If you're looking for a new career and you love flying planes, you should consider training to pilot for the major airlines. If you're already licensed to fly small planes, then you're off to a good start. Here's a look at becoming a career pilot and obtaining an aviation degree.
A College Degree Is Helpful
If you want to fly for major airlines, it's good to get a bachelor's degree. Having a degree makes you more competitive and creates a strong foundation for different career paths. If you want to fly small planes commercially, a degree may not be as important, but even then having a degree makes you more favorable to potential employers. You might be able to get a bachelor's degree in three years, especially if you have previous flight training and logged hours in smaller craft. That puts you on the track for a master's degree in five years if you wish to pursue an even higher degree.
When you get a degree, you learn much more than just how to fly a plane. You also learn aviation history, theory, and management practices. This prepares you to become a pilot or work in airline management. You could also become a flight instructor.
The Demand For Pilots Is Growing
The job outlook for pilots is good and expected to grow in the coming years. Part of the reason is the loss of pilots due to retirement and part of the reason is because of the growth of the airline industry. Pilot jobs are in demand in various parts of the world, so you'll have the chance to live and work out of various countries if you choose to do so.
You Can Fly Cargo Or Passengers
If you want to fly jets, but you're not sure you want to deal with the public, then flying a cargo plane might be a better job option for you. You may need to obtain a commercial license first and gain experience as a commercial pilot in a small plane to look favorable to employers. One advantage of obtaining a degree in aviation is that it can make up for training you missed by not being a military pilot. Military pilots often have an edge with airlines because of their training and experience, but a comprehensive flight training school can prepare you for the workforce just as well.
If you meet the physical and health requirements and you love to spend your time flying, then starting a career as a pilot seems like a good step. You can always start with small planes flying passengers or cargo to see if you like the working environment of being a commercial pilot, and if you do, then attending a flight training school that prepares you for the major airlines could be worth considering so you can broaden your job opportunities and make more money.
Reach out to a flight training school to learn more.
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