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What classes should I take if I want to go into aviation in college?
I think I should go into physics and higher math but I don’t know if that would help me with aviation or if it will be a complete waste of time
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6 answers
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Roy’s Answer
A degree is NOT required to become a pilot. NOR is a degree from a University Aviation Program required to become a successful professional pilot. It will help you become more marketable and look better on a resume to get you in the door. The current massive pilot shortage is forecast to last for years and the truth is it is much easier to find a job as a pilot now, more than it has ever been.
Warren Lubow
More than 30 years in technology Industry with Over 20+ years at the Executive Level in Business Development & Sales, Also an expert in Automotive, Cloud, IoT, and more
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Warren’s Answer
You might want to consider some aviation management and business courses and then also go get some hands on aviation training in a flight school and you can use Microsoft Flight simulator as the hours spent on that will be very helpful
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Jim’s Answer
Jaxon, good day. First, math would end up being a prerequisite anyway. Basic Algebra is a good foundation for the skills you may end up needing depending on the specific field of aviation you want to get into. I got my foot in the aviation maintenance 'door' by getting into the Army. I worked on AH-64 Alpha 'A' model and then Delta 'D' model Apaches. My math skills, to this day, are not very good, but I have been in the industry since 2002. The Army Aviation school was four months long. The aptitude for using tools and techniques of how to work is shown to new students/Soldiers at the aviation maintenance school at Fort Eustis, Virginia (renamed to 'Novosel'). The UH-60 Blackhawk and, I think, the CH-47 Chinook school houses are there as well. If any changes were made, then the 128th CAB (Combat Aviation Brigade) would be the organization to ask.
I went back to school in the Fall of 2016 through Fall of 2018 at a community college in Portland, Oregon. I learned a lot through the Army, but I attended classes to learn what the Army did not teach me. While there, students use a punch card to 'clock' in for the FAA time tracking that all 'AMT' students are required to maintain. All of the classroom hours go towards achieving your A&P certificates. There are nine tests to passing for getting your A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) certificates. 'General, Airframe, and Powerplant'. All three need a verbal, written, and practical test passing grade of 70% -80% in each of the nine (9) total tests to get your A&P certificates. Each test is a new fee. Expect around $1,500-$1,600 for all 9 tests and the moment you start your first test, you have 24 months to complete all of them or you start all over again.
I went back to school in the Fall of 2016 through Fall of 2018 at a community college in Portland, Oregon. I learned a lot through the Army, but I attended classes to learn what the Army did not teach me. While there, students use a punch card to 'clock' in for the FAA time tracking that all 'AMT' students are required to maintain. All of the classroom hours go towards achieving your A&P certificates. There are nine tests to passing for getting your A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) certificates. 'General, Airframe, and Powerplant'. All three need a verbal, written, and practical test passing grade of 70% -80% in each of the nine (9) total tests to get your A&P certificates. Each test is a new fee. Expect around $1,500-$1,600 for all 9 tests and the moment you start your first test, you have 24 months to complete all of them or you start all over again.
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Dani’s Answer
I would suggest looking at the curriculum at schools like Embry-Riddle to help you gauge which courses would support your preparation for the aviation industry. You might even consider attending an informational event that a school like Embry-Riddle hosts to speak directly with faculty and staff.
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Courtney’s Answer
Meteorology, physics, math are all very helpful. Airlines, however, do not require a specific degree in any one area of concentration. I was an English major and fly a 747. They just want to see you can dedicate yourself to self study and persevere!
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Steven’s Answer
Jaxson, I think it best to identify what part of aviation you wish to go into first. Are you looking to be a private pilot? Commercial Pilot? Aircraft mechanic? A combination of both? While there are many aspects of the field that are necessary to have in your knowledge base regardless of whether or not you want to be a pilot or mechanic, there are just as many differences as well. Look for fields of knowledge that make you well rounded in all aspects of aviation. Physics and math are both good places to start. Don't forget people skills. Good communication, ability to work with folks with varied backgrounds. All of those things are important.