Airline pilot information?

Question

I dont have a college education but I do have my ATP, would I have a hard time getting a job with an airline?

Answer 1

You should be ok to work in the commuters or a local carrier, but I believe that the Majors won't hire you with a college education. You may want to to try and work for a private jet carrier or 135 operator.

Answer 2

Well, i am also 17 so ill try my best. If its only for the money please do not choose this leave it for the ones who love flying for a passion but your salary is very little in the first few years these companies know you need the hours and planes that size are very costly to rent so you will not make much money until you have built up your time flying. family life all depends on how long you have been with the company and the seniority you have built, it is possible to switch routes with other pilots. as for just starting off you get the worst hours (most of the time) and family time comes rough but as you stay with that aircraft your seniority becomes better and better flying routes until you move up the aircraft ladder and start all over. FAA regulations limit flying time of airline pilots of large aircraft to a maximum of 100 hours a month and 1,000 hours a year. Most airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours a month and work an additional 140 hours a month performing nonflying duties, which includes waiting for delays to clear and their aircraft to arrive. Disadvantages to this choice is the low pay, expensive training, and time away from family. I hope this helps you out, and if you have any more questions feel free to contact me.

Answer 3

You are in a very good situation at the moment depending in which country you live you do not need a degree to land a job in a major airline. Like it will give you an edge above the rest but it isn't mandatory. Airlines are more concerned about how many flying hours you have and experience in different types of aircraft. Especially multi-engine time. There is a huge pilot shortage in Australia at the moment and they are hiring guys who have only 1000 hours with minimum of 500 hours in multi-engine aircraft. The good news is those hours don't all need to be in comand of the aircraft. Have a look at the pilot jobs link below. It is proof they are not looking for university degrees.

Answer 4

As an ATP without a degree, you may land a job with a regional but not a major.

The regionals are hurting for pilots right now, so give it a try and apply. Your flight time may make you a more competitive candidate than others with a degree and less flight experience.

If you want to move on to a major later on, you will need to get your degree. The majors aren't as easy as the regionals are. Do it online in your spare time. I know several pilots who have done it that way.

Answer 5

A college education is not necessary in many places, but in saying that some carriers in different regions prefer iyt.

It depends on where you are applying for. For example, Asian airlines prefer that a college degree as they view it as advantagous but it is not a must. Where I am, it is not necessary to have one and it would not be too advantagous.

I know many pilots without degrees so it is not a done deal in that sense, however it would hellp you should you choose to enter another field of work later down the line.

I presume you live in the States, as far as I know you can get a job there without too much trouble if you do not have a college degree. Double check that though.

Answer 6

I hate to be the one to burst your balloon here, but reality check......

An airline job is extremely competitive. I fly for a major air carrier and I have never met a single pilot who did not have a college degree. I think you are at a very big disadvantage even with the regional carriers. A degree is just expected for a professional pilot and with the pilot pool as large as it is, the airlines can pick and choose. It only takes one excuse for them to move on to the next candidate.

Answer 7

I would say apply. You can definately get hired by a regional and most of the majors just say that a college degree is recommended, not required. The main thing for the majors is your flight experience.

You could always take college classes online while you work at a regional. I know many people who do that here at our company.

Answer 8

airlines are lowering their requirements with every day. You should be able to get a regional airline job if you meet the hours requirements.
Good luck

Answer 9

Go ahead and apply. The worst thing that can happen is that they'll say no.