Hello Parents - I have a sophomore in high school, who is undecided on what he wants to do in college. He has been trying different things and is now focused on potentially being a pilot.
He is a STEM kid so I have been looking at different things he can do in college related to that. Do you have any ideas on what options he should look into? Also, if he wants to go for aviation, will it help for him to pursue a pilot license while in high school?
Any shared experience will be helpful. Thanks in advance!
Have him take several discovery flights before you invest in aviation to make sure he likes it. The good news is every major airline has dropped the 4 year degree requirement. They are hiring like crazy with lucrative salaries and movement up the seniority chain is robust. Nothing like when my hubby was in his 20’s… and then 9-11 in his 30’s.
You can solo in an aircraft at 16, get private license at 17 and commerial license at 18. He can do in high school yes, but it’s busy and he has to do the ground school that goes with these steps so that’s a lot while taking high school courses. My advice is get him in the aircraft this summer and fly several times with an instructor (like 10 times) to see just how interested he is. This alone with cost you several thousands of dollars.
Pilot traning is not cheap, but good news is you don’t also need the 4 year degree anymore.
Thanks a lot. Appreciate the insight. Would pursuing pilot license help him in the college admissions if he changes his mind to do something else (related) eventually like aviation engineering or aerospace?
I assume most of these universities provide 4 year undergrad degrees. Right? I have seen different rankings including Purdue, N. Dakota and Ohio being top-3 etc.
I know someone who went to Purdue for aerospace (very competitive) and got his pilots license around a year later while working at a major aircraft company.
Having a pilot’s license is always a cool factor when applying anywhere, lol but not sure if it’s a requirement for the 4 year colleges.
I want you to know that many community colleges have amazing aviation programs. You do not have to go to a pricey 4 year college. The flight time and ratings are expensive enough. There are several well known community college programs. My hubby did his 2 year and all flight training at our local community college. Finished the 4 year with Embry-Riddle back in the day corresponding (they mailed you books you took proctored tests) He works for the world’s best airline (25+year Capt.)
Your son can also be an air traffic controller because you need a private pilot license for that. That is a much needed and lucrative career choice as well.
The young pilots we know are attending community college aviation programs, forgoing the 4 year degree and getting well-paid commerical jobs right away. They are 21-22 years old. They literally could be millionaires by time their late 20’s-30’s if they are smart with their money.
The list posted above includes some of the best community college programs. My hubby’s is in the list as well. A very smart choice.