Career In Meteorology

Is it better to attend a small aviation college or a larger one?

I still have some time to decide, but just wondering if it would be worth it to go to a bigger more expensive one like the University of North Dakota, or Southern Illinois, or if it would be better to choose a cheaper in state college, my only option being the University of Nebraska Kearney, which is a small town college. Just wondering what some of your thoughts were about a cheaper, in state, or a more expensive out of state college. By the way, I am also going to major in some other field, possibly meteorology, so I have a career to fall back on later, if I get furloughed or something. Answers much appreciated, especially from people who have gone the civillian route into aviation, as I plan to. Also, are the airlines (regional or major) more likely to hire you if you have gone to a big name school? And, are they more willing to hire you if you have a degree in meteorology, in my case, than if you are only taking aviation related classes?

Public Comments

1. My personal thought on these university flight schools is that they are just pilot mills. ( Like a puppy mill). I prefer a smaller flight school at the local FBO over the "push them through" mentality. They "almost" guarantee a right seat job on a regional jet....Which is about a $17K a year starter job. One upside to these are the ground school. You don't have to wait around for a few other people to have the interest and it goes through quickly. I know that Hampton University in Hampton, VA uses a flight school outside of the university. They use Rick Aviation, which is located two towns over. This approach may yield better results. I do not know much about there program except it is one of the first largest and Black Universities in the Country. If you don't mind being a number and not a name, they are OK. If you prefer a little more one on one interacting with your flight instructor, more than what is offered within a semester, I'd recommend not using a college flight program and seeking a local Part 141 flight school near the college or university you are attending. Whatever route you choose, the most important thing is make sure you find an instructor that works for you. Sit down and ask what his goals are, and they YOU are his top priority, not building hours to get a regional airliner job. You are making a very wise choice to major in a field that can be used outside aviation. Its always good to diversify.
2. I went to Purdue and graduated with a Professional Flight degree. It was a very enjoyable time. i learned a lot and it really helps secre a job for when you graduate. Several airlines reduced their minimums for us because of the extra training we receive at school. Not only do you get all your ceertificates but you gain experience and training in large transport category aircraft. At school we had two 727 sims where you worked as a crew with other classmates. The 727-200 sim is a level C sim. Having this experience gave me an great advantage over others when i went through my training at AE. You learn alot about acting as a crew, learning a large airplane and how to fly one. I think university flight schools are geat. I enjoyed my experience. I now fly for American Eagle in the right seat of the ATR-72 down in puerto rico. Go to a good company and you will make more than 17k a year. And you wont be just a number. Where i went it was a pretty close aviation community you knew just about everyone. All the professors knew you too.
3. Whether you go to small or large school, go for the quality of the instruction. Also, when you start out, try to get spin training because it makes safer pilots. Also, as you progress with your ratings, get as much instrument and night time as you can. Experience is what counts the most. If you do not have objections, there is also the possibility of going the military route where you get some of the best flight training. However, you would have to go through some kind of commissioning source (ROTC, AF Academy, or OTS). The airlines will pick you based on amount and type of flying experience and not by your college major. I personally took the military route and got what I consider to be excellent training. I am now a pilot for one of the major airlines.
4. Don't get your degree in aviation. That is not what the airlines are looking for. Train at your local FBO and work your way through the ratings. Build good time through instruction, aerial photography, cargo - whatever. It is the good experience that you need. As for degree type, go for business, communications something other than aviation. Meteorology is a good choice as well. Not only something to fall back on, but flight departments are not looking for pre programed pilot robot types, that just regurgitate all things aviation. An aviation degree does not make you more qualified, than the same guy with the same time with a non-aviation degree.
5. If you want to be on a fast track to an aviation career, a strictly aviation college or university like ERAU, would be the best, because that is what they do. When you graduate, you not only know how to fly, but will have a degree in an aviation related field. Colleges or universities that have aviation as a sideline may be limited in the amount of time given to the aviation part of the curriculum. The smaller schools may be able to devote more time to the individual, but will probably be limited in other curriculum. In times past airlines wanted at least a BS in something related to aviation, but now it seems they don't care what your BS is in but they do show more preference to a degree of any kind. All this leaves you in pretty much the same quandary as when you asked, so pick a school and talk to some one who has went through their training and see how it turned out. Many times that also will leave you in the same predicament, so ultimately it is up to you to decide.
6. Can you get into the armed forces? Best way to go by far. If not, a small school is ok if the instructors are good, talk to as many new pilots as you can about their experiences. www.MyEnglishSchool.jp teaches aviation english to pilots but can also help you with flight theory :)
7. big is better unless you planning to fly your air craft to some tall buildings!