Academics and Aviation

[ataboymeyers]

I am a recent air junky. I attended a University for architecture and am now out and taking PPL training with a local CFI. So far I am thrilled with what I've learned and done so far with aviation and I've only had a couple of hours in the air! My main concern right now is if I wish to advance towards commercial piloting for a major airline how necessary is a degree in aviation? A BA or AS. I've talked with a few pilot (although not commercial) and asked their opinion. The general conclusion is that is helpful but not really all that necessary. Is this true or would it really help?

Also on a crazy side note I am looking for employment. I would like to work in the aviation industry but am having trouble finding a job for someone with my experience. If anyone could give me contacts or anything that would be great. I am the best of workers. Thanks

[Genghis the Engineer]

An aeronautical related degree won't make much difference in your ability to enter the professional side of aviation, but may make a big difference later if you try to advance into management roles.

Are there not any firms out there specialising in airport related architecture?

G

[MLS-12D]

Just my opinion, but I believe your friends are essentially correct.

Frankly, no degree (of any kind) is necessary for professional flying. It has become a de facto requirement for airline flying in the USA, but in many other countries (e.g. Canada) it is not the norm.

At any rate, when it comes to getting ahead in the aviation industry, flying experience is much more important then where you went to school or what you studied. Since you apparently already have an architectural degree, I wouldn't consider going back to university ... better to spend your time and money on flight training and time building.

No doubt some would argue, but for my money most aviation degree programs are a poor substitute for the combination of a traditional degree (studies in the humanities, sciences, etc.) and private flight training. It's dangerous to generalize, but all too often aviation degree programs are an academic hodge-podge without any real intellectual discipline.

Finally, here is a link that you might find helpful: www.avweb.com/articles/ceo/ceo0011.html It is written tongue-in-cheek, but there is more than a grain of truth in what the author says.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Not disagreeing in general with you MLS, but there are some very serious and credible aviation degrees out there - usually the technical / professional engineer courses.

G

[MLS-12D]

I'm sure you're right, Genghis. E.g., Cranfield has some very credible programmes.

There are, however, a lot of places out there (mostly, but not exclusively, in the USA) offering somewhat dubious degrees (often at the "associate" level, whatever that is) in "aviation science" or "aviation management".

No names, no pack drill, but here's a clue: if the faculty is made up of people holding doctoral degrees in "education", that would be a bad sign. ;)

[Genghis the Engineer]

Or BA / MA degrees from anywhere but Oxford, I agree entirely.

G