Originally Posted by
guy_incognito
Why does it need to transform into an academic qualification?
1 - because it adds extra value to the profession, i.e. You do not hold the same education level of a cab or truck driver (with all due respect). This becomes important when negotiating T&Cs.
2 - from a social point of view, You hold the same education as the above mentioned categories (and many more - again no disrespect intended) unless You have some other qualifications on the side. Now, I believe being a Professional Pilot involves a slighter higher degree of intellectual and cognitive skills - let alone the amount of study material - than a plumber, but in terms of education there is a very minor difference.
3 - As a bachelor's holder myself, I can 100% vouch to award an academic education to ATPLs, definitely with some extra conditions to be added and agreed upon.