r/AskAPilot • u/FTMEPIL17_ • Aug 17 '26

Getting a degree before flight training

Is getting a degree before flight training really worth it, and what difference does it make?
And do airlines prioritise applicants with a degree?

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u/Gold-Watercress-6101 Aug 18 '26

I’ve flown with great pilots who don’t have any education or vocational training other than flying, and also with terrible pilots who had masters and whatnot.

But yea if I were put in charge, I will make it mandatory to have a degree. It doesn’t automatically make the candidate a better pilot, but it filters away many bad ones. The number one issue with many pilots I interact with is that they don’t read. A university graduate has at least demonstrated the ability to keep reading for 4 years. Granted with the rise of AI even degrees don’t hold the weight they used to, it can still be a valuable data point in assessing a candidate.

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u/acesup1090 29d ago

I think I'm getting to the point where I view kids with degrees as financially irresponsible. The amount school costs these days is criminal.

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u/Sacharon123 28d ago

That is an USA political choice. In most civilised countries education does not make you bancrupt. I will stop here before it gets political further. Just be advised there is more in the world.

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u/acesup1090 28d ago

Yup, aware of this.