Ask the Captain: Should an aspiring pilot skip college?

Question: Getting a pilot's license is so expensive, how do commercial pilots afford it? Should an aspiring pilot skip college and instead get their certification?

— Submitted by reader Madeleine, Washington

Answer: The cost of training is a major concern. Airplanes and simulators are expensive to purchase or lease and to operate. Many pilots entering the industry have large loans to repay for the cost of training.

I would not recommend skipping college. Having a bachelor's degree can open many opportunities. The best solution may be to attend a college with a flight major. This allows both a college degree and the necessary licenses.

Q: I'm currently a senior in high school and am planning on going into aviation science at Western Michigan. I'm considering all options at this point to escape the dreaded low pay of regionals, but am fine with leaving the country. What opportunities should I consider?

— Noah, Detroit

A: There are many options for lower-time pilots overseas. I suggest you talk to an aviation career counselor to help you decide. Certainly the Middle East is a possibility, as is much of Asia and India. Each operator has different requirements; contact them directly to get the specifics. It is important to remember that the type of experience is as important as the total flight time. Experience in a transport jet is far more valuable than flight instructing in a Cessna.

I hope the pay for regional pilots will improve in the near future. Good luck in your career.

Q: What do you foresee for the career prospects of an airline pilot? Good? Or are computers going to take over?

— Austin Apple, Lafayette, Ind.

A: There is a pilot shortage in some parts of the world. As pilots in my generation retire, the demand for new airline pilots will increase. Therefore, I see positive prospects for pilots embarking on an airline career. The career of an airline pilot in the future will be vastly different than my own. In some ways, it will be better, and in others, it will be more challenging. Several young people I know are new airline pilots, and I think their future is bright.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.