Clueless parent: aviation degree transfer vs current major + separate flight training?
Posted by Euphoric_Pepper6657@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 3 comments
Hi everyone. long post, sorry in advance.
I’m a clueless parent trying to help my son think through his options. I have read through many of the prior discussions here about aviation degrees vs non aviation degree.
My son just finished freshman year at an out-of-state school as a non-STEM, non-aviation major. He's satisfied there, but he consider entering flight major to be pilot. Zero flight time, but he already passed his FAA First Class Medical,
He was accepted as a transfer to a large Midwest state university Part 141 aviation program. Tuition itself is not the main difference because both schools are out-of-state.
So we are trying to choose between two paths.
Option A is to transfer into the university Part 141 aviation program, get the structured training, R-ATP benefit, and possibly have a better shot at an internal CFI job. If he transfers, he would basically be starting over in the flight sequence, so it may take more than three years. Given 3+ more years, I'm not even sure the R-ATP benefit is as meaningful in practice.
Option B is to stay at his current university, keep his non-aviation major as a Plan B, and possibly take a one-year leave to do intensive flight training at a separate Part 141 flight school.
My main question is whether the university aviation program meaningfully improves his chances of getting a job, especially in today’s more competitive job market. Any related advice?
I would appreciate advice and read with my son.
flying-ModTeam@reddit
You want to become a pilot? That's great! Most of us at r/flying have been in your shoes before.
Please browse through our FAQ as we have amassed a large amount of material and wisdom over the years about how to become a pilot, whether you're considering flying as a career or just as a hobby. We're sure to have address nearly any concern you might have about the process.
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TxAggieMike@reddit
This blog post is worth you reading: https://raisetheded.blogspot.com/2026/04/college-aviation-programs-and-other.html
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Hi everyone. long post, sorry in advance.
I’m a clueless parent trying to help my son think through his options. I have read through many of the prior discussions here about aviation degrees vs non aviation degree.
My son just finished freshman year at an out-of-state school as a non-STEM, non-aviation major. He's satisfied there, but he consider entering flight major to be pilot. Zero flight time, but he already passed his FAA First Class Medical,
He was accepted as a transfer to a large Midwest state university Part 141 aviation program. Tuition itself is not the main difference because both schools are out-of-state.
So we are trying to choose between two paths.
Option A is to transfer into the university Part 141 aviation program, get the structured training, R-ATP benefit, and possibly have a better shot at an internal CFI job. If he transfers, he would basically be starting over in the flight sequence, so it may take more than three years. Given 3+ more years, I'm not even sure the R-ATP benefit is as meaningful in practice.
Option B is to stay at his current university, keep his non-aviation major as a Plan B, and possibly take a one-year leave to do intensive flight training at a separate Part 141 flight school.
My main question is whether the university aviation program meaningfully improves his chances of getting a job, especially in today’s more competitive job market. Any related advice?
I would appreciate advice and read with my son.
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