Q: What is the best route to take to get hired by a major carrier? I am a junior in high school with just about 11 hours under my belt. Are any airlines going into high schools to recruit young adults?—Jackson
A: Not yet—but maybe someday. If you have been following the articles in this magazine for the past few months, you have seen some discussion on the “pilot shortage.” I believe it is a reality. In the not-too-distant future, Americans will be surprised when flights are cancelled because there are not enough pilots to fly them.
Will U.S. airlines recruit the brightest young folks from high schools and train them at company expense when they come of age? I’m guessing not, simply because there are enough corporate, charter, and military pilots who will compete for jobs at the major airlines. The regional and second-tier airlines: maybe.
As you think about your career ambitions, here are some ideas to consider.
Don’t pass up college. The best jobs at the biggest airlines go to those holding a college degree. What’s more, the new ATP rule will reduce the number of flight hours required for the certificate to those who graduate from an accredited college aviation program, saving up to 500 hours in some cases.
Do your homework. Certainly, you want a college education that you can afford in an environment that you are comfortable with—whether that’s a large campus or a smaller program. Search out college programs that reach out to aviation companies to form internship and cooperative programs. A number of institutions have fast-track programs where students are virtually guaranteed an interview upon course completion and reaching flight time minimums.
You might also consider colleges that offer a two-year program. Although you may need to acquire additional hours to get that ATP, you will earn all your important ratings in half the time, and start building flight experience that much sooner. Finally, minor in something other than aviation. Have a fallback position in case the flying career goes belly up.
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