Question
: Do you know how much it would cost (per year) to go to a college aviation school and learn how to fly and be a pilot? Also, since I've heard it's good to have another "back-up plan", I think I would consider being an air traffic controller if I decide I can't or don't want to be a pilot. Do you know how much this would cost to get training from a college? In the airline industry, airlines usually have a few different types of planes. If you got a job with an airline, would you have to have training for every type of aircraft or only one or two? Thanks for your help!
Answer : Those are some great questions. The cost of a college education at an aviation-oriented school varies widely. For instance, if you go to a public school such as Western Michigan University, you will pay substantially less, than if you went to a private school such as Embry-Riddle or Daniel Webster. However, each school has its own unique benefits and differences. So, I would highly recommend that you visit your top 3-5 schools, and make a decision based on cost, location, programs, scholarship opportunities. Becoming an Air Traffic Controller is a great career. The FAA currently in the process of hiring over 14,000 controllers by 2014. So, there’s a great demand for new controllers as well. Once again, to get this additional education at a college, will vary substantially. In regards to aircraft training for the airlines, when you first get hired, you will be trained on one particular aircraft. As more senior pilots retire, relocate, or move to a different company, you will have the opportunity to bid for a new routes and aircraft. When you successfully win a new bid, you will then start training on the new airplane. Thanks, Jamail
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