Degree essential or not

[Arpan_G]

Hello everyone.

I am thinking of doing my flight training in USA. I've heard people say that doing a degree course in aviation with flight training helps you get better jobs. Don't know if that's a myth though.

Anyway, I need your advice to whether doing a degree program is essential or not. Can I finish my flight training with a normal flight school or do I need a degree from an university with my Pilot ratings and certificates?

Please do let me know.

[mad_jock]

It depends on where in the world you intend to work.

What is good advice in Europe maybe completely wrong in India.

So make sure you look where the person replying is from

[paco]

It is a good idea in the US, especially when dealing with customers.

[Arpan_G]

I'm thinking of training in the US. So will a degree increase my chances of getting a job or just normal flight training will help?

Thanks

[FliegerTiger]

If I were you, I would do a degree in a subject that is completely unrelated to aviation. At least then, if you (heaven forbid) lose your medical or decide later on to change career you won't be limited.

[paco]

It might help you get a job, but it will equally increase your credibility with recalcitrant passengers.

[mad_jock]

Unless you have a US passport forget about working in the US.

Same with europe.

Both markets have more than enough pilots. If you don't have the right to work there you won't get a work visa on the back of being a pilot

[Transsonic2000]

Unless you have a US passport forget about working in the US.

Same with europe.

Both markets have more than enough pilots. If you don't have the right to work there you won't get a work visa on the back of being a pilot

Absolutely correct !!!

I'd say, in your case (assuming you're from India), getting your Pilot Certificate is all you need.

[Arpan_G]

So say I want to work in the USA. Is there any chance that I can get a work permit? I'm ready to do anything to get that....

[redsnail]

As a pilot? Probably very little unless you have some exceptional skills. There was a visa available for instructors but I think you got that if you did an instructor rating with the said school. I am not familiar with that set up.

As for a Green card? Best you check out the US policies on that.

[Transsonic2000]

I want to work in the USA. Is there any chance that I can get a work permit? I'm ready to do anything to get that....

Realistically, to be frank, none to zero!!! One good advice, don't carry your money to one of those immigration layers, they pretty much tell you anything you wish to hear, as long as the money is coming in, but in the end it's always the same excuse, oh you're out of money, I'm sorry there's nothing I can do for you! I've seen this happening more than once.

Another thing to keep in mind, no matter where you go, all the (national) airlines give preference to their own fellow countrymen, especially when it comes to hiring rookies (beginners). And as already mentioned by "mad joke" in Europe and the US, they already have an abundance of pilots, so as a none us-citizen your chances of being hired are pretty much zero, particularly without a work/residence permit. You could try to participate in the green-card lottery, but even there they are looking for highly skilled professionals, like peolpe with a doctor's degree, or a mechanical engineering degree etc.

Once again, in your case I'd suggest get your commercial pilot certificate (forget about a degree, it's pointless since you don't have a residence/work permit in the US) and then focus on the job market in India (e.g. Kind Fisher Airlines).

You could get your instructor certificate after you finished your commercial training and work as an instructor in the US, I don't remember what type of visa would be necessary for this (since the visa regulations changed), but I know that only some flight schools can do this (PART 141 schools and not all of them) and of course the visa is time limited, I think it's 18 month (can be extended to 24). With this type of visa you're bound to the flight school that issued the visa, meaning you can't go and work for an airline.

Good luck!