People interested in entering the aviation field should consider enrolling in an aviation college. Technological advances have changed aviation from a profession where employees only need to fly planes. Aviation colleges teach more than just flight and attending a flight school gives potential employees an edge in this highly-competitive job sector.
Aviation Colleges
What Aviation Colleges Teach
The majority of airlines require their pilots to have a four year degree. Airlines hire pilots with degrees because employees with these degrees demonstrate that they have the abilities and skills necessary to be successful. A pilot with a four year degree is taught how to be a flight manager that handles everything from the crew to the instrumentation in the cockpit.
The first couple of years of coursework focus on the technological side of aviation. The courses include math, computer-science and physics. Students are also required to take classes in psychology and sociology. Students who major in aviation may also pursue a concentration in helicopter or airplane piloting. The core course work for a degree in aviation allows students to take leadership classes, classes about the aviation business, private and commercial airline practices and pilot operations.
Aviation Colleges In The United States
There are over a hundred two and four year college in the United States where students can pursue degrees in aviation. Students can choose to go to a school that is solely an aviation schools or pick a school that has an aviation department. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a school devoted to aviation education. The school has 150 locations in the United States, Canada, Europe and Middle East. The curriculum covers the operations, sciences and technology involved with piloting. Academy College, located in Minnesota, also offers a degree program in aviation.
Connections Made In College
Aviation colleges are ideal for students wanting to enter into the aviation profession. Many of the initial links to the aviation industry are made here. The majority of schools have career counselors that assist students finding internships and jobs after graduation. Schools with cooperative learning relationships with companies are advantageous for students. Cooperative learning occurs over a 16 week period. Students spend a semester working at company in their chosen career field. If the school does not offer a cooperative program, they will have internship opportunities. Southwest Airlines offers an internship program that allows students hands-on experience in aviation. Internships assist many students in securing their first jobs.
Not All Colleges Are Equal
Even though aviation schools offer similar curriculum, students should select the one that works best for them. If the student wants to learn to fly and receive a bachelor’s degree, there are cross-training programs. These programs allow students to use their flight training towards college credits. Students should decide whether they want to attend a two year or four year program. A two-year program puts an emphasis on the core aviation curriculum. They also are less expensive than four year programs.
Salary and Employment Outlook
Students with an associate’s degree from an aviation college find jobs as charter pilots, helicopter pilots, aerial photography pilots and flight instructors. Recipients of bachelor degrees work in the military, as aviation consultants and commercial pilots. The median salary for a person with a degree in aviation is $71,000 a year.
Aviation colleges offer tremendous opportunities for people interested in an aviation career. The most popular degree choices for aviation students include pilot training and aviation business. A degree from these colleges prepare students for the technical and business aspects of aviation.