I am a senior in high school help

[Flypig]

Okay well, I am a senior in HIgh school in California San Jose.
I am looking forward to being a commercial pilot later in the future.
I always wondered about, do i go to Aviation Academy? like ATP?
Or do I just go into University / College with Aviation in it?
And i never flown before, so i don't have my private pilot license.

So ya, soon as i graduate high school do i go to academy like ATP? or University / College with aviation program in it, which is better?

[Captain_Bob]

I'm thinking that the general consensus on here will be to go and get a degree. Use that time to decide what you ultimately want to do with your life and all.

If you are interested in flight training, then it can be done during college. You could do an aviation university, or just attend a program like ATP during a summer session then build time by instructing while still finishing your degree.

Any way you slice it... a degree is best if you desire to move on to a major airline down the road.

In the meantime... go to your local FBO and get yourself up in a Discovery Flight to see if this is something that you are even interested in persuing.

http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/?priority=SX08BAP

Bob

[Clocks]

My recommendation:

1. Start a 4 year degree in a subject that interests you (finance, biology, whatever).

2. Get your private pilot's license at a local FBO during your freshmen year at college.

3. After you get your PPL, decide if it's something that you really want to pursue.

[tjvpa28]

My advice is to go to college and major in a non aviation related field (engineering, business, criminal justice, etc) while you earn your ratings. It shouldn't take you all 4 years of college to get your ratings so you can instruct for the last year or 2 while finishing up your degree and when you graduate you'll be good to go with a college degree and a logbook full of time. The benefit of getting a non aviation degree is that you have broadened your horizons and are prepared to make a different career move should you need/want to. I earned my B.S. in mechanical engineering and it was the best move I ever made. Going to an academy like ATP is often not worth the money and may not afford you the opportunity to get a worthwhile education while flight training.

[Kmaceri]

Hey I'm 19 and I graduated High School in 08', maybe my advice will be useful. I started flying during my senior year and obtained all my ratings through a local flight school. There is no need for you to go to ATP or aviation college. Its way more expensive, its faster at ATP but then again, no one is hiring. I'm attending a community college and working towards a business degree as my back up. You never know how the aviation industry will turn out to be in a few years or later down the road. So a backup is crucial and you also want to think about what if you find out you can't fly anymore because of your health? I'm about to take my CFI check ride in 2 weeks and then I'll instruct to build hours and experience. I'll still go to college and when the time comes when the regionals hire and my age qualifies me I will then apply. If I get a job before graduating, I'll simply do finish my degree online. If you have any questions just messege me.

[Captain_Bob]

Originally Posted by tjvpa28

Going to an academy like ATP is often not worth the money and may not afford you the opportunity to get a worthwhile education while flight training.

In your opinion...

Originally Posted by Kmaceri

its faster at ATP but then again, no one is hiring.

Where do you want to be when they do start hiring... still building ratings and hours, or finished with the requisite ratings and hours to get hired and prepped for an interview?

Originally Posted by Kmaceri

I'm about to take my CFI check ride in 2 weeks and then I'll instruct to build hours and experience. I'll still go to college and when the time comes when the regionals hire and my age qualifies me I will then apply.

Good plan... but you do know that your age qualifies you now, don't you?

Originally Posted by Kmaceri

If I get a job before graduating, I'll simply do finish my degree online.

I know of a lot of great guys and gals doing exactly that. Not a bad option at all.

[RWH1986]

Listen to Clocks...that is your best way to go...but make sure you get your degree...

[tjvpa28]

OFTEN not worth the money....MAY not afford....of course there are always exceptions

[Captain_Bob]

Originally Posted by tjvpa28

OFTEN not worth the money....

Depends on an individuals situation and their own research on where they feel they would learn the best.

Originally Posted by tjvpa28

MAY not afford....

Opinion remark still stands.

[SatelliteBeachPilot]

Go to a State University, get a degree in something NON Aviation related so you have an entirely different fall back. Start your flight training ASAP and try and get your CFI's before your third year of college, then instruct your last 2-3 years of college. Best job in the world for a college student.

[dc3flyer]

I will second the Discovery Flight. How do you know you want to be a commercial pilot?

If you enjoy the discovery flight, which you probably will, then sign up to take some lessons. While you are in high school still at home with the folks, work to get money to fly. If you can talk your parents into helping out a little, try to fly once, or twice, or more a week (if you can afford it). You can finish your private training before you graduate high school.

In the mean time, do a whole lot of research on both aviation and non-aviation degree programs. If you want to get an aviation degree, go for it. It will be advised to you to consider something other than aviation, but that is up to you.



JC is a great place for you to start your research and be part of a good aviation community (welcome, btw), but as we all know there is more than one way to skin a cat, and most people here have all done it a little differently. Research all the answers you get, and make what you feel is the best decision for you.

[dondk]

Originally Posted by Clocks

My recommendation:

1. Start a 4 year degree in a subject that interests you (finance, biology, whatever).

2. Get your private pilot's license at a local FBO during your freshmen year at college.

3. After you get your PPL, decide if it's something that you really want to pursue.

the best answer

I started the 4 year degree in aviation (got the private), fortunately for me the industry tanked (1990-1997) and I switched to something else before getting too deep. My degree provided me a job (and enough money) to get the rest when the industry rebounded.

it's been 10 years and I am thinking of getting out now and heading back to what my degree provided me.. My degree... Bio Chemistry

[juxtapilot]

I am going to jump in here because I feel I've done it all and I've finally figured out what works for ME. I started flying in 04, got my private in 06 as a Junior in High school. I did my private through a local FBO. I graduated high school in 07, and went off to UND to do their aviation program.

From MY experience:

The FBO flying was fine, but very slow paced, and I didn't feel like I was learning very much. Even after the PPL checkride and up to about 100 hours I felt very unprepared as a PPL. The FBO route I'm sure works fine, but it is very slowly paced.

UND, I've posted multiple times about my issues with UND. I did not like it, mainly due to their campus atmosphere and the attitude around Flight Operations. I think the aviation classes were great and my flight instructors were fine, but it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. Perhaps UND is not the great flight school it once was.

Currently I'm at ATP. Though I hate spending this amount of money, it has been completely worth it. I will have all my ratings very soon, and be ready to move on as a flight instructor then onto an airline in the beginning of the hiring wave instead of playing catch up to get on at the end of the hiring wave.

As for a degree, I'll finish it online. My biggest regret is not going to ATP right out of high school.

This is what I have done, and it's finally working out for me.

Just want to add: The whole point I'm trying to make is that this may not be the best option for you, but it is one of them. Make your own decision. The "best option" for someone else may not be the best option for you.

[Captain_Bob]

Originally Posted by juxtapilot

The "best option" for someone else may not be the best option for you.

Badda bing!

[Clocks]

Originally Posted by Captain_Bob

Good plan... but you do know that your age qualifies you now, don't you?

That is true. There was a 19 year old in my new hire class at xjet :P

[Kmaceri]

Originally Posted by Captain_Bob

Good plan... but you do know that your age qualifies you now, don't you?

Yes I know that but I'm talking about regional airlines like ASA, Comair, American Eagle, etc...

[Joeyd9590]

Hey man,
Heres my opinion. I am 18 years old, graduated high school in 08, and I just finished the 90 day program today! It was by far the best decision I have made. I have all of my ratings, 140 multi, and a CFI job waiting for me as soon as I can get home. I had a blast up here in Richmond. I am starting classes at a local community college for criminal justice in the spring. As we all know, the airlines are not hiring, but when they do, I don't have to worry about missing out of the hiring because I have all my ratings. I highly recommend doing the 90 program. I started Oct 13 and Im done. Feel free to PM me.

-Joe

[RWH1986]

Originally Posted by Joeyd9590

I am starting classes at a local community college for criminal justice in the spring.

What exactly can you do with a criminal justice degree besides a cop? No insult to you but when I went to community college the kids in that program were a bunch of idiots not good at anything else but being criminals. That could have just been my college though.

[rjmore]

Originally Posted by RWH1986

What exactly can you do with a criminal justice degree besides a cop? No insult to you but when I went to community college the kids in that program were a bunch of idiots not good at anything else but being criminals. That could have just been my college though.

Maybe he WANTS to be a cop as a backup. Not a bad fall back position if that is what you are looking for, there will always be a need. My advice is to go to college for something you are interested in. Take Donald Trump's advice, do what you love. Most of what you learn in college isn't going to make you wealthy anyway so you may as well enjoy it. A criminal justice degree and flight training would segway nicely into a career flying for CBP.

[jcandpacquiao]

Originally Posted by tjvpa28

My advice is to go to college and major in a non aviation related field (engineering, business, criminal justice, etc) while you earn your ratings. It shouldn't take you all 4 years of college to get your ratings so you can instruct for the last year or 2 while finishing up your degree and when you graduate you'll be good to go with a college degree and a logbook full of time. The benefit of getting a non aviation degree is that you have broadened your horizons and are prepared to make a different career move should you need/want to. I earned my B.S. in mechanical engineering and it was the best move I ever made. Going to an academy like ATP is often not worth the money and may not afford you the opportunity to get a worthwhile education while flight training.

wow, this is the exact plan i have for myself. i really want to have a mechanical engineering degree and then pursue a flying career if i get the opportunity.

[Flypig]

Hey everybody thank you for your feedback, its helping me out alot.
I always wanted to be a graphic designer before i wanted to be a pilot,

So...let me get this straight... while i major in art..at a college, I should get my Private Pilot License? and go to Aviation Academy like ATP after i graduate college? Also can someone clear me on FBO? what is that exactly, like local flight training center? air port?

[NolePilot]

Hey cop is the best backup plan in this economy... everyone in the private sector is getting laid off... Any layoffs in the Govermnet? The post office posted negative numbers last year.... Any layoffs? Nope just aren't going to deliver mail on Saturdays..

As for the original question go to college, get your private while you are there. Figure out if aviation is for you... Its not for alot of people... I love my job as an instructor but i am swimming in debt and will be for a long time.... If i didn't have debt.... *sigh*

Yeah dude.

[GlenA]

Originally Posted by Flypig

Hey everybody thank you for your feedback, its helping me out alot.
I always wanted to be a graphic designer before i wanted to be a pilot,

So...let me get this straight... while i major in art..at a college, I should get my Private Pilot License? and go to Aviation Academy like ATP after i graduate college? Also can someone clear me on FBO? what is that exactly, like local flight training center? air port?

Yup, get your private at an FBO (fixed base operator). An FBO is an establishment on an airport that usually provides all sorts of flight services to include flight training. The good thing about going to one of these is that you can set your own pace and pay as you go...a nice way to start out flying, to make sure you really like it. After getting your private there (and flying around a bit to enjoy it!) consider your options. You can go to a place like ATP for the summer and bang out all of your ratings and come back as a part time instructor somewhere near your school. Or you can take your time and continue your ratings at you own pace at that same FBO.

There are ups and downs to both options so do your own research and don't listen to overly opinionated people on these forums! Consider as much as you can (not just money). Upside of FBO's can be continuing at your own pace with someone who may have years of experience. The downside can be planes that are way older than you and are frequently down for maintainance or trouble scheduling lessons with other students. Upside of an academy is the minimal amount of time to get ratings and flying frequently. Downside can be the upfront cost. Just some examples. I've done both routes and I am happy with my decision. Good luck!

[blee256]

Originally Posted by Clocks

My recommendation:

1. Start a 4 year degree in a subject that interests you (finance, biology, whatever).

2. Get your private pilot's license at a local FBO during your freshmen year at college.

3. After you get your PPL, decide if it's something that you really want to pursue.

Clocks has given the best advice on this thread. And as you can tell many of us agree.

Originally Posted by tjvpa28

My advice is to go to college and major in a non aviation related field (engineering, business, criminal justice, etc) while you earn your ratings. It shouldn't take you all 4 years of college to get your ratings so you can instruct for the last year or 2 while finishing up your degree and when you graduate you'll be good to go with a college degree and a logbook full of time. The benefit of getting a non aviation degree is that you have broadened your horizons and are prepared to make a different career move should you need/want to. I earned my B.S. in mechanical engineering and it was the best move I ever made. Going to an academy like ATP is often not worth the money and may not afford you the opportunity to get a worthwhile education while flight training.

I dont necessarily agree with TJVPA about not getting an aviation degree. If that is your only passion, get it. For most of us getting a bachelors is just another check in the box. When you get out in the real world, no one cares what your degree is in. Get a degree any degree. Even if its underwater basketweaving. The exception to the rule is if its in a techinical field like engineering or Architecture, etc...as in the case with TJV

Ask any working professional what they got their degree in, and chances are their major in college was something totally different.

Originally Posted by RWH1986

What exactly can you do with a criminal justice degree besides a cop? No insult to you but when I went to community college the kids in that program were a bunch of idiots not good at anything else but being criminals. That could have just been my college though.

Same thing you can do with any other degree. It's your work experience that really helps you land a job. At least more so than what your major was.

And for those who think getting a non aviation degree will help you if you get furloughed or medical-out, think again. If I got a degree in accounting, but my only job in the last 10 years was flying for an airline, dont think I can walk into KPMG, show them my degree and be offered a job. I would have the same chances, had my degree been in Aviation science or Commercial cooking. Especially in this market.

[jetguy35]

I went through ATP and did private-CFI. My only problem I hear with everyone talking about how flying at a local airport is better and cheaper than ATP is that they never really take into account the extensive multi engine training and experience you get at ATP. For instance, who (at an FBO) gets there instrument rating in a twin? Not many people do. Flying a cessna 172 shooting approaches in my opinion is a little bit easier. You are slower and don't have to go through the flows of working a complex aircraft. This is only one example. Also, I hear some people say that they will just get their CFIs locally and build multi engine time with students instead of getting the multi time with ATP. My problem here is that Multi engine time is hard to find. Especially right now with the flooded aviation economy. For one, even if the flight school has a twin, you are not guaranteed to fly it. For one, where I work, we barely get students in the door that want anything more than a PPL for pleasure flying. Do they want twin time? Not really. So we have a duchess where I work and it does not fly all that much because a lot of FBO students are private ASEL's for life. Nothing more. So, really, you need to get on with a big flight school to get multi time which is hard because of the flood of CFI's at the moment. So am I happy that I have 140 multi hours from ATP. Yes, and I pretty much expect to get hired when the regionals trend in the hiring direction. Which is already happening. All in all, you gotta do what you gotta do. To get to an airline, multi engine time will be your key.

To go into universities and aviation. I have heard horror stories about people going to places like embry riddle to get their commercial and cfi's. It's a long process because it goes in accordance with your education and also the price tag is huge. I'd suggest getting your ratings and then finish your degree online with embry riddle. After I finished ATP. I reenrolled for classes. I am doing Embry Riddles online Professional Aeronautics degree and they are giving me 35 hours for my flight certificates and experience. Plus I had about 50 transfer hours from school pre ATP so it is a pretty good deal and I will be done before I know it.

With ATP I became a CFI, II, MEI. Now I am CFI'ing locally and building TT. So I am at home now and enjoying finishing my degree and flying everyday for hire. ATP was the best move I ever made but what's best for one is not always best for all.

Good luck