I have taken some college classes including aviation though my high school and am ready to test for my private pilot license, which I will be taking shortly. I am enrolled in college in the fall, but they are now telling me that due to high demand, I may not be able to get into a flight block right away. (They require 8 for a 4 year degree and 4 for an associates, and they only allow one flight block per semester). I already have 38 college credits. That being said, although I could finish my associates in only two more semesters, or my bachelors in 3 years. I will still be behind on flight blocks. I would have my degree a full one or two years before I could catch up on the flight hours required for the degree. Which seems like a waste of time.
So my question is, in reading through your material and question/answers, it looks like you require a 2 year degree to get into your training (I read in a answer, but I couldn’t find that in your brochure). Does that degree need to be in aviation? or could I finish an associates degree in something else, because of the flight block issue? And then train with you guys?
If I did work towards my aviation degree and transferred over, would all the classes I have taken and any flight hours go toward your program? Shortening it and making it cost less? I’m wondering because it looks like there is a flat rate for starting from zero or private pilot, but no scale after that. I wouldn’t want to purchase flight blocks that range from $10,000 and up per semester if I would still be paying the total $76,000 at your school. Also does graduating from ATP come with a bachelors degree or is that something that has to be obtained from a university?
Sorry that seems complicated, but I am trying to make the best of my time and money, and since they just told me this information about the shortage of flight blocks, I need to make a decision before fall.
Getting on a fast track is much more appealing than waiting around for flight hours to complete my degree.
Lastly is there a waiting period/list to get into ATP?
Shyanne,
Lots of questions so let’s get you some answers.
First and foremost ATP is a flight school, not a college or university. You would not complete your training with any degree, just all the required licenses and ratings to fly professionally.
- ATP does not require a degree (although one is recommended). To enroll you need one of the following:
- A High School GPA of 3.0 (High School Seniors and Recent Graduates Only), or
- Two Years of College Experience, or
- Two Years of Professional Work Experience, or
- Two Years of Military Service With an Honorable Discharge.
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Neither ATP nor the airlines require or even desire an aviation degree. In fact we recommend a degree in something other than aviation should flying not work out by choice or circumstance.
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ATP only has 2 points of entry. With or without your PPL. Credits wouldn’t apply since again ATP is not a college. Any flight hours wouldn’t reduce the cost or timeline, but any hours you have would get you that much closer to the airline min 1500hr requirement.
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Since the pilot shortage it seems everyone in the world wants to be a pilot and as such there may be a wait for a particular location. The sooner you start the process you can lock in a date.
Adam
Thank you! That helps a lot.
Since a degree is recommended to fall back on, is it better to get that degree before coming to ATP, since my understanding is you will help with getting a job in the industry after training is completed?
Shyanne,
100%! You’re young and you’re still in “school mode” and it’s simply easier to just complete your education now, then trying later which can be a challenge.
If you’re in a hurry (which many are) I would suggest you at least get your 2yr degree. That would give you a solid foundation and again, after you’re actually hired at a Regional, you could take credits from your 2yr and credit for your licenses and ratings and complete a 4yr in very short time at min cost. Totally your decision.
Adam
Shyanne,
Adam laid out the reasons well here, so I will not dwell on them. I can tell you though that this is exactly why we never recommend college aviation programs. They frequently have ridiculous issues like this that slow down training and end up costing students far more than they should.
I too recommend getting a four year degree in something other than aviation, then focusing on your flight training.
Chris