An Associate's Degree may be a good idea if the individual does not want to spend four years in college, but wants a basic education. The programs are generally completed within two years. An Associate's Degree will give the individual fundamental knowledge through courses in science, English, math and more that will be a good foundation for continuing on to pilot school.
For many employers, a Bachelor's Degree may be recommended. A degree in math or science could be beneficial, since math and science courses could provide good knowledge for a future in piloting. However, depending on the individual's interests, a variety of different types of degrees could prepare them for their career as a pilot. Any Bachelor's Degree will require students to take a wide range of courses which will prepare them for pilot school. A Bachelor's Degree generally takes four years to complete. In addition, the first two years of the programs are basically the same courses as in an Associate's Degree program.
For a more specialized college education, an aeronautical college such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University or Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology may be a good choice. The focus of all four years of college is on becoming an aircraft pilot, in addition to general knowledge courses like English and History. These types of colleges give students basic education paired with technical courses and experiences.
Attending a pilot school is a must when preparing for a career as an aircraft pilot. Pilot school is different from a college because it teaches the individual the skills they will need for real-life piloting situations. Pilot schools are usually more hands-on with their methods and have programs taught by experienced professionals. There are many promising piloting schools all over the country, so it is very likely that one will be located near you. Use the link in the references to find an appropriate pilot school for you.