Hi folks. I’m looking at becoming a pilot but have been told I’d need a bachelor’s to fly with a major airline. The thing is, I like school and everything but I wouldn’t be interested in a bachelor’s. Most school programs I’ve looked at are certificates and accommodates l associates. Actually I already have a certificate as an EMT basic. With that said, is a bachelor’s really needed for major? I don’t really want to be taking on the debt of pilot school and university. Would cargo flying for groups like FedEx and UPS also require a degree? Thank you for your time.
-Dylan
Dylan,
Short answer is YES, you need a BA/BS to fly for a Major airline and both FedEx and UPS are Major airlines. Is it possible to get hired without one? Sure but it’s also possible to win the lottery but it’s not really a plan.
Adam
Ok I see. Thank you for the input. For a gamble like that, I’d have to consider if it’s worth the risk for as much debt as I would go into. I have been considering a secondary plan that I’ve been wanting for years. I’ll see where that takes me most likely.
Dylan,
I cannot think of one single pilot I know that has been hired at a major airline in the last twenty years without a bachelor’s degree. Flying for a major airline, to include FedEx and UPS, is the pinnacle of the airline profession and as such, the majors want to see college degrees. Please check out the FAQ section for a detailed response on this topic.
Chris
Dylan,
Orrrrr you can recognize that if flying for a Major airline is really your goal (and I can tell you it’s a worthwhile one) it will take some work, sacrifice and perhaps doing something you don’t necessarily want to do. You could get credit for your licenses and ratings after your flying at a Regional and earn an aviation degree online. The cost would be minimal and it would also take alot less time and effort than you might think.
My point is if this really is a goal you should be thinking of ways of accomplishing it.
Adam
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