Going to DCA...

June 6th, 2004, 09:42

Could someone explain to me when a person usually goes to DCA? Is it something to do after you get a college degree or after your ppl or what? I have no idea what people use the academy for and when they usually join.

bradw · July 10th, 2004, 10:15

People join DCA from all different levels and ages in their lives. Me personally started with no logged time at the age of 18(no college). I am now an instructor. whole process took about 16 months (including wait for standz class). There are people here who are 40-50 years old that are here. Some education, no education, and masters degrees come. It doesnt really matter.

Wannabe2 · July 11th, 2004, 11:10

Yep, all different backgrounds here. There are lots of folks here that came with zero time. That, to me anyway, is a HUGE leap of faith. How do you KNOW you will love flying unless you have already done some? My advice would be to at least be well on your way to a PPL or have it done before you make a commitment in $$$ and time like you do at DCA.

If you come here, or train full time just about anywhere to be a CFII for that matter, you will be broke, starved and in need of a good shower much of the time. It will suck almost as often as it is fun, but at the end of the day if you love flying it will be worth it.

As for the college degree, I would not have passed up going to a 4 year University for the world, it was a blast. You can do your training here or anywhere first though, and then work on your degree once you get that first flying job.

Kristie · July 12th, 2004, 19:39

I'd say don't wait on that degree.. if you want to go the commercial route, you'll need it and it's a lot easier to handle when your younger and KNOW how to study.. if you take a break, it may be more difficult to get back into the jist of things as far as going to class, having a family (maybe), learning to study, remembering how to take exams and working full time as well... it's also not as easy to attend classes when your have a flying schedule that's consistently up in the air month after month!!

stick to college first...then hit the flight schools or do flight school part time through college...

just my 0.02 cents!

Doug Taylor · July 12th, 2004, 21:05

Absolutely. Don't take a break before getting your degree. Let's be realistic, the chances of you having the time and motivation to get your degree after working for an airline are slim to none.

Sure people have done it, but looking back at my tenure at Skyway, there just wasn't opportunity. And I was usually home most nights because I was Milwaukee-based.

June 6th, 2004, 09:42	#1
Lurker Posts: n/a	Going to DCA... Could someone explain to me when a person usually goes to DCA? Is it something to do after you get a college degree or after your ppl or what? I have no idea what people use the academy for and when they usually join.

July 10th, 2004, 10:15	#2
bradw Newbie Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 1	Re: Going to DCA... People join DCA from all different levels and ages in their lives. Me personally started with no logged time at the age of 18(no college). I am now an instructor. whole process took about 16 months (including wait for standz class). There are people here who are 40-50 years old that are here. Some education, no education, and masters degrees come. It doesnt really matter.

July 11th, 2004, 11:10	#3
Wannabe2 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 224	Re: Going to DCA... Yep, all different backgrounds here. There are lots of folks here that came with zero time. That, to me anyway, is a HUGE leap of faith. How do you KNOW you will love flying unless you have already done some? My advice would be to at least be well on your way to a PPL or have it done before you make a commitment in $$$ and time like you do at DCA. If you come here, or train full time just about anywhere to be a CFII for that matter, you will be broke, starved and in need of a good shower much of the time. It will suck almost as often as it is fun, but at the end of the day if you love flying it will be worth it. As for the college degree, I would not have passed up going to a 4 year University for the world, it was a blast. You can do your training here or anywhere first though, and then work on your degree once you get that first flying job.

July 12th, 2004, 19:39	#4
Kristie Big Chief's Woman Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 19,292 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Going to DCA... I'd say don't wait on that degree.. if you want to go the commercial route, you'll need it and it's a lot easier to handle when your younger and KNOW how to study.. if you take a break, it may be more difficult to get back into the jist of things as far as going to class, having a family (maybe), learning to study, remembering how to take exams and working full time as well... it's also not as easy to attend classes when your have a flying schedule that's consistently up in the air month after month!! stick to college first...then hit the flight schools or do flight school part time through college... just my 0.02 cents!

July 12th, 2004, 21:05	#5
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,927 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Going to DCA... Absolutely. Don't take a break before getting your degree. Let's be realistic, the chances of you having the time and motivation to get your degree after working for an airline are slim to none. Sure people have done it, but looking back at my tenure at Skyway, there just wasn't opportunity. And I was usually home most nights because I was Milwaukee-based.

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