Professional Aeronautics

"Take off" on your first step to becoming a pilot

The Associate of Science in Professional Aeronautics program at Herzing University can be your first step toward an exciting career as a commercial pilot.

Pilots do more than just transport passengers and cargo. They dust crops, spread seed for reforestation, test aircraft, direct firefighting efforts, track criminals, and monitor traffic as well as rescue and evacuate injured people. They also have non-flying responsibilities that include:

• Handling customer service for passengers
• Loading the aircraft to ensure a balanced load
• Supervising refueling
• Recordkeeping
• Scheduling flights

To be licensed to fly by the FAA requires a minimum of 250 hours of flying. To build up their flying hours while earning money, many beginning pilots start out as flight instructors (after getting the Flight Instructor Certification). They teach in classrooms using simulators and in dual-controlled planes and helicopters. Some may be specially trained as examiners or check pilots who fly with other pilots or applicants to judge their capabilities.

Growing career field for those who have what it takes.

Although flying does not involve much physical effort, the mental stress of being responsible for a safe flight, regardless of the weather, can be tiring. Most pilots have variable work schedules, working several days on, then several days off. Airlines operate flights at all hours of the day and night, so work schedules often are irregular.

A career as a commercial pilot could be right for you if you:

• Work well under pressure
• Think logically
• Are very methodical and precise
• Are fascinated with the science of flight
• Enjoy learning about weather and meteorology
• Are comfortable with using high-tech equipment
• Are good at following directions and are detailed oriented
• Can work effectively as part of a team
• Enjoy traveling