Thinking about studying to be a pilot in the USA?

I'm a junior interested in becoming a pilot. What are the best colleges or programs in the USA for aviation or pilot training? How rigorous is the training, and what kind of career opportunities can I expect?

There are several excellent in the USA for studying aviation or pilot training. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and Arizona is one of the top-rated for its focus on aeronautical science and its connections to the aviation industry. University of North Dakota and Western Michigan University also have strong aviation programs. Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute offers a major in Professional Flight that's quite reputable.

The training for becoming a pilot can be quite rigorous. It includes hundreds of hours of flight time and in-depth classes on aerodynamics, flight controls, navigation, weather, and aircraft operations, among others. Flight training includes both simulator time and actual flight time. Typically, a student pilot seeking a commercial pilot certificate requires a minimum of 250 flight hours, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

As for career opportunities, many graduates go on to work as commercial airline pilots, but that's not the only option. You might also work as a cargo pilot, lead pilot training programs, work in aviation administration, or specialize in areas such as agricultural aviation or emergency medical services flight. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for airline and commercial pilots will grow about 13% by 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

Remember as you're considering these schools to include factors like cost, class size, location, and overall campus culture in your evaluation alongside the aviation program's strength. Each school has unique attributes that might make it a better or worse fit for your individual needs and goals.