July 22, 2023
Why You Don’t Need a Bachelor of Aviation to Become a Pilot
Do you think you need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot? Think again. As an aspiring pilot, it’s your job to determine an aviation training pathway that will create the best pilot out of you. As a matter of fact, a Bachelor of Aviation is only one pathway to becoming a pilot – and most pilots will argue that there’s a better pathway. It’s also your job to take into consideration the quality of your training, the time it takes to become a pilot, and the financial cost of your pilot training. Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll discover why you don’t need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot. Let’s take a look at your options and what a better pathway might look like.
What’s Involved with a Bachelor of Aviation?
Most bachelor programs combine Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training and Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR) training with other university subjects. To become a pilot, you need a pilot licence, flying ratings, and endorsements. This means you can actually study the Diploma of Aviation to gain your CPL, and your Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating. In some regards, it’s a bit like becoming a truck driver: you don’t need a Bachelor’s Degree, you just need your driver licence.
Why Not Get the Bachelor of Aviation?
A Bachelor of Aviation requires three years of aviation training due to the structure. However, a pilot licence doesn’t actually require this amount of time. After 1.5 years of training to gain your CPL and MECIR, you will still need to complete another 1.5 years of university to complete the course.
If your end goal is to be a commercial airline pilot, the big consideration for intake is not a Bachelor Degree – it’s your flying hours and experience. Airlines care about your combined hours, which aircraft you can fly, and your night and multi-engine hours. You only need to look at Qantas’ Pilots and Flight Operations webpage to see there is no requirement for a Bachelor’s Degree. There’s only a requirement for a minimum flying experience.
If you study for the Diploma of Aviation to get your CPL and MECIR, you can start looking for a job immediately. This means you’ll be building your flying experience instead of wasting an additional 1.5 years of study. After 3 years, you can be a far more appealing commercial pilot applicant by completing your Diploma in Aviation, compared to a Bachelor’s Degree.
There are better ways! This is why you don’t need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot.
What If I Really Want a Bachelor’s Degree?
If you really want a Bachelor’s Degree, you should choose something other than aviation. A Bachelor’s in the fields of IT or accounting would be a smarter choice. If COVID or a significant economic downturn occurred, you would be qualified for other industries and it would protect you as a pilot.
What is the Suggested Pathway for Becoming a Pilot?
Now that we’ve covered why you don’t need a Bachelor of Aviation to become a pilot, let’s look at a better approach. There’s one clear pathway that provides the most efficient and effective aviation training. It’s an aviation pathway that many commercial airline pilots successfully followed, reducing the time it takes to become a pilot and reducing the overall cost of training. Here’s what that pathway looks like:
1. Study the Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) to gain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
2. Study the Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) to get the MECIR.
3. Study the Flight Instructor Rating. It is one of the easiest ways to get your first pilot job. As a flight instructor, you can build hours a lot quicker than other pilot jobs. (Optional, but highly recommended).
4. Look for a job as a pilot.
5. Study a Bachelor’s Degree in another field, if you really want to. However, do it once you have a job as a pilot so you can build your flying hours and study at the same time.
Are you ready to join the evolving world of aviation?
Chat with one of our flight training specialists to get your pilot training off the ground. Email [email protected] or go to https://drift.me/learntofly/meeting to book a meeting and school tour.
What Else Should I Know?
We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!
Becoming A Flight Instructor – More Important Now Than Ever Before
We’ll discuss some of the benefits that explain why becoming a flight instructor is more important now than ever before.
Aspiring Career Pilots – Here’s Why You Need a Diploma of Aviation
With so many different types of aviation qualifications out there, which one should you choose? And which Melbourne flight school do you approach? These can be tricky questions to answer, so let us help you out.
Flight Instructor Rating – The Perfect Start For New Commercial Pilot Graduates
What is the best way to get started and set yourself on the right career path for your dream pilot job? In our opinion, it all starts with a Flight Instructor Rating. Let’s find out why!
Flight Instructor Training Endorsements – All You Need To Know
In this blog we’ll outline the Flight Instructor Training Endorsements that are available. We’ll also guide you on how each of these endorsements can add value to your role as a Flight Instructor and your progression as a professional pilot.
