If you dream of becoming a professional pilot, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to start with a four-year college aviation program or attend a full-time flight school. The choice you make will impact not only how quickly you reach the airlines but also how much you spend and earn along the way. Let’s break down both paths over a 10-year period to determine the most efficient route to your career as an airline pilot.
Many aspiring pilots consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree for three primary reasons:
With that in mind, let’s compare the timelines for both paths.
Years 1-4: College and Flight Training
Enrolled in a four-year college with an aviation program.
Earns a bachelor’s degree while obtaining the required pilot ratings (PSEL, IFR, CSEL, CFI, CFII, CMEL, and MEI).
Accumulates around 250 flight hours upon graduation.
Years 5-6: Time Building
Works as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to gain 1,500 total flight hours.
Becomes eligible for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
Years 7-10: Regionals & Major Airlines
Hired by a regional airline and spends approximately four years gaining airline experience.
Accumulates around 5,100 flight hours.
Eligible for a major airline by year 10.
Total Flight Hours by Year 10: 5,100
Year 1: Full-Time Flight School
Attends an accelerated flight program, such as Blue Line Aviation’s Career Pilot Program, which lasts 5.5 months.
Earns the same 7 pilot certifications as the college path.
Graduates with around 200 flight hours.
Years 2-3: Time Building
Works as a CFI, accumulating 1,500 hours within two years.
Becomes eligible for the ATP certificate by the middle of year 3.
Years 4-7: Regionals & College (Part-Time)
Hired by a regional airline and starts building airline experience.
Concurrently enrolls in Purdue Global to earn a bachelor’s degree, using flight school credits to reduce coursework.
Completes the degree in six years while flying professionally.
Years 8-10: Major Airlines
Accumulates 8,250 flight hours by year 10.
Seniority at a major airline, earning significantly more than a pilot who started with college first.
Total Flight Hours by Year 10: 8,250
Key Takeaways: Why Flight School First Wins
Faster Career Progression: Pilots who choose flight school first reach the airlines 3-4 years earlier than those who go to college first, meaning they start earning a pilot’s salary much sooner.
More Flight Hours & Experience: By year 10, the flight school-first path results in 3,150 more flight hours than the college-first route, making these pilots more experienced and senior at the airlines.
Significant Cost Savings: The flight school-first path avoids years of college tuition and living expenses while unemployed. Instead, pilots start earning within two years and can pay off any loans faster.
Degree Flexibility: Through Purdue Global’s partnership with Blue Line Aviation, pilots can still earn a bachelor’s degree while flying professionally, reducing costs and maximizing income potential.
Ultimately, the only advantage of going to college first is obtaining a degree a few years earlier. However, since major airlines no longer require it, the most efficient route to a successful aviation career is attending an accelerated flight school first and obtaining a degree later if needed.
If you’re serious about flying for a major airline, why wait? Start your journey with Blue Line Aviation! Contact us today!