Obstacles Remain For Aspiring Pilots As National Shortage Looms

Despite large need for pilots, flying for a major carrier takes time, determination – and money

By Natalie Fiorilli

Published April 8, 2019

Read Time: 4 mins

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Paying your way through school takes on a whole new meaning when you’re pursuing a career as a commercial airline pilot.

“It can definitely be a grind,” said Ryan McManus, who is enrolled in a joint program through Robert Morris University and the Community College of Beaver County’s Aviation Sciences program.

“I have student loans, I have to pay to fly, and then of course pay for other expenses like gas to drive between work, the airport and class,” said McManus, who is from Wexford, Pa. He expects to earn a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership with a professional pilot concentrati