<p>Hi. 1st post :)</p>
<p>My son is going to be a senior this year at a high school in Charlotte, NC. He has a HUGE interest in Aviation and has been taking flying lessons since he was 14 yo (years old). He got a 32 on his ACT's and has a 3.8 unweighted and a 4.7 weighted avg. We are a bit confused where to find an excellent college that offers a challenging academic program as well as an avaition program. He doesn't want to go to Embry Riddle because "that's all they do there." And since pilots don't make much money, he wants to explore other options.</p>
<p>My husband and my son have been visiting colleges in the "area" this summer. They are not really looking at colleges with an aviation program. I think at least they should look at a school like Purdue that offers an Aviation Technology program. </p>
<p>My question is....does anyone know anything about the aviation technology program at Purdue? </p>
<p>I am open to any comments or suggestions you have. Thank you.</p>
<p>Son went to Iillinois Institute of Aviation which is closing.Being a professional aviator I would say Purdue is the better of the two.I am a ground instructor while not at the airline at Lewis University which has a very good aviation program including ATC, Dispatch,Management,Maintenance and Flight.</p>
<p>P.S. Been a pilot 30 years now both military an commercial.It has never been about money it really is about flying.I told my son to have a career and fly for pleasure as an avocation.</p>
<p>I graduated from Purdue’s aviation program in 1994. I’ve interned at United. Worked in United’s world headquaters in Chicago. Went active duty Air Force for 10 years. Have been a Southwest Airline’s pilot for 8 years. </p>
<p>Purdue has an outstanding aviation program. Their facilities, professors/instructors, aircraft, and maintenance are top notch. Purdue also has a very strong engineering and finance/accounting schools that could provide a great opportunity for a minor or second major. The aviation school is very small/highly selective for the size of the university so I would really encourage you to contact the school sooner than later. Purdue will give your son an outstanding overall college experience with many opportunities…especially if he ever changes his mind about his future career.</p>
<p>In the aviation program they offer flight, maintenance, and aviation management degrees. In the flight program you would earn an associates degree after your sophomore year…basically getting your commercial/instrument and multi-engine ratings. Most students then get their instructor’s rating the summer between their 2nd and 3rd. years. You’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology with studies in heavy aircraft systems, large transport simulator time, and long range navigation and communications studies the last 2 years.</p>
<p>Purdue also as opportunities to join the flight team. The team competes in regional and national competitions against other collegiate flight teams in ground and flying events. (I still have nightmare’s about that wizwheel)</p>
<p>The aviation program also offers extra flying opportunities such as mountainous flying, and basic aerobatic classes.</p>
<p>I was not in the ROTC program at Purdue. When I applied to the USAF for undergraduate pilot training…that entire fiscal year, besides the USAF academy, and ROTC graduates, the Air Force only accepted 4 applicants in the U.S. I’m convinced I was 1 of 4 in the country to get accepted because of the letters of recommendation I had from my professors (many ex military pilots) and folks I met at United (Job and internship) because of my Purdue experience. Of all the things I’ve learned about the aviation industry is: It’s not what you know, but who you know…Networking is everything and Purdue is a great way to start.</p>
<p>Sorry for the long winded response…Good Luck!!</p>
<p>p.s. If he’s thinking about a possible military career, inquire about an Air Force ROTC program…scholarships are a wonderful thing!!</p>
<p>On another note about the $. Flying should never be all about the money. Most professional pilots would fly no matter what they got paid and do it because they love it and can’t see themselves doing anything else. However don’t let anyone scare you away from a very rewarding career if you’re motivated enough. I know my career is not typical but also not unheard of. I’ve never been unemployed, or without insurance. The private sector is lean the first few years (lots of mac and cheese) but will also get you to the majors quicker. I also like to call this the weed out period. This is where you’ll find out who really wants it bad enough. Ok for young single folks. Only caution…If an outfit has a high turn-over rate for it’s pilots…there’s a reason. Don’t be afraid to walk away from an unsafe/questionable maintenance type fly-by-night outfit. Trust your instincts. </p>
<p>Active duty military is much more of a stable early career. A little bit longer to get to the majors (10 year commitment after graduating from pilot training) You’ll also sacrifice in the family area…lots of moving and being gone. However best training bar none, and very rewarding careeer. Also one doesn’t need to worry about UAVs anymore…separate career field, so graduates from UPT will fly airplanes in the airforce/navy.</p>
<p>Best option I would tell my kids…Go get a guard or reserve unit to send you to pilot training. Can fly full time with the unit until you get enough experience to get on with a major airline. You don’t have all the moving and family sacrifices, and can go part time and fly your airline job when your ready.</p>
<p>As far as money: 8 yr first officer with SWA, I make over 230K a year. My schedule is exptremely flexible. I work when I want, take off when I want. Made 26K in June (worked a lot only 8 days off), will only work 3-6 days this month in July. So once again don’t let anyone tell you flying as a profession is a bad way to go. As with anything in life you get out of it what you put in to it. It’s been great every step of the way and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!!!</p>
<p>Just to qualify my experience with SWA. I fly more than most. On average an 8 yr FO that doesn’t fly any extra will earn around 150K, and a capt who doesn’t fly any extra will make around 220K. A capt who wants to work a lot at SWA can earn up 400K+. I know every airline is different and SWA is an awesome place to work with great flexibility in their work rules/contract, but there are many great companies to work for…Alaska, Delta (Delta/Northwest) just to name a few. </p>
<p>Also to consider, there is going to be a great shortage of professional pilots in the near future (code for better pay and benefits). With many of the majors downsizing over the past 10-15 yrs, the average age of most of the legacy carriers is very senior. So in the next 5-10 years you’ll see a huge turnover, in some instances over half of their pilot manning due to mandatory retirements at age 65.</p>
<p>Haven’t they been predicting pilot shortages for a decade or more?</p>