Airline Pilot Mentor

On Thursday April 24, 2009 Daniel Webster College, a nationally recognized private college best know for its aviation program, announced that it has agreed to sell to ITT Educational Services.

ITT in a press release made a statement indicating the sale is definitive but subject to accrediting commission and governmental approvals and customary closing conditions. ITT also reported its first quarter profits rose 45 percent due to a substantial increase in student enrolments and better retention of current students. The company’s results were in part due to lowered advertising expenses and the increase of student financial aid from both government and private sources. ITT did not specify the terms of the purchase but did indicate the sale is expected to close in July.

Daniel Webster College is regionally accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and currently serves approximately 1,200 students on its 52-acre campus in Nashua, NH and at an additional location in Portsmouth, NH. The college offers professional and technology-based programs of study at the associate, baccalaureate and master degree levels both in residence and through distance education. 

ITT Educational Services, Inc. is a leading private college system focused on technology-oriented programs of study. It operates over 100 ITT Technical Institutes in more than 30 states which predominantly provide career-focused, degree programs to approximately 61,000 students. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, it has been actively involved in the higher education community in the United States since 1969.

Are you English proficient? If you obtained your current pilot’s license before February 11, 2008 you may not be English Proficient in the eyes of ICAO, and if you plan to fly internationally for the airlines or just for pleasure this may pose a problem.

Effective March 5, 2008, ICAO Annex 1 (Personnel Licensing) standards require that all private, commercial or ATPs as well as FEs and flight navigators operating internationally as required crewmembers of an airplane or helicopter have an airman certificate with an endorsement of language proficiency. In the case of persons holding a U.S. airman certificate, the language proficiency endorsement will state “English Proficient”.

Fortunately there is a simple solution, simply order a replacement certificate and it will automatically have the new English Proficient endorsement added.

The ability to read, speak, write, and understand English is already a U.S. regulatory eligibility requirement; the FAA Registry began issuing all new certificates with this endorsement on February 11, 2008. The U.S. has notified ICAO that it filed a difference that will extend the U.S. compliance date until March 5, 2009, in order to provide sufficient time for all affected U.S. airman certificate holders to comply with the ICAO Language Proficiency airman certificate endorsement requirements.

To satisfy the ICAO language proficiency endorsement requirement, as of February 11, 2008, the FAA is making available replacement certificates for affected airmen with the additional endorsement – “English Proficient”. All affected airmen have until March 5, 2009 to comply with this requirement and we encourage airmen to apply for a replacement certificate as soon as possible.

Certificates that are ordered as regular replacement certificates will include the endorsement. You can order a replacement certificate on-line or by mail. You will be asked to register with Online Services if you don't already have an on-line account. There is a $2 fee for replacement airmen certificates.

Airmen who request temporary authority or verification of their airman certificate will not have the English proficiency endorsement until the replacement certificate has been requested and the $2 fee paid. If you have questions, you may contact the Airmen Certification Branch toll-free at 1-866-878-2498.

Student Discovery Flight
Thinking about becoming a pilot? One way to find out if you would enjoy flying is to experience an introductory flight at your local airport. Before investing lots of time and money in an aviation career be sure to sign up for a discovery flight at you local flight school.  Along with the other research involved in exploring a potential career as an airline pilot this fun and informal experience may show how appealing flying is to you. Going up and experiencing a flight while at the controls of the plane and under the direct supervision of an FAA certified flight instructor is a good way to get your feet wet, or head in the clouds.

Don't worry if you get a little sick or an upset stomach because this is a rather common experience for some people in small airplanes.  As long as the nausea is not the result of a more serious inner ear problem these unpleasant sensations pass with time, usually within a few hours of flight training.  Once you decide that you like flying you can move onto the next steps to helping you decide if an airline career is right for you.

Should I get a degree in an aviation related field of study?
Many students wonder if a technical degree is necessary to become an airline pilot. While it is not necessary to get a degree in an aviation subject area to be hired as an airline pilot there are notable benefits.  When asked many airline pilots will say having a degree in a totally unrelated field of study is a great safeguard in the event of a career change or setback that leaves a pilot furloughed, as some do experience this undesired status. Having an alternative available makes for a great escape strategy in those cases but let’s look at some of the benefits of a technical degree as well.  An aviation related degree provides the student with a more in depth knowledge of the environment, operations, and history of the career they hope to begin. A technical degree also introduces the technology, operational and safety concepts, and discipline needed to excel in airline pilot training. Many aviation programs also offer enhanced employment opportunities through their aviation specific programs. An airline may be more prone to form a relationship with a educational institution that offers aviation specific training and degree programs, this obviously benefits the student in the form of a potential interview offer and the airline gains a knowledgeable new employee.

How do I find undergraduate aviation programs?
While a technical degree in aviation related subject may not be required, those that have an interest in such areas of study should consider finding schools that offer a selection of aviation courses and degrees. A resource that may prove beneficial is the University Aviation Association (UAA). For more than 60 years, the University Aviation Association (UAA) has served to enhance the quality of aviation education and has been at the forefront of establishing an accreditation process for colleges and Universities that offer aviation programs.

The University Aviation Association has charged it’s self with a mission:
“To promote and foster excellence in collegiate aviation education by providing a forum for students, faculty, staff and practitioners to share ideas, to enhance the quality of education, and to develop stronger programs and curricula. To influence aviation education policy at all governmental levels. To provide and nurture the linkage between college aviation education, the aviation industry, and government agencies.”

To learn more about the UAA or find schools that offer undergraduate aviation degrees please click here.