I am currently a sophmore in high school and have started to look for colleges with Flight Operations programs. I am currently looking at Westminster College of Slat Lake City. I have heard they have a repuitable flight program. I am also looking at Ohio State as a back up. I would prefer to find a college out west as I also ski race. I was also wondering if having flight hours before going into college would be an advantage as i am starting on my PPL this spring? Thanks to everyone who can help me out. I have also heard that the following colleges have noteable programs also: Ohio University, Embry Riddle, University of North Dakota, Kent State University, and Quincy University

Could you elaborate on what you think your target career field might be? Do you want to become a professional pilot or do you want to work in the aviation industry in a different career?

As far as flight hours counting for a flight program, as far as I know if the school is a part 142 flight school they wont count your 141 / 61 hours unless you actually have the rating(s). So it would benefit you the most if you went to school with your pilot's license already, but this shouldn't discourage you from flying before going to college.

Finally, check out the stickies on the top of the forum boards - some of them discuss various flight schools and professional pilot programs and you might find some information that you're looking for in them!

I am planning on going into the commercial airline industry and being a pilot. I have also thought about going into the Air Force of Air National Guard before going into the commercial industry. I am starting on my PPL this spring so i will hopefully have that rating and possibly a few more ratings before i go into college.

I believe that we've talked about the "Going Into The Military So I Can Go Into The Airlines" track a time or two...I know for a fact that I've discussed it. In case you missed it...here's the Cliff's Notes™®.

It's not necessarily a good idea. You must complete college before you can become an Officer (or Warrant Officer in the US Army). You will belong to the government. If you fail out of school for any reason, the military can keep you for the duration of your contract (Not as a pilot...not training for the airlines) You will fly what they want, when they want, where they want, for as long as they want. You will be deployed. You will spent anywhere from 6 months to 12 months in a foreign country...where the locals will likely be trying to shoot you down. And when you get out, you can be recalled at any time to return to the aforementioned foreign countries.

Not to discourage from military service...I've been a military pilot (active and reserve) for 14 years, and I've the scars and psychosis to prove it. But...and I'm writing this slowly...for emphasis: If your lifelong, ultimate, wanna do it, can't live without it dream is to fly in the airlines, the military just may not be the best choice for you.

Keep up the hard work and best of it to you. Good Luck.

What I meant to say was that I was planning on possibly going into the military after going to an aviation college.