Why is American Airlines' CEO stressing that pilots & mechanics do not need a college degree?

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom spoke at a conference on Friday, where he remarked that a college degree is not required for success at the airline.

According to Forbes, Isom highlighted pilot and mechanic roles, both of which have high earning potential.

Both jobs require a significant amount of training and some level of school, but no degree.

American Airlines calls its maintenance team Tech Ops & Maintenance. There are several roles under this umbrella, including maintenance technicians, operations engineering, aircraft software engineer, and more.

"Tech Ops and Maintenance team members use their skills and expertise to ensure our planes, team members and customers depart and arrive safely, every time on every flight," the airline explained. "With a wide range of ramp, maintenance and leadership opportunities, American is more than just a job — it’s where you can build a career for life."

Though Isom highlighted pilots at the conference last week, he also spoke about mechanic roles.

He added that mechanics and pilots both have high earning potential, with pilot earning potential being higher.

According to a current job posting for an Aviation Maintenance Technician role, the requirements are as follows:

• High School diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to read, write, fluently speak and understand the English language or language native to geographical location.
• Airframe and Power Plant License required.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in any weather conditions in accordance with Company Safety Guidelines.
• Must be willing to work extra hours when there are operational needs, such as weather delays.
• Ability to work rotating shifts including weekends, holidays, and days off.
• Reports to work on a regular and timely basis.
• Must fulfill FAA criminal background checks to qualify for unescorted access privileges to airport security identification display areas (SIDA).
• Must be able to secure appropriate airport authority and/or US Customs security badges.
• This job is subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing. Your previous employers will be contacted to verify if you had any DOT drug violations and/or refusals to test for drugs or alcohol in the previous two-year period. Your DOT-required urine specimen will be tested for the following substances: Cocaine, Marijuana, PCP, Amphetamines, and Opiates.
• Travel to the interview and any subsequent relocation expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.

Although no degree is required, it is important to note that two types of licenses are required: airframe and power plant license. In order to earn both of these licenses, one must go to an Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or have on-the-job training.

These schools train prospective aircraft mechanics for careers in the airline industry, aviation maintenance facilities, and commercial and general aviation (GA). An AMTS may offer Airframe and/or Powerplant courses, along with Avionics courses, which cover electronics and instrumentation.

According to the FAA, most people will take 18 to 24 months to complete schooling, but it depends on the ratings needed.

On-the-job training can be achieved through military service or civilian experience.

This role has two main categories. The first is technical functions and includes things like:

• mechanical work involved in the dismantling, disassembly, overhauling, repairing, fabricating, assembling, welding, checking, repairing, replacing, testing, adjusting, installing, and erecting all parts of airplanes required to maintain airworthiness of aircraft and their components
• Connect/remove ground power and ground start units
• Push out/tow aircraft and perform guideman functions

The second category is general functions. This includes:

• Sign mechanical flight releases and/or airworthiness releases
• Maintain knowledge of and use manuals, supply/parts catalogs, minimum equipment lists, and general maintenance manuals
• Complete job-relevant trainings
• Adhere to government regulations (e.g., DOT, FAA, TSA)

Boeing estimates that in the next 19 years, the global aviation industry will need 716,000 new technicians, 123,000 of which are estimated in North America.

Pilots are in high demand at airlines worldwide, but especially in the US. According to Isom, the airline is playing catch up in hiring pilots.

A study from Boeing predicts that there will be a need for 674,000 new pilots between now and 2043.

Airbus previously forecasted a number of 450,000 pilots by 2035. Isom added that pilot starting salaries used to be $40,000 annually and have since increased to $100,000.

Despite the great demand for pilots, American announced in June that it would suspend pilot hiring in September, October, and November.

The airline said,

“This decision allows us to optimize our capacity and tailor our talent growth plans to best serve the current needs of our airline."

Though pilot training does not require a degree, it is very expensive. According to Thrust Flight, there are seven primary steps to becoming a regional airline pilot:

1. Earn Private Pilot Certification (PPL)
2. Earn Instrument Rating (IFR)
3. Earn Commercial Pilot Certificate
4. Earn Flight Instructor Certificate
5. Add multi-engine rating
6. Build time (minimum of 1,500 hours)
7. Earn Airline Transport Certificate ATP

Thrust Flight says that it only takes around two to three months to get a PPL, but this depends on the amount of time one dedicates to training and schooling.

After having a PPL, becoming an airline pilot can take as little as two years.

Going to a traditional school is not the only way to become an airline pilot. There are many people who go to universities like Embry-Riddle or airline-affiliated academies like United’s Aviate Academy and others who become pilots in the military. Some airlines offer direct entry paths from the military to commercial flying.