Parents are Planning for College, But Are They Overlooking Aviation?

Millions of parents around the country are discussing college options with their kids. They are discussing career options and paths and exploring education to start making decisions. One thing they may be overlooking that should be a part of that discussion is the field of aviation, according to one flight school owner. There are some great reasons to keep aviation as a career path option for those making college plans, as well as those considering career changes at any age.

“Anytime is a great time to become a pilot. It’s an in-demand career that offers wonderful perks and is very rewarding,” said Michelle Smith, co-founder of Untethered Aviation. “The more people learn about the field, the more apt they are to want to consider it and all the possibilities that it offers.”

One concern that many parents have when helping their kids consider college is the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will impact the career fields being considered. The good news is that those exploring aviation shouldn’t have to worry about AI taking over the field. According to MSU Denver, human pilots will always be in the cockpit of commercial airlines, and they consider airline piloting to be a “future-proof” career.

Adding to that, Boeing issued a Pilot and Technician Outlook for 2026-2045, in which they report that the long-term demand for newly qualified personnel remains strong. They report that there will be 674,000 new pilots needed to maintain the global commercial aviation fleet over the next 20 years. In North America, they report that around 122,000 new pilots will be needed during that time frame.

The fact that there are going to be a lot of new pilot positions to fill in the coming years is a strong reason for parents and those heading to college to consider the field. In a world filled with AI taking over certain jobs, it’s a safer bet to invest in. Whether wanting to stay in America or dreaming of living abroad, the research points to there being an abundance of opportunities.

Additional reasons to consider the field of aviation include:

• Great pay. While salary shouldn’t be the only factor when considering a career field, it is important to make a comfortable living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline and commercial pilots is around $210,000 per year. They also report that the field is expected to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years.
• Job variety. There are a variety of options that licensed pilots can consider, including paths that allow them into being able to work in commercial, private, cargo, flight instruction, helicopter piloting, charter piloting, and more. Whether someone desires to work for a large company or offer their own private piloting services, there are plenty of options.
• Travel opportunities. Many people love the idea of being able to travel and explore new places. Being a pilot typically allows people to do that, often taking them around the country and world. It’s a great way to see new places without incurring the expense of doing so.
• Flexibility. Pilots typically work 12 to 16 days per month, which gives them plenty of time to enjoy doing other things in life. Some pilots end up being on call and getting paid for that, while they don’t get called into work. Piloting typically provides the type of flexibility people are seeking.
• Career satisfaction. Job satisfaction for pilots usually ranks among the top. Most pilots love what they do, have a passion for aviation and travel, and enjoy the field. 

Untethered Aviation offers flight school as well as scenic flights over Sedona, introductory flight instruction, mountain terrain flight instruction for student and licensed pilots, romantic getaway flights, special event flight experiences, and gift cards that make it easy to share the excitement of flight with family and friends. Whether someone is pursuing a pilot certificate or simply wants to experience the thrill of flying, Untethered Aviation provides opportunities to get into the cockpit and discover the freedom of flight.

Untethered Aviation offers a comprehensive flight training program in Sedona, Ariz., one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most demanding training environments in the country. The school offers private pilot certification, instrument rating, commercial pilot certification, certified flight instructor training, certified flight instructor instrument training, and ground school. In addition to professional flight instruction, the company offers scenic flights, introductory flight lessons, mountain terrain flight instruction, romantic getaway packages, special event flight experiences, and gift certificates, making aviation accessible whether someone is pursuing a career as a pilot or simply looking for an unforgettable experience. To learn more, schedule a flight, or tour one of the company’s locations, visit: https://untetheredaviation.com/