Frequently Asked Questions (USA)

What if I am not 17 years old?

You have to be 17 to take your private pilot exam. If you are 2-3 months shy of turning 17, a waiver of this rule may be available. Please contact admissions department.

Where do I attend the college classes?

The college classes (for both 2 and 4 year degrees) are conducted online via the college's Distance learning program. You will be as much of a student as the other 23,000 who attend the on-campus classes.

What kind of student loans you provide or assist with?

You may be eligible to apply for Federal financial aid as well as non-governmental supplemental loans for up to $ 80,000 for your flight training. All payments are deferred until 6 months after you graduate with an Associate or bachelors degree.

What will be the cost of this training?

Flight training cost depends on what program you wish to do. Detailed costing for each program is provided under the courses section.

Do I have to complete a degree? What if I already have a college degree?

College degree is not required in most airlines, but is highly recommended to be competitive. If you already have a college degree, you may not need another one. Please contact admissions to discuss this.

What is a day in the life of a Career Track student like?

Typically, a student will have 2 or 3 training events scheduled in a day. Training events are items such as a ground school, a simulator training session, or a flight mission. Students typically spend 8 or more hours on campus, between their training events and other studying, preparation or even riding along during other student's events. Several hours each evening is typical to prepare for the next day’s events

How many days a week will I fly at American School of Aviation?

Students normally fly at least 5 days a week. If there was a delay in training due to weather, for example, or a student needed extra instruction on a particular topic, the student may be required to fly on a 6th day in order to stay on schedule. Individual students can always request to fly 6 or 7 days per week, but 5 days per week is typical.

Can I have an outside job while I’m attending American School of Aviation?

Due to the airline structure and aggressive pace of our training program, school policy restricts outside employment. Chief Flight Instructor's authorization is required before you accept any outside employment. On campus jobs are available though.

How long will I spend at a ‘regional airline'?

This varies depending on the individual. Typically, a pilot may fly as a first officer at a regional airline for about 1.5 years, then upgrade to captain. Once a regional airline captain for about 1.5 years, pilots are often hired by the major airlines. So, a common example is about 3 years at a regional airline prior to moving to a major airline.

What will I earn as an airline pilot?

The regional airline pay scales are lower than the major airlines. A typical regional airline pilot starts at about $23,000 per year (this can vary depending on the airline), and may see annual increases of about $10,000. Once hired at a major airline, pay scales start around $40,000 and typically increase much more quickly than at the regional airlines. Maximum income at a regional airline can be around $75,000, while top incomes at a major airline frequently exceed $250,000.

How do I get a job as a corporate pilot?

Jobs flying corporate aircraft frequently require more flight experience than jobs at an airline. Many people are able to find opening in corporate flight departments through networking and personal contacts. It is uncommon for companies to place public advertisements for corporate pilots.

How old is the typical Career Pilot student, and what’s really ‘too old’ to pursue a career as an airline pilot?

Students range in age from just out of high school or college, to their 50s. Regional airlines will hire pilots no younger than 21, and typically into their 50s. The regional airlines see a 50 year old pilot as a good investment, as that pilot won’t be eager to leave for a ‘major’ airline. Major airlines typically hire pilots in the age range of 24 to 45.