?
I imagine I have missed quite a bit in terms of the step by step process, which is why I am looking for advise. In order for me to achieve my goals as quickly and realistic as possible, I’d like to hear from you on what you would most recommend. Thank you in advance!
Kind Regards,
Autumn
Hi autumn!
I just joined this site and started this thread the other night, and asked tons of questions, and everybody here is super helpful, and I’m sure you’re going to get a lot of replies, but if you check the FAQs, I think a lot of your questions are answered in there! I must admit, I dove right in and asked a bunch of questions, which were graciously answered, and then last night realized that most of them are discussed already in the FAQ section! I’m sure all the helpful people here Are you going to answer you regardless, but check it out if you are looking for some quick answers.
I am very new to this site, and certainly not trying to take on any sort of “enforce the rules role” here, just wanted to let you know that there might be a faster way to get some of what you’re looking for, Which I myself also had not discovered at first 
Matt
Thank you kindly Matt, I’m browsing the FAQs
I do see that many pilots with ATP obtained their PPL before beginning with ATP so that’s helpful. I haven’t been able to find whether the associates/work experience is required for admission. I have read elsewhere that it is, but I’m looking for a bit more difinitive type answer.
I’ll keep looking! Thanks again
Autumn,
So, there’s one thing I want to clear up. ATP requires a 2 year degree OR 2 years of work experience (in any field). Your work experience will suffice.
As for the degree, at your age I would recommend starting flight training ASAP and putting the degree off until you are at a regional. There simply isn’t enough time during flight school or as an instructor to do both.
As for obtaining a PPL prior to starting a full time program, like ATP, I would only do that if you’re not sure if aviation is a good fit for you. Otherwise, it’s best to start and end with the same program from zero.
Tory
Autumn,
You either need to have an associates degree, or two years of work experience to join the program.
In your particular case, being 37, I would recommend obtaining all of your licenses and getting hired by a regional first, then work on your degree. You can likely find a school that will give you credit for your flight training, which should really help towards getting a degree.
Seniority is everything in this industry, the sooner you start flying airplanes, the sooner you can make it to your goal of being at a major.
Chris
Chris,
Thank you for your reply. I’ve seen a mix on this subject. Is it possible ATP would accept me in the program without an associates degree if I have my PPL? I have (had) college credits (no degree) from attending a university nearly 20 years ago but unfortunately that is essentially null. I do have many years work experience, but nothing in the airline/avionics industry.
My goal, obviously, is to make it to regionals as quickly and efficiently as possible. If I must have an associates in order to attend ATP, it looks as if that is my only option (obtain an associates) before being accepted to ATP. Correct?
My attraction to ATP is the link between them and regional airlines and the reputable curriculum. I imagine I would be able to obtain my licenses outside of ATP, however their reputation alone is difficult to ignore.
Autumn
Hi Tory,
Any work experience will suffice? If this is the case, I will sigh a great relief. I was beginning to think I needed to obtain an associates before attending ATP, in particular. My hope was to obtain a bachelors while flying with regionals in order to advance respectively so this is promising.
Having a PPL will also meet the entry requirements.
Hi Chris,
Thank you. It seems any work experience will be sufficient for the ATP requirements, specifically, my 17 years in the workforce would be acceptable, which is a huge relief. I appreciate you clarifying!
Autumn,
It seems like you and I found this place at just about the same time in very similar situations. I can’t say enough about how helpful and encouraging everyone I have a met here so far has been. Who knows, perhaps someday you will be the captain and I will be the FO in an RJ, Pursuing our degrees, while our pilot mentors are looking at us from the cockpit of their heavies thinking “Better get off that taxiway before I run you over like a squirrel!”
I hesitate even to make a lighthearted and hopefully harmless joke about a runway incursion, however, when I stand near a regional jet, they always strike me as so big and impressive, but then when I see them rolling past a heavy at a major airport, all I can think of is “wow, they are so little!”
Autumn,
That is correct. Your work experience will suffice. Also, as Chris pointed out, so will a PPL.
Tory
I remember one of my first flight on the Embraer 145. I felt like I was king of the world flying my big jet, right until we parked next to a 747 at LAX
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Autumn,
While 37 is not old, if you have any aspirations to make it to a Major you need to get moving. I’d forgo the degree for now and start flying. You could be at a Regional in 2-2.5yrs gaining experience with PLENTY of downtime for school. There are several colleges that will give you credit for your licenses and ratings cutting down on the time (and cost) for the degree. An associates degree won’t help you get hired at a Regional so why not wait and get to the airlines that much sooner?
Adam
The De Havilland Beaver was my dream plane for quite some time, it was what I flew in during the summers while helping at a remote fishing lodge in AK. I was usually lucky enough to sit in the right seat and take in a fraction of how incredible flying is. Landing on Rivers and sailing to the docs, there is definitely a science behind it. I certainly have a respect for all aircraft, no matter the size or purpose. A 747…that beast is pretty darn impressive!
Are there particular ATP schools that are busier than others? In other words, CFI’s are able to gain their hrs a bit more quickly simply due to location (more students).
This is great advice, also received from Chris and Tory, I intend to take it. Thank you all!
ATP staffs all of their locations using the same ratios and methodology, so each location should offer its CFIs about the same amount of flight time per month.
I thought I’d add to this thread. I’m a 48 year old current ATP student. Yes - I’m the oldest person at my location (they call the the ‘old guy’). While there are certainly some very talented younger people at my location, I do not feel ‘surrounded’ by them nor am I offended that they look at my as the ‘old guy.’ As Adam pointed out, 30 years in the business world have certainly given me a work-ethic that some younger people either haven’t had time to build yet or haven’t been forced to build yet. I just recently finished up my Instrument rating and the crew time. I start the commercial/multi engine phase next week. I’m currently four weeks ahead of schedule.
I’ll add another tidbit here. A very good friend of mine (whom I introduced to aviation several years ago) joined Envoy at age 52 about a year ago. In the current environment, he’ll be very well positioned to be upgraded to captain soon.
I love to fly and have been a pilot for over 25 years. I wanted to follow this career in the late 80’s/early 90’s, but anyone who was around then knows that the market was horrible. I’m under no illusion that I’m going to be flying international flights during the 17 years or so I have left (assuming my health holds out). But I very much would love to be a captain at a regional airline sometime.
My message to you – if you love to fly, don’t let your age deter you.
Safe flying everyone.
Bob
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