Hi there, my name is Carolina! Currently I am attending a community college to get my two years degree, and I am very much interesting to attend ATP as well. My questions are; should I pause my community college just to focus on ATP during those 7 months? Or finish college then attend ATP afterwards? Thank you!
Carolina,
We always recommend people finish as much of their education as they can BEFORE flight school as returning after can be challenging.
Btw, you don’t mention any flight experience? If in fact you don’t have any I strongly recommend you take an Intro flight before you spend too much time and effort pondering a career in aviation. Chances are you’ll love but the fact is not everyone does.
Adam
I don’t have any flight experience at all, but where can I take the Intro flight?
Carolina,
Most flight schools will give a 30min to 1hr intro flight for about $100-$200. ATPs intro flight is free once you qualify for the loan (double check this is current policy). You can call any local flight school at an airport near you and/or the ATP admissions phone #.
I’d finish your 2 year degree. You can usually take accelerated classes over winter & summer break if you want to get that degree a semester early.
Chris F
Thank you, Chris! Now I have a better understanding to finish my two year degree than to pause it. I was confused, so thank you again!
No problem.
For reference, in case you are 17-19yr old, you can’t get an unrestricted ATP rating (any part 61 flight school including ATP) until turning 21.
At a 141 flight school you can get a restricted ATP at 21.
It takes at least 2 years to get/meet flight hour requirements to join airlines. Basically if you are +20yr old, ATP makes sense. Younger than that you may want to go to a 141 school or consider finishing 4 year degree.
It can get alittle complicated given the multiple pathways
Chris F
Carolina,
Definitely finish the 2 years toward the associates first. You will need a bachelors degree eventually so you can either do ATP first, build time and finish the last two years online while flying for the regionals. Or finish the entire bachelors degree before starting flight training. I recommend that one unless you’re quite a bit older and already late to the game. Juggling an online degree program while flying a full schedule is no simple task.
Hannah
Currently I am 21 yrs old, so I figured I can finish my two years degree. I got a year and a half to complete my college courses, so thank you Chris!
Once I finish my community college, I’ll consider what you’ve told me. I didn’t think of it that way, and it’s a bit easier than to pause my degree. Thank you, Hannah!
Carolina,
I would absolutely recommend finishing your two year degree before heading for flight training. I know you want to get int he sky, but a four year degree will be important to your career as an airline pilot. Check out this link:
Chris