downsouth3

I am currently looking at going to an aviation university or academy for flight training.. I was looking into Embry Riddle, Henderson State, Texas Central, or Louisiana Tech however I was wondering if reputation really matters???? Being that the industry is kinda slow right now from what i was told, is it necessary to go to an academy such as "ATP" or school is more recommended???

erictgill

its all up to you... everyone is going to throw their two cents at you and the majority of the people will tell you not to get a degree in aviation, get it in something else and just go to a FBO to learn to fly while you attend college for something other than Aviation.

If you are hands on and learn better with doing things first hand as opposed to cracking open the books then go to an academy or a FBO to learn to fly. If you love cracking books and learning things by going in to the science of things then go to a college. Schools like ERAU and UND are very expensive and do have a well known name but you are going to pay an arm and a leg and its going to take years to pay off loans for schools like that.
Academies like ALL ATPS and Delta Connection Academy are expensive as well, but they do not offer degrees.

Aviation Degrees do nothing but help you in the field of Aviation if you get grounded or layed off then your S-O-L
By Playing it safe get a degree in something that has more than one purpose and Fly at a FBO and get your ratings there. Airlines dont care what your degree is in as long as you have one.

Good Luck

rickair7777

School reputation does NOT matter (unless it is a military program).

Any school which says otherwise or emphasizes their reputation or "contacts" in the airline industry is lying through their teeth...that should be a big red flag not to trust them with your money.

Estantoi

Some schools are commonly referred to as "pilot mills" because they churn out pilots like a factory. ATP is rumoured to be one of these and I've heard from multiple people in the business who have flown with pilots from these schools that say their skill level is not up to par. (this may or may not be BS so take it with a grain of salt). However, I have never heard of this making a difference in the hiring world.

Anytime you get involved with some sort of "quick, fast, easy" program you are risking the quality of training. Flying is an art form that takes practice and time to develop skill and judgment. Rushing through it seems silly.