A captain’s perspective: why pilots should consider an online academic degree

• What motivated you to pursue a university degree despite already being a professional pilot?

My flying career has grown from experience and determination rather than a traditional academic route. After many years of flying, I wanted to formalise that knowledge and deepen the theoretical and analytical aspects of my professional profile.

The CATP programme offered exactly what I needed: structure, academic depth, and the opportunity to grow beyond daily line operations. 

"It was both a step towards self-improvement and a strategic investment in my future within the industry."

• How did you discover the Commercial Air Transport Pilot programme at the Estonian Aviation Academy?

I initially began searching for an aviation degree that I could complete online, in English, and part-time alongside flying. I considered several programmes, including those offered by Liberty University and Embry-Riddle in the United States, but the time zone differences made regular online participation difficult.

Then I came across the Estonian Aviation Academy's CATP programme on LinkedIn. The programme immediately felt more accessible, structured, and aligned with the realities of a working pilot. That combination of flexibility, relevance, and a distinctive international perspective made the programme stand out, and it quickly became the clear choice.

• Was there a specific moment when you decided “I need a degree”?

It was a gradual realisation over time. I applied for several training and instructional roles and started noticing a pattern. Even when airlines actively sought instructors, moving into those roles wasn't straightforward. That made me step back and honestly assess what I was contributing and what I was lacking.

It became clear that many pilots smoothly moving into training or specialist roles had something additional in their background: an academic qualification, an integrated training route, or military experience. 

So, the motivation was twofold. On one hand, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the broader aviation landscape - the theory, the safety frameworks, and the analytical aspects behind the cockpit environment. On the other hand, I aimed to make myself a stronger, more competitive candidate for future selection processes.

• How did you manage your studies alongside flying? What did a typical week look like for you?

Balancing flying with academic work was definitely challenging, but with some structure, it became very manageable. I examined the workload for each module, broke it down into stages, and planned when I needed to complete each part so that the larger assignments never caught me off guard.

Most of my study time was gained during layovers, in hotel rooms, and during quieter moments at home. Treating it as a professional commitment rather than an extra activity made a significant difference. It wasn't always easy, but it was definitely achievable, and the sense of purpose kept me moving forward. 

"I found that the key was small, steady progress each week rather than attempting heroic all-night efforts. The support and flexibility from the lecturers also helped keep everything on track."

• Did the degree help you move forward in your career? 

Yes, very much so. Even as an experienced captain, obtaining the qualification strengthened my professional profile and widened my strategic perspective. It added an academic dimension to my operational background and improved the way I consider safety, innovation, and the long-term future of the industry.

It also had a more personal effect; the program introduced me to a wide range of ideas and a cohort of very bright individuals, which made me realise that I might have more to offer than I previously believed. 

"In that sense, the degree didn't just support my career but also expanded my sense of possibility. It reminded me that after decades in the cockpit, there is still plenty of room to grow, contribute, and take on new challenges."

Shortly after completing the programme, I applied to a company and was invited for an interview within a few days. The assessment process - something that often feels quite daunting even for experienced pilots - felt noticeably easier this time. The HR interview was also a notably different experience. My academic background had given me a wider foundation and a more organised way of thinking. The result was that I succeeded - now I am heading to a new airline as either a 747 or 777 captain, depending on fleet requirements at the start of training.

• What would you say to a pilot considering further studies at the bachelor level?

The aviation industry is evolving quickly, and pilots who enhance their operational experience with academic development position themselves better for future opportunities. A degree does not replace flying skills - it expands your toolkit. 

"If you want to expand your role at your airline, explore opportunities at another company, or prepare for your next career move, academic study can genuinely support that journey. The work itself isn't abstract or detached from flying; it directly relates to what we do every day, but in a more structured, analytical, and articulate manner."

A degree offers the flexibility to progress. Many pilots eventually aim to move into training, safety, management, or specialist operational roles. In those fields, academic skills - such as structured thinking, research capability, and analytical reasoning - become just as vital as practical experience. A BSc helps to bridge that gap.

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