Alternatives to College: Why Students Are Becoming Pilots

The traditional trajectory after high school for most students is to go into a four-year college program. But, this isn’t the only option to get into a lucrative profession. As college tuition costs continue to go up, many students are looking for alternatives to obtaining high-paying careers after completing their education. Commercial pilot training is a great alternative to college for students who are looking for a clear career path, competitive salary, and opportunity to earn as much as their college peers. 

Why More Students Are Skipping College

Many students who attend college question the return on investment of a four-year degree. With extended time to graduation and uncertain job markets in many fields, the reality shows many graduates who end up working in fields unrelated to their majors. For this reason, the thoughts on traditional college have shifted. Students are now seeking alternatives to college that offer a clearer career path, as well as programs that teach practical skills needed in those careers. 

How Flight School Compares to Traditional College

While flight school and a bachelor’s degree can be completed in tandem, there are also differences between an aviation education through flight school and traditional college. Most professional pilot training programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months, compared to the four years many students spend earning a bachelor’s degree. This means that student pilots can work in their chosen career while their traditional college classmates are still in school. 

In addition, tuition costs can greatly differ between flight school and traditional college. Flight school is still a major financial commitment, but it often comes with less student loan debt than traditional colleges. 

The learning experience itself is also different between flight schools and traditional college. Flight school is intensely practical and skill-focused. Students are learning to become a pilot both through ground school and flight training. Students spend a significant amount of time in cockpits, simulators, and intensive ground instruction that directly relates to their future career. Every hour of training builds towards specific FAA certifications that airlines require. 

The Path to Becoming a Pilot

Becoming a pilot requires obtaining several different certifications from a private pilot license (PPL) to an airline transport license (ATP). The private pilot license itself requires a minimum of 35 flight hours, while the ATP license requires 1,500 flight hours. This entire progression can be completed in 2 years for dedicated students attending full-time programs. Part-time students training under a Part 61 program, which offers more flexibility, can still complete the same path in 3-4 years, all while gaining experience for their desired career field. 

Career Opportunities After Flight School

The aviation industry offers students diverse career paths beyond just becoming an airline pilot. Regional airlines actively recruit newly certified pilots with competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement. These positions also serve as an excellent stepping stone to a larger career working for a major airline, where pilots can build seniority. 

Beyond flying, student pilots training in a flight school program can also earn their certification to be a certified flight instructor (CFI). This allows them to build more flight hours towards an ATP license while beginning to work in their desired industry.

How Much Do Pilots Earn Compared to College Graduates?

Pilots earn competitive salaries, making flight school an even more desirable alternative to traditional college. Entry-level pilots working for regional airlines can expect to earn an annual salary of $90,300-$120,700. Airlines often offer competitive salaries and even sign-on bonuses to attract talent. In comparison, the average college graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns a starting salary of $68,680. 

Is Flight School Right for You?

Do you have a dream of becoming a pilot? If so, flight school may be the ideal option for you. But, flight school does not have to fully replace college. Phoenix East Aviation works with Broward College, Purdue Global, UCF, Utah Central Valley, and Liberty University to help students obtain a college degree while training to become a pilot through a flight training program.