I am a current high school junior and am heavily looking into a future of being a career pilot. I have heard different things and am wondering what the best option is: going to a 4 year college to become professional pilot? Or going through ATP to become pilot directly out of high school? Finally, do major airlines typically prefer pilots with a four year degree? Or as long as certifications are met does it not matter?
Hunter,
Hi! I was in your exact shoes two years ago. You will see many different opinions on college before or after flight school on here, but the majority of opinions that I have read from professionals are to get your 4 year degree first. They definitely know way more than us. But, some pilots get their degree online in the regionals (my route) and do just fine. All I can say is to know that the pilots here have also been in our shoes and have experience from it, but you know you.
Evan
Thank you Evan I appreciate the reply a lot. If you don’t mind sharing what degree did you get while at your regional. As well, do you know the specific advantage of getting your degree before attending flight school? Is it purely airlines preferring degreed pilots? Thank you again.
Hunter
Hunter,
There’s no question the Majors desire a degree but they don’t care what the field of study is.
Do well in HS, do well in college and then focus on flight school. That’s your best route.
Adam
Hunter,
I should have clarified. That is just the route I plan on taking. But, I wouldn’t recommend it either. There are many reasons why getting your degree first is the way to go. The vast majority of information I have learned is through reading other posts and seeing the many different opinions each pilot has on certain topics. This will give you a good understanding on “where you’re at” and you will find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.
Evan
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Hi! I’m from California and just graduated high school. I’ve always been interested in becoming an airline pilot. I’m going off to college to get my bachelor’s degree in biological science. I wonder if this degree would be okay or if I should do something related to aviation before joining flight school? Thank you!
Janvi,
The airlines don’t care what your field of study is, only that you have a degree.
Adam
Janvi,
If that’s what you’re interested in, do it! We recommend anything but an aviation degree so that you potentially have a degree to fall back on if necessary.
Hannah
Janvi,
Any degree is sufficient, and you will find if you discuss with airline pilots, many have degrees in a vast variety of fields. Business, communications, arts, etc. Find a degree that you find enjoyable to study, would enjoy partaking as a backup if something in aviation fell through AND can complete with excellence.
Brady
Thank you so much, everyone, for getting back to me! Right now, I will focus on working towards my bachelor’s degree. After four years, I plan to join flight training to hopefully achieve my childhood dream. Please let me know if you have any advice on what I should focus on to become a successful candidate in the future.
Janvi,
Enjoy your time in college! Be disciplined with your studies as your GPA will be evaluated in future aviation applications.
Hannah
Janvi,
As Hannah said, enjoy college, but be discipline. Find some clubs or organizations that you could partake in and start a resume, networking, and most importantly, enjoying every minute of it. I miss all my college friends/sports teammates, I keep in touch with few, but its’ been a long time since I’ve seen them.
Brady
What types of clubs and organizations would you recommend for my path in aviation? As well, I am planning to do a discovery flight soon although not getting started with flight training till i get done with my bachelors (year 2028). Do you have any advice regarding that? Thank you!
Janvi,
While your college may not have aviation themed clubs or organizations, you could join any during your attendance. I know during my time at college, there were hundreds of organizations seeking members, many of which volunteered not only around the collegiate grounds, but elsewhere in the community. When you swing by to do your discovery flight, check around for a bulletin board or ask a line agent, about clubs or organizations at that field.
Brady
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