How Many Years of College to Become an Airline Pilot?
Airline pilots fly some of the world's most technologically advanced, high-performance civilian aircraft to destinations around the country, continent and globe. Airlines, defined as scheduled air carriers under federal aviation regulation part 121, employ these highly trained individuals to carry either passengers or cargo. In addition to pilot licenses and technical knowledge, many airlines require their pilots to possess a college degree.
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Regional Airlines
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Most airline pilots begin their careers at regional airlines, which are commuter carriers that bring passengers or cargo from small, outlying airports to major airline hubs. These airlines typically do not require pilots to have more than a high-school diploma or GED, although a two- or four-year college degree will make an individual more competitive for a position. Regional airlines pilots earn less than their counterparts at major airlines. Many individuals use the regionals as a "stepping stone" to gain experience to advance to the major airlines rather than as a career destination.
Major Airlines
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Major airlines carry passengers or cargo between large hub airports, both within the United States and internationally. These air carriers employ pilots with previous experience at regional airlines, corporate flight departments or the military. In addition to an airline transport pilot license and extensive turbine (jet) flying experience, major airlines require their pilots to possess four-year college degrees. These air carriers look to hire well-rounded, knowledgeable and sophisticated aviation professionals rather than just flight technicians.
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College Major
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Although many individuals believe an aviation degree will make a person more competitive for a pilot position at a major airline, this is not the case. In fact, airlines do not care what a prospective pilot majored in, only that she possess a four-year degree. An individual looking to become a pilot should major in a discipline that will give her other career options should she encounter health problems that leave her unable to fly or extended airline hiring freezes.
College Courses
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Although airlines do not have college-major requirements, prospective pilots will find certain courses advantageous to acquiring knowledge necessary for their professions. For instance, mathematics courses give pilots the knowledge to perform flight-related calculations, such as estimated fuel burn, aircraft weight-and-balance and time and distance traveled. Additionally, airline management courses give prospective airline pilots insight into how the aviation industry works, including airline expansion, contraction and pilot hiring. Finally, a course in physics gives prospective pilots knowledge about the mechanics of flight.
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- Photo Credit pilots image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
