I am currently 16 turning 17 in a few days. I have no aviation history whatsoever, and I am planning to go to an aviation college like Purdue and get my bachelors. And then I would go to flight school. I am wondering what I would be obtaining during my college years that is aviation related. I want to be a commercial/airline pilot.
Brent,
Welcome to the forum. Honestly, the best thing you could do is to focus on your grades and make sure that you do well in college. The airlines will ask what your GPA was. Once you get closer to starting flight training, you could begin to work on your written exams.
Is it possible to do flight training at the same time as aviation college? Or are they both the same? Also I do love flying but how long does it take until I get my first pay? I looked at your page and saw the regional airlines thing. Would they be hiring me after I get my 1500 hours?
Brent,
As Chris mentioned, right now, in high school, your main focus should be to graduate with the best GPA as tangible. It is important to also remain in good standing, maybe join a few organizations while you can, honor clubs are a great resume filler. After high school, attending college should be your next focus. Similarly, attend and do well, then partake in the flight training.
May I ask why your dead set on an aviation college?
Airlines hire applicants that meet the regulations of 14 CFR 61.153 and so-on. Your first paycheck would come when you’re working for hire, it could be a year from when you start or 10; to many factors here to tell you when you’d receive a paycheck for flying.
Brady
Brent,
I got my private license while I was in college, it was a bad idea. I was not able to fully focus on either my flying, or my classes. As a result, my grades suffered a bit and the flight training took longer. Is it possible? Yes. Is it a good idea? Not in my opinion.
Flight training takes a lot of time and attention, as does college. This is one of the primary reasons that we do not recommend flight training while in college.
Chris
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Okay. Do I need to be taking AP classes? My target college is Embry Riddle. I am dead set on an aviation college because my mom and my grandmother will not be happy if I don’t get a bachelors degree. And it isn’t too bad because I can use it as a backup and plus the 1500 hours of flying being reduced to 1000 seems like a really good deal. In highschool currently, I am in my junior year. I am taking 2 honors classes and my gpa is pretty average. I wouldn’t say I am the smartest, but I am average. I plan to do well in the SAT and ACT for college admission purposes, and even then I am not sure if I would make it. Mr Brady, what was your path to being a pilot? Did you take college and stuff?
Yes, I completely understand. Would flight school be around 2 years?
Brent,
First off if you’re considering aviation degree programs not only would you get your degree but you would get flight training as well. Typically you do PPL freshman year, Instrument sophomore, Commercial junior and CFI your senior year. Aviation programs are costly, don’t leave you a backup degree (if the aviation industry is furloughing an aviation degree won’t help get you a job) and don’t really prepare you for the fast pace of initial airline training.
We actually recommend you go to a community college for the first two years or local in-state colleges to get your degree on a budget. Then when you graduate enroll in an accelerated flight train program like ATP. That way you get the bachelors degree, have a backup plan, plus get used to the fast paced training straight away. Plus as soon as you graduate you have a job lined up to start building time.
As for high school courses, stick with the courses you can handle and get top grades. AP classes won’t benefit you if your grades are below average.
Hannah
The thing is I get free college due to my dad’s veteran benefits, hence I don’t need to worry about paying for college. But I am curious about the aviation industry furloughing part. Are you perhaps saying that after all that I’ve been in school and graduate and then go to flight school , there’s a good chance I won’t make the airlines? I am open to doing 2 years if it heightens my chance of getting into the airlines.
Brent,
There is always a chance that you could ruin your own fate. Get arrested for a DUI, have to many infractions on your driving license, bust too many checkrides, and you’re going to have a rough time getting hired. Do well in training, follow the rules, and be a good character overall, and you’ll be fine. As for a furlough, no one can predict them, this is also where seniority comes into play. Look at the recent Spirit furloughing, I (like many others) had friends’ jobs that were on the line who are now seeking employment across the industry.
If you’re seeking a degree, I would just complete the 4-years, make it worth your educational and maturing time, and then attend flight training. While it’s nice to get free college, at least use it to good use and attend a quality school where you will get a quality education. Have a backup plan if something in aviation falls through.
Brady
Brent,
I wanted to clarify a pint about college. You will need a full, four year degree. An Associate’s degree will n bot be sufficient for the major airlines.
Chris