[Farva]

I would say that even though a part 61 route is fine it doesnt always mean its great. You need to really find a good part 61 instructor that can make you be a good pilot. The preferential hiring is still very applicable even in todays hiring market but sadly that market is going to be done by the end of this year and with that you might want to consider that when things are on the downturn that the preferential hiring can be a leg up. Doesnt mean that you are a better pilot but it just means that to the airlines that you had many checks and balances in your training where as in part 61 some individuals do not get as many checks and balances.

I have retrained several part 61 aviators and they came from reputable places and well they still had alot of basic concepts not well understood. I have also had a few part 61 guys in my airline ground school struggle and one even washed out because certain concepts were never taught nor explained. Now I am not saying UND is a freakin "perfect" place.The school does provide a good education in other subject other than aviation. The flight training is very good and even though you might pay top dollar it does pay off in the end. Some of UND Aerospaces policies are a little outdated and well they could use a overhaul, I would still do all of my UND training over again. The cost was worth it.

Grand Forks does have its faults. The cost of living is moderate. Quality of life is not too bad. I actually miss el forko grande jsut because of the fact that the things I need are right there and that its a town big enough to have people around but small enough so that if I want away from the city life all i have to do is drive 2 minutes outside of town and BAM, I am in the middle of nowhere.. Now there is alot of stuff to do but it just takes some imaginantion and maybe taking a small trip to a town over to do stuff. The place has everything you need to live. Other things found in the cities or else where is just luxury. If you have questions you can PM me.
-farva