Major US airlines drop degree requirement

October 8, 2023 by James Brennan

In a significant shift, major US airlines have recently abandoned the longstanding requirement for First Officer candidates to hold a degree alongside their pilot credentials. This change comes on the heels of the aviation industry's turbulent response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a shortage of qualified aviators in its wake. To address this crisis, major airlines have chosen to relax their stringent hiring policies in an effort to attract fresh talent.

In the wake turbulence created by Covid-19, a new crisis emerges, leaving the industry with a shortage of aviators. As a result, the major airlines have been forced to relax their restrictive hiring policies in order to attract new recruits.

Background and Implications

The impact of this decision is far-reaching and has the potential to reshape the entire aviation industry. For decades, aspiring pilots were burdened by the necessity of holding a degree to secure a position with a major US airline. This requirement, coupled with the Federal Aviation Administration's stringent flight hour criteria, posed a formidable barrier for First Officer candidates, ultimately leading to the current pilot shortage.

The lengthy and costly nature of the career path discouraged many young individuals from considering aviation as a viable profession. Today's students, increasingly hesitant to invest heavily in their education, seek alternative routes to their desired careers. Alarming data from the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) indicates that a majority of American high school students lack proficiency in mathematics¹, pointing to a crisis in STEM enrollments for college students. Without decisive measures, STEM enrollments will continue to dwindle.

This is despite data from Pew Research indicating that a majority of Americans recognize and value the contribution of scientists to the national economy and prosperity². They are happy and grateful that scientists make such an important contribution, just so long as the students themselves aren't required to participate.

Ironically, the problem isn't necessarily the degree itself but the perception that pursuing a STEM degree equates to relentless hard work. Programs like the ASVSP from ACES Education provide a more manageable, paced approach to learning, catering to students' preferences for self-paced, pressure-free education.

Addressing the Preparedness Gap

One of the consequences of the prior stringent requirements was that students weren't adequately prepared before entering flight school. This lack of preparation forced them to work harder and longer than necessary, resulting in increased costs for both students and their parents.

But students still are reluctant to enter into a career path that they have been told will take a lot of work to complete. And for this reason, there are fewer students signing up for flight school.

To mitigate this issue, in collaboration with partner organizations, we've designed courses that minimize the learning curve. By starting their preparation 3.5 years earlier than the conventional flight student, our program ensures that students enter flight academy with the advantage of refreshing their knowledge rather than learning from scratch.

The Value of Higher Education

Even though major airlines have relaxed their hiring requirements, it remains essential not to underestimate the value of earning a degree. A degree offers several advantages, including:

• Serving as a fallback in case your primary career path encounters obstacles.
• Shaping your problem-solving skills by widening your perspective.
• Deepening your understanding of significant aspects not only in your career but also in daily life.
• Providing a competitive edge in situations where degrees are not obligatory but advantageous.

We can fast-track your degree attainment, reducing both time and financial commitments while ensuring a quality education.

In conclusion, the recent shift in US airlines' degree requirements for pilots has broad implications for both the aviation industry and education. While the industry adapts to meet the shortage of pilots, students and aspiring aviators should carefully consider the enduring benefits of higher education. A strategic approach to education can lead to a successful and rewarding career in aviation.

Citations:

1. CSIS (2022), The US Should Strengthen STEM Education to Remain Globally Competitive
2. Pew Research Center (2015), Public and Scientists' Views on Science and Society
3. Pew Research Center (2018), Half of Americans think young people don't pursue STEM because it is too hard