academics and aviation
 

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 pilots (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

Well, i have no degree, no A levels (though do have professional quals which will pay the bills should my plan fail) and i'm about to splash out £30-£40k on training! (Yes, I am mad)

From what i have gathered through my investigations, academic qualifications will put you in good stead if you are aiming to obtain sponsorship of some kind through an airline, however, if you intend to self fund, then an ability to pass the ATPL exams and passes for the flying tests (first time an added bonus), along with patience, perseverance and a personality, and eventually you may just find yourself in the RHS. Saying that, a subject-related degree may well give you an advantage.

I won't tell you to go do a search on this subject as you are probably more than capable of doing that, however, i have researched this site extensively for the last three months and all i can tell you is that you're going to have a lot of hard work in front of you and your dedication must be of the highest levels. Saying that, as you've realised already, its great fun!

All the best mate

Ataboy,

You look like your from the U.S. yes?

Well then to get into a major airline over there a 4 year degree in any discipline is absolutely essential. (Correct me if i'm wrong ppl!)

As far as the ATPL, or ATP as its known in the U.S. you should have no problem. Its quite easy there and if you don't pass first time with the information available you need a slap! Just kiddin :D Everyone can have an off day!

Hope this helps!

Good Luck!

I finished my a-levels at the wrong time, when the airline industry had its last down turn.

I went and got a degree in computer science. I've been working as a lead developer for a while now. In that time i've finished my atpl theory and will start the fun part next year.

I don't think having a degree has helped with the study necessarily, but while things have been looking bleak it has meant i can keep working.

Having a degree might also give you that edge when deciding between 2 pilots.

I would be suprised if Airline receruitment was any different from professional recruitment in any other industry. Once you have a frozen ATPL, a degree would surely only be of any relevence in the filtering process. Once you have your interview place a degree will mean pretty much nothing. If it comes down to choosing between two candidates I reckon the priorty given to certain factors would be something like this:

1) Psychometric test evaluation
2) Sim Check evaluation (assuming you got this far)
3) Presentation and Inter-personal skills
4) Multi-hours
5) Number and type of hours logged
6) Transparency of training record
7) ATPL first time passes
8) School of life track record (if relevant)
9) Tie pattern
10) Shininess of shoes

Not forgetting the essential subtle orange coloured cufflinks/tiepin/pen/pocket hankerchief/etc for those EazyJ interviews.

In fact, to really throw that cat amongst the pigeons. If you are going to present a degree as evidence of suitability of character and aptitude for the job, think carefully if you have a 2.2 or less. Anything but a 2.1 or higher may (I stress may) construed as 'lack of aptitude' or slacking. This is certainly the case in highly competitive IT recruitment.