How to become and airline pilot? What kind of degree and flight school and how long does it take?

Answer 1

It can take up to as many years as you need to get the 1000 hours to get hired by a regional. I know that doesn't help much, but it really varies by each person. I went through a regular college and it took me 6 years before I had the necessary hours to get hired by a regional. I do know some guys that just went through a flight academy and were hired within 3 years.

A degree is not necessary anymore but it does help you be more competitive. It doesn't matter what you get a degree in as long as you have a degree. They are just wanting to see that you can complete something and are of fair intelligence.

There are many different types of flight schools outside of the military. You can go to a university flight program, a flight academy, or your local FBO (those are located at the local airport).

Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. I did the university route and I am happy with that. It did cost me more money, but I have a degree to go with it.

Check out AOPA.org

Answer 2

You need a BA degree, in any field. And you need a commercial pilot's license. You can combine the two at about 10 universities around the country. Check into St. Cloud State, or Embry Riddle. You can major in flight.
Or, you can take your BA degree (in whatever field) and go to your nearest flight school and take classes and lessons. Which is very expensive. Depending on the location, it could run you upwards of $60,000 to pay for flight hours, and instructors.
But, once you get your commercial license, you don't go straight to the big airlines. You will peobably begin fliying a small regional jet, or turboprop for one of the codeshare airlines, which operate under the names of "US Airways Express" which is actuall Mesa airlines. You usually have to work for them for a couple of years before you sign on with the big guys. And that is that part that sucks. The pay for a regional jet is better than a turbo prop, but, pilots only get paid for the hours that you are in the air. So, you work 12 hour days, flying about 6-45 minute "shuttles" between smaller cities like Albany and Philadelphia. So, if you are the first officer on a small plane, you only bring in about $30,000 a year, for the first year.
Now you know why there are not so many pilots out there. It is very expensive to obtain the training you need, and the pay for the first few years is crap.
But, small things can help. Like being a girl, or a minority. Because, then, if you are going to a university to get your flight degree, you can get scholarships to help you pay for it.

Answer 3

it varies greatly, you can be sponsered by an airline and sit on the RHS of a widebody within 2-3yrs or go thru the GA route/instructing and get into an airline after 15yrs. A degree isnt necessary but makes it easier. Any degree can do but science/engineering/math ie. ones which people think suits the 'pilot' profession is prefered by the industry.

Answer 4

the glasses and contacts are okay for the private pilots license, but if you were to go commercial, normally if there is no great demand of pilots, they get picky about medical stuff. but looks like everyone needs pilots. you do not need to go to university, just flying with instructors to get private pilot and so on. But if you want to fly 747, you might need the degree, but it all depends on the industry at that time.

Answer 5

Join the Air Force. Six years later get a job as an airline pilot.

Answer 6

Go to the Delta Academy. Great school! You need a two year associate degree.

Answer 7

College programs in the U.S.:
Illinois:
http://www.aviation.uiuc.edu/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=42
Purdue:
http://www.tech.purdue.edu/at/academics/undergraduate/flt_info.cfm
Pilot and mechanic training at Purdue:
http://www.tech.purdue.edu/at/academics/undergraduate/aot_info.cfm

Other flight schools:
http://www.sterlingflight.com/
http://www.raaflightschools.com/
http://www.spartan.edu/PilotSchool.html
http://www.atpflightschool.com/
http://www.apischool.com/

Answer 8

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofly/