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
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