Future Flight Training Decisions...

[SnareMV17]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading through these forums for a few months now. Back in October/November, I decided to make being a professional pilot my goal. I'm 25 years old, without a college degree, and live in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.

I tried to talk good old mom into co-signing on a loan to get me into ATP back in October, but cooler heads prevailed and she vowed to co-sign on a loan to any academy I chose AFTER I get my college degree. So here I am, working on my Bachelor's in Aviation at San Jose State University. It will be a few more years before I'm done, as I just started full time in the fall. I'm almost done with my first full year!

The original plan was to attend ATP, but since I started looking, ATP's price has jumped 10k. Since I've been reading these boards as well as a few others, I've since decided to look at other options. San Jose State's flying club, the "Flying Twenty", rents it's planes for $75/hr and instructors for a max of $25/hr for students, faculty, and alumni. I just recently decided to look into doing some of my training there. Perhaps at least for the PPL.

So here I am, without much money, working on a degree, and in the middle of a recession in both the industry and the economy. Where the heck do I go from here? The ATP dream is quickly fadeing and I need some help and guidence. Anything you guys can offer up would be wonderful. Thanks!

Chris

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by SnareMV17

The original plan was to attend ATP, but since I started looking, ATP's price has jumped 10k. Since I've been reading these boards as well as a few others, I've since decided to look at other options. San Jose State's flying club, the "Flying Twenty", rents it's planes for $75/hr and instructors for a max of $25/hr for students, faculty, and alumni. I just recently decided to look into doing some of my training there. Perhaps at least for the PPL.

This is EXACTLY what I did, and for many of the same reasons you outlined above. Those rates for planes and instruction are EXCELLENT for the Bay Area. Do they bill on Hobbs time or Tach time?

There are other avenues for financing, etc. Only you can decide what's right for you, but in my humble opinion, I think what you're doing is a sound plan. At those rates, if you study hard, you can get your PPL done for under $6K and move on from there.

[SnareMV17]

Just checked their website and here's what it says:

"Aircraft Rates:Our rental rates are wet hobbes (includes fuel). Our rates have always been lower than our competitors. Currently, our 152's rent for $52/hour, and our 172 rents for $75/hour. These rates may change as the price of fuel changes. "

Not too shabby, I'd say. I took a few lessons when I was younger (13/14), and did them in a 152. Its very small and was uncomfortable for me then. I'm 6'2" now, so I'm not sure a 152 would be appropriate. But gosh, $52/hr is hard to beat.

Where did you do your flight training? My biggest concern is where to go after college.

[Tld]

Same thread, different forum...I answered over in the FBO area

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by SnareMV17

Not too shabby, I'd say. I took a few lessons when I was younger (13/14), and did them in a 152. Its very small and was uncomfortable for me then. I'm 6'2" now, so I'm not sure a 152 would be appropriate. But gosh, $52/hr is hard to beat.

Where did you do your flight training? My biggest concern is where to go after college.

Dude. Grab that up. $52 an hour for a 152 is a tremendously good rate. If the instructor is $25 you're talking $77 an hour with instructor, fuel.

I'm 6' 1". Yes, there are bigger planes but I found the 152 plenty comfy. Then again, I'm kinda skinny, too.

Worry about where to go after college after college.

[cfii2007]

Pick up another degree while you are at SJSU......trust me...you'll need it when you get furloughed.

Those rental rates are VERY reasonable and much cheaper than most schools in the SF Bay area.

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by cfii2007

Pick up another degree while you are at SJSU......trust me...you'll need it when you get furloughed.

Those rental rates are VERY reasonable and much cheaper than most schools in the SF Bay area.

They're cheaper than most places in Texas, too. And we're generally a lot cheaper than California on everything else....

[SnareMV17]

Some great advice. I'm going to have to look in to just how many ratings I can get done there and if a small loan might cover some of it. Also, I'm looking into a job as KSJC. Anyone know of anyone hiring?

Chris

[aerospacepilot]

Wow, this is a true jetcareers success story. I am happy for you.

I am glad you chose to get a 4 year college degree. I keep telling people that getting an education is the best thing you can do in your life, and you will not regret it. It is required to have a successful flying career, so I am glad you chose to get your 4 year college degree before you do anything else.

I am also glad that you were able to do some research and decide not to drop $70,000 on ATP (totally unnecessary). I did the same thing you are doing (found a cheap local club). You will save yourself $30,000-$40,000 on the pricetag (or much much more in interest if you were planning on getting a loan). I guarantee this will make the beginning of your career as an airline pilot much more manageable than those who blindly took out a massive loan and went to ATP.

Congratulations on your success and good luck with your degree and flight training.