Decisions, Decisions

artdogflyer90 · February 19th, 2008, 19:13

I'm a senior in high school. I got accepted into Lewis University's Aviation program, but after having sat through some calsses and talked with students there, it seems that they have jerked me around as far as numbers and cost are concerned. I need to find alternatives. I was wondering what kind of degree is required to get hired at an airline? Does it have to be specific to any field? Would it be better to train through an FBO and then get a degree in something other than aviation? Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks,
Art

CamYZ125 · February 19th, 2008, 20:27

Ha, I bet they fed you plenty of BS and numbers that simply aren't true. I can't tell you how many times I would be in the halls at my university and the director of our program giving tours to future students, stretching stories and numbers and such just to make it more enticing.

You don't need an aviation degree to get hired at an airline. In fact, most will argue that it's better NOT to have an aviation degree. I've got an aviation degree from a four year accredited university, and I think it's pretty much useless. If I could do it over again, I'd get a degree in something else that interested me, and do the flying on the side at an FBO. The flying can be cheaper going that route, and you'll have a degree to fall back on. Something to think about.

kellwolf · February 19th, 2008, 21:53

Major in something you're interested in. The airlines don't care what your degree is in, and if you're studying something you like, you're more likely to finish.

Cptnchia · February 19th, 2008, 23:15

I have a BS in Biology. All a degree shows is that you can read and write. You also have to be able to comprehend what you're learning. Any degree will do. Although if you are really interested in airline flying, get a degree in something that you like and can use because if you don't have a plan B, then you may end up at "just plan screwed."

Ddub1214 · February 19th, 2008, 23:35

I have a BS in Business Management, but went through a few different majors before I figured it out. I got all my ratings on the side and during the summers while I was in college, and had a blast doing it. I would say go to the best school you can, and get a degree you're interested in. If its in aviation, so be it, but any 4 year degree from an accredited school will do. I plan to be in this industry for a long time, but I'm glad I got to enjoy college and learn a little bit about politics, business, and other things that go on in this world other than aviation.

staplegun · February 19th, 2008, 23:42

B.A. History, 1981

University of Illinois

Go Illini!

Kevin

Doug Taylor · February 19th, 2008, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by artdogflyer90

I'm a senior in high school. I got accepted into Lewis University's Aviation program, but after having sat through some calsses and talked with students there, it seems that they have jerked me around as far as numbers and cost are concerned. I need to find alternatives. I was wondering what kind of degree is required to get hired at an airline? Does it have to be specific to any field? Would it be better to train through an FBO and then get a degree in something other than aviation? Any suggestions/advice?

Thanks,
Art

Any degree is good.

Find flight training which you can afford.

Seggy · February 20th, 2008, 00:00

Make sure you get involved with extra curricular activities as well!

Cptnchia · February 20th, 2008, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seggy

Make sure you get involved with extra curricular activities as well!

But not "that" kind, and I think you know what I mean!

B767Driver · February 20th, 2008, 07:54

The regional airlines may not care where you trained, got your degree, etc...but the majors may look at it a bit closer. I don't think they care what the military guys majored in...because they pretty much know about their training background.

However, if you are a civilian trained pilot from a reputable university you are more of a known product than what an FBO produces.

Five or six thousand hours of flying time in Part 121 regional operations will probably erase the importance of your formative training background. But I'm not so sure your degree is immaterial completely.

If you will be completing and engineering degree in lieu of an aviation degree...that's probably a good move. If you will be substituting a an aviation degree with a history degree...probably not such a good move.

February 19th, 2008, 19:13	#1
artdogflyer90 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 16	Decisions, Decisions I'm a senior in high school. I got accepted into Lewis University's Aviation program, but after having sat through some calsses and talked with students there, it seems that they have jerked me around as far as numbers and cost are concerned. I need to find alternatives. I was wondering what kind of degree is required to get hired at an airline? Does it have to be specific to any field? Would it be better to train through an FBO and then get a degree in something other than aviation? Any suggestions/advice? Thanks, Art

February 19th, 2008, 20:27	#2
CamYZ125 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: KCLT Posts: 452	Re: Decisions, Decisions Ha, I bet they fed you plenty of BS and numbers that simply aren't true. I can't tell you how many times I would be in the halls at my university and the director of our program giving tours to future students, stretching stories and numbers and such just to make it more enticing. You don't need an aviation degree to get hired at an airline. In fact, most will argue that it's better NOT to have an aviation degree. I've got an aviation degree from a four year accredited university, and I think it's pretty much useless. If I could do it over again, I'd get a degree in something else that interested me, and do the flying on the side at an FBO. The flying can be cheaper going that route, and you'll have a degree to fall back on. Something to think about. __________________ "Because like a virgin getting his first piece (most, but not all) low time pilots are just happy to be there." -Maximillian_Jenius

February 19th, 2008, 21:53	#3
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,860	Re: Decisions, Decisions Major in something you're interested in. The airlines don't care what your degree is in, and if you're studying something you like, you're more likely to finish. __________________ "I'm The Doctor, by the way. Run for your life!"

February 19th, 2008, 23:15	#4
Cptnchia Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Mecca Posts: 729	Re: Decisions, Decisions I have a BS in Biology. All a degree shows is that you can read and write. You also have to be able to comprehend what you're learning. Any degree will do. Although if you are really interested in airline flying, get a degree in something that you like and can use because if you don't have a plan B, then you may end up at "just plan screwed." __________________ "Consideration is an extension of safety. It begins with the first contact with our passengers, no matter where this is—reservations, porter, ticket agent or wherever." C.E. Woolman

February 19th, 2008, 23:35	#5
Ddub1214 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ORD Posts: 16	Re: Decisions, Decisions I have a BS in Business Management, but went through a few different majors before I figured it out. I got all my ratings on the side and during the summers while I was in college, and had a blast doing it. I would say go to the best school you can, and get a degree you're interested in. If its in aviation, so be it, but any 4 year degree from an accredited school will do. I plan to be in this industry for a long time, but I'm glad I got to enjoy college and learn a little bit about politics, business, and other things that go on in this world other than aviation.

February 19th, 2008, 23:42	#6
staplegun Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Park Ridge, IL Posts: 1,139	Re: Decisions, Decisions B.A. History, 1981 University of Illinois Go Illini! Kevin __________________ "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid!" - Goethe

February 20th, 2008, 00:00	#8
Seggy Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Somewhere in the Northeast Posts: 5,264	Re: Decisions, Decisions Make sure you get involved with extra curricular activities as well! __________________ www.alpa.org

February 20th, 2008, 07:54	#10
B767Driver Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,885	Re: Decisions, Decisions The regional airlines may not care where you trained, got your degree, etc...but the majors may look at it a bit closer. I don't think they care what the military guys majored in...because they pretty much know about their training background. However, if you are a civilian trained pilot from a reputable university you are more of a known product than what an FBO produces. Five or six thousand hours of flying time in Part 121 regional operations will probably erase the importance of your formative training background. But I'm not so sure your degree is immaterial completely. If you will be completing and engineering degree in lieu of an aviation degree...that's probably a good move. If you will be substituting a an aviation degree with a history degree...probably not such a good move. __________________ A self described gym rat. "I got next."

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode