Career Adviser: Ticket to the pros

A: Julie, the fact that you have taken an interest in your son’s dreams is awesome. A supportive mom has launched many a flying career. Back in the 1960s, my mom—a single parent—worked long hours as an office manager for a large automobile auction in Chicago. Her bosses, Ed and Joe, owned a Cessna 172 based at the now-defunct Howell Airport on the city’s far south side.

One day, mom convinced her employers to take her 11-year-old for an airplane ride, and they gladly obliged. While cruising over the Windy City, Joe said, “Hey, Wayne. Why don’t you try steering this thing? Just put your hands on the wheel and gently turn left and right and pull up and push down.” Well, that did it. Ed and Joe gave me summer jobs throughout my teen years so I could take flying lessons in Willy Howell’s Piper Cubs and Tri-Pacers. They even paid for a bunch of those lessons. Of course, mom stuck way too much cash in her son’s pockets to feed that aviation bug. Your email prompted a huge bout of nostalgia recalling my own mom, who departed in 2008, and her support and sacrifice.

You say that your son wants to be a private pilot. I’m guessing you meant commercial pilot, where he could enter a career path as a professional pilot for the airlines or corporate aviation. If he does aim only for a private pilot certificate, then he is probably going to do just fine where he is taking instruction. If, as I suspect, he really is aiming for a professional flying career, there are so many ways to get there: the local airport flight school, an aviation two-year or four-year college, or an aviation academy where the focus is exclusively on flight and not so much on academics.

A college degree is not essential for a good career in aviation, but, honestly, the best jobs with the biggest companies do look for a four-year degree; it doesn’t even need to be a degree in aviation.

Having a college degree in another field is a wise strategy for many pilots who look for a fallback position in case they are grounded by illness or if their company runs aground. But, that doesn’t mean an aspiring professional can’t earn a degree. Many airmen get the job flying for pay but still earn a degree online at their own pace.

You certainly can do an internet search and discover thousands ofposts and pages on the subject offlying professionally. I suggest you have a face-to-face talk with a reputable flight school, college, or academy. I am privileged to have a network of very savvy pros in aviation academia, airlines,and corporate aviation. Send me an email with your contact info and I would be happy to get you in touchwith someone who will give you the straight scoop.

Wayne Phillips manages the Airline Training Orientation Program (www.atopjets.com). Send your career questions to careers@aopa.org and we’ll publish the best ones here.