good or bad?

[SharkFisher]

Since this forum has been very helpful for many people, I decided to make this post before I make a decision. Well I am almost done with 2 years of community college, and the plan was to continue by transfering to a 4 year college. However, if I did this, with all the expenses, there is no way that I am gonna start my flight training in the near future. SO, I am very seriously thinking about taking the 2006-2007 year off and working 2 jobs to collect as much $ as possible and start my training by the summer of next year. In addition, I can start school in the fall of next year. I think it's a good plan because, I want to atleast pay for my private's because I know that if I applied for a loan now I am gonna get stuck, and plus it's not going to be enough to cover for the whole training, but if I managed to pay for my private's then I will have no fear in borrowing less money. And, plus I can always rely on financial and and scholarships for college. I don't see the problem of taking an year off since I started college immediately after I graduated from high school. Plus it will be beneficial in the long run assuming all other things equal. Any opinions would be appriciated. thanks

[NTXPilot]

Why not just finish the degree, and instead of working 2 jobs, work one decent paying job after graduation?

[fsuflyer]

BAD. Finish your four year degree first, then start flight training.

[LearLady2003]

Definately finish your degree! If you want to work to get some extra money, find a paid internship that will make you more valuable when you graduate.

I don't know if you have chosen a major, but make sure it is something marketable so you can make a decent wage immediately upon graduation. I have a business degree with an emphasis in Management Information Sciences, and that has worked well for me. If you are strong in math and science, consider something in the medical field, like nursing or a physician's assistant. You have more control over your schedule than with a corporate job. However, I managed to maintain a 95% travel schedule as a consultant and I worked on my instrument, commercial and my ME during the weekends.

Yes, it takes longer, but while you are paying for your training and paying off your loans with your earning ability, you are building experience and gaining contacts in a different industry. Those contacts and that additional experience may help you in the event of a downturn in the aviation industry.

[SharkFisher]

Thanks guys, I was actually extremely skeptical about the decision I made, but it was due to being a little impatient and because 2-3 years from now training will be expensive and I wanted to save some money. But, I decided to finish my degree after all and get it done! Another issue is that I planned to get most of my training done by the time I graduate, plus I also wanted to be "young" and be employed soon. I am going on 21 and I always thought and well it is indeed cool to be employed say in a regional when you are 25. But I guess I would have to sacrifise a little time. But that's ok... Thanks again.

[Lee D]

You're still fairly young. Look at it this way, you will always have started sooner than me. I finished a non aviation related degree, worked a regular job for 3 + years and didn't start flight training until I was 29. Started my regional career at 32. While I wish I could have afforded to start sooner, I do not regret my degree for one second. Its nice insurance. There are guys here at my employer who have all of the qualifications for employment with the major airlines (Fed Ex, Southwest, etc.) except no degree or a partially finished one. They will have to finish up while working full time if they want to be competitive for some of these jobs. You will have that big obstacle out of the way by then.

[braidkid]

Definately finish your degree first. Get a good paying job after graduation and then start chipping away at the flying thing.

You may consider a school such as ATP to get all your ratings someday. If you get a job as an instructor at a place such as this, you are all set.

If I can offer one piece of advice it would be to have patience, and DONT RUSH.

[SharkFisher]

Yes indeed, I looked through ATP's programs like the 90 day fast track. Sounds good, ($44,900???) but I think I better save the money and not borrow a dime if I want to do that. Plus I will be in a good place IF I got a CFI gig with them, but if not it will be as good as the local FBO route, which a lot of people tend to reccommend. But whatever it is I will make an announcement in "member announcements" in a couple of years hopefully after I got my degree.

[NYer914]

Originally Posted by SharkFisher

Yes indeed, I looked through ATP's programs like the 90 day fast track. Sounds good, ($44,900???)

$44,900 is a really good price for what you get in ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program. Compare that to other places like DCA, Flight Safety, and others...do research before choosing a flight school. ATP is probably your best bet (loads of Multi time) and they even have a way you can work on your degree through Utah Valley State College...I think the given you something like 30 college credits for going through ATP's program.

[OldTownPilot]

I know too many smart people that fell into the trap of working for a year, or taking a year off from school. Dont be one of them. Unless you are TOTALLY commited to school then stick with school, get your degree, and then figure out what you want to do from there.