I am looking into becoming a pilot. I was wondering what path might be best to take in my situation. I am 22 years old and I want to attend the ATP program but I also know that I would need a bachelor degree to fly for one of the major airlines one day. I am thinking about a Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management. Would I be better off going to get my degree and then going to flight school? Or should I go to flight school and then start my degree? Or should I try and balance both at the same time? I have not looked into many schools yet, but if there is an online program, would that make a difference being hired on by a major airline one day?
Hunter,
First you should visit our FAQ section and the ATP website. There’s tons of information on the process. But as a rule, we always recommend finishing your education first. As you state, the Majors want a degree and it’s simply easier to complete your education first. It would also be a mistake to try and manage both school and flight training at the same time. One is bound to suffer which will not help you in your future endeavors.
Finally while you could most certainly finish your degree online, flight training cannot.
Adam
Hunter,
At your age, I would go to flight school first, then work on a degree online while you are at the regionals. Many colleges will give you credit for your flight training towards a degree. The airlines do not mind an online degree, as long as it is from a reputable school. I would not try to balance a degree and flight training at the same time, I did that myself for my private license and my college studies suffered as a result.
Chris
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