What are the education requirements in order to be a pilot?

Question

i'm 26 yrs old and never finished college. i have 1 yr under my belt. started working making pretty good money halfway through college and unwisely dropped out and started working full-time. i've been thinking about this alot lately and want to become a pilot which was my dream in middle/high school but never went through with it because people around me was very discouraging about doing that. they said i should just get a "traditional" job and live happily ever after. but now that i'm older, i really want go through with it and hopefully become a pilot.

what are the requirements? BA a must? just pilot school? also requirements within commercial airlines and private.

thanks.

i was reading previous questions that people posted here on Yahoo and so far i gathered that a degree is not a MUST, but HIGHLY recommended. i'm guessing that i wouldn't be much of a candidate if the time actually comes and i interview with a major airline, they would choose someone with a degree than not, is that accurate?

in the real world, would i be able to get any decent paying pilot job without a degree?

Answer 1

It depends on which country you live in.

In US and many other countries in the west, a degree is not a pre-requisite.

if you are in India, you can start student pilot licence without a degree too.

Some advanced schools do have the requirement of a degree, depending on the sophisticated machine that you want to fly and the relevant educational requirements that you need to understand the basics of engineering and navigation related to actually being able to fly.

You have two ways of getting a flying career; enrol into Air Force and become a short service commissioned officer with flying duties; second, begin training in a private flying school.

Answer 2

Just to reemphasize what the previous guy wrote, you do not need a college degree but most airlines tell you it is highly preferred. However, there are other flying jobs out there besides the airlines. If this is something you are really interested in, do yourself a favor and do the research. It takes a lot of money, dedication, and sacrifices to succeed in the aviation industry. I started flying in 2000 at Ohio University; I received a BA in Aviation, which I do not recommend because I can only use my degree in Aviation, I'm a professional pilot for life. Airlines will take any degree they just want to see some higher education. So get something that you can fall back on if Aviation tanks, which it has a tendency to do ever 5-10 years. Anyways four years and 80,000 dollars later I graduated with all the appropriate ratings (Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, Flight Instructor). After graduating I moved to Florida to build time or experience; however you want to look at it. I spent two years there working two to three jobs at a time to make ends meet. Last year 2005 I finally was hired on by a regional airline and just finished my first year. In closing I love my job but it takes a certain type of person to succeed in the profession. If you are getting in it for the money don't bother because you will be every bit of 45 before you see anything close to 6 figures and that is being generous. If this is something you truly want to do it is very feasible. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

A two year degree to get on anywhere is almost a requirement anymore. You and I are almost in the same boat. I am 23(almost 24) and have about 15 hours of college. I got my private pilot when I turned 22 and decided I want to make a career out of this. Tough thing about it is the cost. From here on I'm looking at like 30K or more. Life as a pilot isn't a get rich quick thing I will tell you that much. Expect to pay your dues. When you first get hired on you will make around 18K for the first 2 years, after that about 36K for the next 10 years. Then you will start making the money. 65K and up. If you haven't already take a discover flight and find out how much you like it. I think it runs around 60 bucks now days. Try http://www.beapilot.org it will list some schools in your area as well as give you a run down on what its like. Note this....If you get sick of flying cross country's, this profession is NOT for you. I don't wish to discourage you but its something that takes a lot of want to. Best of luck to you. Also after you finish your ratings, expect to work as an instructor for about 1 to 2 years depending on where you instruct. Minimum requirements are around 1200 hours total time and 200 multi time just to get on with an airline, and all those guys w/ a BA will be ahead of you in the process. Again good luck.

Answer 4

A BA isn't necessarily required but it's highly suggested if you want to be competitive in getting a job with the airlines. Becoming a pilot unfortunately requires quite a bit of money, time, and lots of devotion. There are many schools out there that can get you in and out quickly with all the licenses and ratings that you will need to be a successful pilot such as the Pan Am International Flight Academy. These types of schools are devoted to getting you ready quickly. Schooling will take about a year. After which you will remain their to instruct until you have secured a job with an airline. If you need to work while you train you may have to take a slower route. You can always go to your nearest flight school, there is usually one at almost every airport in the US. There you will need to train for your private, and commercial pilots licenses, instrument and multi-engine ratings, and build up at least 800 hours of flight time. Another possible route is to go back to a school in which you will obtain your degree in aviation and all the flight experience needed to be successful.

After you added to you question I thought I would add a little more. Don't take my word for it but it is possible to eventually end up in a decent airline position just as long as you have the flight experience. It may take a lot longer and a lot of crappy flying jobs to get the experience need to beat out somebody with a degree but I'm sure it's possible.

Answer 5

Looks like everyone has answered your question, but I wanted to tell you my experience.

I am 26 yrs old as well, got a late start in college but I am almost done with my BP. I have been attending Embry Riddle for the last couple of years. They are the number one school in aviation! They now have distance learning and campuses all over the U.S. I go to class twice a week for nine weeks at a time. The class time is compressed so that you can get it done faster.

Go to the website www.erau.com and check it out. Next go to http://www.erau.edu/ec/index.html This will give you all the info you need, and you can probably find a location close to you. Most of the students in the "world-wide campus" program are in the same boat as you. Most are older, have children, and are going back to school to advanced their careers.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

A lot of airlines would prefer you have at least a BA in technology or buisness. But in reality all you really need is the certificate indicating that you are commercially rated. Of course there are other jobs that hire pilots such as hospitals, firefighters, and news channels, just to name a few.
Good luck, and most important of all is not to let your self be intimidated. If its what you really want...go for it!

Answer 7

there is not any educational requirement to acquire any pilot certificates different than the required flight guidance. Are you asserting which you're nonetheless in extreme college and are interested in identifying to purchase your certificates? if that's the case, the minimum age to earn your commercial certificates is eighteen, that's good around graduation age besides. in case you're asking in case you could fly with out ever winding up extreme college, technically sure, yet you in all likelihood won't get employed everywhere. fairly lots all flying jobs require a extreme college degree. maximum flying jobs previous get entry to point additionally require (or a minimum of strongly choose) a 4 365 days college degree besides.

Answer 8

Most airlines would prefer that you have a college degree (in anything, but preferably engineering) and you need all your licenses up to your ATPL