Accepted to ERAU!

[scubayachts]

Well I have been waiting for the past month or so to hear back from ERAU and I just got the acceptance letter today! It looks like next year I will be leaving St.Leo University here in Dade City Florida and head to ERAU for my junior year. I just wanted to thank everybody for there great information on here and thanks doug for having this wonderful website!

[Stone Cold]

Congrats and good luck...I'm assuming you've seen the posts on Riddle by all of us Alumni, right?

[scubayachts]

O yea I have seen them. The problem is, I would like to get my ratings done while im still in college. I know I can do the FBO thing on the side but my parents don't understand that and they are paying the bills. They have talked to many airlines captains that we know and many people that have gone through ERAU and they all said they recommended it for me. I guess I will stick it out the two years there.

[Stone Cold]

Good on ya!!! It sounds like you're very informed so good luck!

[scubayachts]

Thanks I appreciate it. I hope everything works out there and I don't run into any large hurdles while im there. Thanks again everyone.

[Crism]

Congrats on getting accepted. I'll be start my freshman year in the Fall there. I can't wait honestly.

[Captain Snow]

congratulations!
im an hour south of you in kmlb, if you have any questions or anything dont be afraid to ask!

[aloft]

Originally Posted by Stone Cold

Good on ya!!! It sounds like you're very informed so good luck!

Sounds like his parents are fairly clueless, though. Oh well, a fool and his money are soon parted...

[scubayachts]

Originally Posted by aloft

Sounds like his parents are fairly clueless, though. Oh well, a fool and his money are soon parted...

Listen not all people know the ins and outs of aviation. If you are 50 something years old and have never known or been around aviation how would you know about it? The only thing your going to know is what you have heard from people in the industry. They have heard good about the place from many major commercial pilots who have been there and some that have attended and left so its not all biased. The reason they have money is because they are not clueless and they are very smart. So you should get your facts straight before you go throwing out some unneeded quote from you. Thanks to everyone else and other then the last persons comment I am still very excited to go there.

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by aloft

Sounds like his parents are fairly clueless, though. Oh well, a fool and his money are soon parted...

Why are you like that?

Here's an assignment for you: write a response that conveys the meaning you inteneded, but do it in a way where you don't sound like a jacktard.

I mean seriously, the guy is all excited about something and you come in and say his parents are fools. Nicely done. Class act.

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by scubayachts

O yea I have seen them. The problem is, I would like to get my ratings done while im still in college. I know I can do the FBO thing on the side but my parents don't understand that and they are paying the bills. They have talked to many airlines captains that we know and many people that have gone through ERAU and they all said they recommended it for me. I guess I will stick it out the two years there.

Let me try and convey what aloft might have been trying to say.

In my opinion, it is your responsibility to educate your parents on this matter, since they are the ones footing the bill. There has been many discussions on JC about why certain Captains recommend things like this.

If they are considerably wealthy and can easily afford ERAU and the flight program, well, who cares. Either way, you are still getting a degree and the appropriate FAA ratings.

If they are not so wealthy, I would really advise educating them on how to get the best bang for their buck. You can easily get a college degree and pilot certificates for much less money elsewhere.

[scubayachts]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Why are you like that?

Here's an assignment for you: write a response that conveys the meaning you inteneded, but do it in a way where you don't sound like a jacktard.

I mean seriously, the guy is all excited about something and you come in and say his parents are fools. Nicely done. Class act.

Thanks Chinook, well said.

[scubayachts]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Let me try and convey what aloft might have been trying to say.

In my opinion, it is your responsibility to educate your parents on this matter, since they are the ones footing the bill. There has been many discussions on JC about why certain Captains recommend things like this.

If they are considerably wealthy and can easily afford ERAU and the flight program, well, who cares. Either way, you are still getting a degree and the appropriate FAA ratings.

If they are not so wealthy, I would really advise educating them on how to get the best bang for their buck. You can easily get a college degree and pilot certificates for much less money elsewhere.

I did educate them and tell them every option out there. I have studied up and know that there are many ways going about this and have throughly explained to them each and every one of them. I don't like coming out and saying this but they are considerably wealthy and ERAU would not be a hit to them. I'm not trying to be snobbish by saying that im just being truthful. They feel it best for me to go to ERAU and thats fine. I like the school and I would be majoring in something other then aero-sci. I have always hated school as I do now here at st.leo and ERAU actually has my excited for once about going to school. I know that may change when I get there and see how it is, but for now I will just let it excite me.

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by scubayachts

I did educate them and tell them every option out there. I have studied up and know that there are many ways going about this and have throughly explained to them each and every one of them. I don't like coming out and saying this but they are considerably wealthy and ERAU would not be a hit to them. I'm not trying to be snobbish by saying that im just being truthful. They feel it best for me to go to ERAU and thats fine. I like the school and I would be majoring in something other then aero-sci.

Then like I said, if they are wealthy, it doesn't really matter.

Also, it ain't snobby, its a fact: they're wealthy. It has nothing to do with you - you can't control it - their wealth has nothing to do with you.

I often hear people trash the kids at schools like yours who have "mommy and daddy" fronting the bills. You know what? Who cares. If their family offered them a free ride they'd take it in a heart beat.

As long as you know how valuable their gift is to you, and don't get a big head or take it for granted (in other words, feel the pain of the guys working two jobs and paying off Sallie Mae), you'll be fine.

[scubayachts]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Then like I said, if they are wealthy, it doesn't really matter.

Also, it ain't snobby, its a fact: they're wealthy. It has nothing to do with you - you can't control it - their wealth has nothing to do with you.

I often hear people trash the kids at schools like yours who have "mommy and daddy" fronting the bills. You know what? Who cares. If their family offered them a free ride they'd take it in a heart beat.

As long as you know how valuable their gift is to you, and don't get a big head or take it for granted (in other words, feel the pain of the guys working two jobs and paying off Sallie Mae), you'll be fine.

I agree totally. I know how lucky I am to have parents that care enough for my education to foot that sort of bill. I even tried telling them that I wanted to go to a FBO to do my ratings just so I could save them money.

[SteveC]

Good wisdom there C.D.

[berge7f9]

Congrats from a former IP2. After going there for 3.5 years, I honestly believe that its all about what you are able to make of the situation one is given. I wasn't God's greatest gift to aviation, but I did attend my classes, did not sleep through my classes, showed up for flights relatively well-prepared, studied when I needed to studied, and above all took advantage of opportunities as they came along.

I can't sympathize with any Riddle bad-mouthers or people who say they got screwed over when they were the dudes who complained about everything and expected to be flying for Delta after their 4 years there and who never bothered to get their CFI and CFII because 'it was too much work and too stressful.' If work at Riddle with the rigor you have to work at any other University, you should be a full-time CFI at either Riddle or any other FBO by the time you graduate.

[Captain Snow]

Youre also paying for the reputation the school has.
Its not the same as having ERAU on the top of your diploma as Bla Bla School.

Congratulations on getting accepted.
Make sure to try to get your flight block as early in the morning as you can. It tends to rain or weather to get poop as the day goes on here in FL.

Especially in the Summer and beginning of the semester.

[aloft]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Why are you like that?

Here's an assignment for you: write a response that conveys the meaning you inteneded, but do it in a way where you don't sound like a jacktard.

I mean seriously, the guy is all excited about something and you come in and say his parents are fools. Nicely done. Class act.

I don't care how much money one has, if you pay twice as much (or more) what something is worth, you're a chump.

Good on ya for trying to show your parents how to better go about it. Personally, if money is no object, I think you'd be better off going to FlightSafety Academy for your flight training. Something else to consider is that a degree from ERAU is not terribly well respected outside aviation circles. It's right up there with University of Phoenix and DeVry.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by aloft

I don't care how much money one has, if you pay twice as much (or more) what something is worth, you're a chump.

"Worth" is a relative, not an absolute.

[Chris_Ford]

Originally Posted by aloft

I don't care how much money one has, if you pay twice as much (or more) what something is worth, you're a chump.

Good on ya for trying to show your parents how to better go about it. Personally, if money is no object, I think you'd be better off going to FlightSafety Academy for your flight training. Something else to consider is that a degree from ERAU is not terribly well respected outside aviation circles. It's right up there with University of Phoenix and DeVry.

When you wake up every morning does someone urinate in your cornflakes right in front of you then make you eat it? Certainly seems like it.

To the o.p. disregard some of the asshattery here. Being accepted to your #1 choice (assuming it is your #1 choice) is quite an accomplishment. Just don't dump your girlfriend (if you have one) thinking there will be better tail at your university

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by aloft

I don't care how much money one has, if you pay twice as much (or more) what something is worth, you're a chump.

Yeah, aloft, it's very clear you believe that. Its not important if you believe that. I'm not even saying I disagree with you that much.

OP: "Hey guys, I'm soooo excited because I got into ERAU!"

Aloft: "Your parents are chumps."

OP: "Gee, um... thanks? I thought JC was a kinder, gentler forum... oh forget it. I'll just go to Gulfstream."

My point is, it is possible to give a dissenting opinion without the insults.

[scubayachts]

As I said before. I have looked at every angle and the one that seems to be best for my situation is going to be ERAU. I have heavily considered Flight Safety but I could not finish my college degree while I am there. I would have to wait to finish college and then attend flight safety which would already mean taking longer to get a flight job. Thanks for the advice aloft but for now I will disregard it.

[Wm226]

Originally Posted by aloft

I don't care how much money one has, if you pay twice as much (or more) what something is worth, you're a chump.

Good on ya for trying to show your parents how to better go about it. Personally, if money is no object, I think you'd be better off going to FlightSafety Academy for your flight training. Something else to consider is that a degree from ERAU is not terribly well respected outside aviation circles. It's right up there with University of Phoenix and DeVry.

As a junior at ERAU, I am aware that if I select to pursue a career within the aviation industry, I will be subjected to the same meager pay that every flight instructor endures. I am not defending Riddle, but rather, providing an alternate perspective from the JC norm.

Riddle’s yearly tuition is at $30,995 per year, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies (source). It’s $4,000 less if you can maintain a GPA >3.0.

Compare that with the average cost of college at a four year private institution in the United States at $33,301 (source). From this, you can conclude Riddle does not exceed the national average.

Flight costs at ERAU are estimated at $10,000 per year. I paid nearly $11,000 last year and the year before. When I graduate, I will have spent $55,000 for flight training. This figure includes all certificates, including my CFI, MEI, and CFII. This figure is on par with ATP and Flight Safety.

My education at Riddle after four years (four year degree, flight certificates): ~$162,980

Earning your education at another private four year university and attaining your certificates at ATP (accounting for $5,000 increase): ~$188,199 (does not include PPL)

Of course, my figures do not account for all variables. And yes, you would save money if you attend a community college or public university. However, my point is that Riddle is on par with the national average.

Moreover, I have friends who are commissioning as officers in the Air Force and Army. Some are entering duties unrelated to aviation. I also have a friend who has graduated and was hired by a government intelligence agency.

To scubayachts: My advice is that you consider your decision very carefully. And if you decide to attend Riddle, study hard, get adequate sleep, and have fun with everything you do. All else should follow.

[TFaudree_ERAU]

Originally Posted by Wm226

I am not defending Riddle, but rather, providing an alternate perspective from the JC norm.

Riddle’s yearly tuition is at $30,995 per year, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies (source). It’s $4,000 less if you can maintain a GPA >3.0.

Compare that with the average cost of college at a four year private institution in the United States at $33,301 (source). From this, you can conclude Riddle does not exceed the national average.

Flight costs at ERAU are estimated at $10,000 per year. I paid nearly $11,000 last year and the year before. When I graduate, I will have spent $55,000 for flight training. This figure includes all certificates, including my CFI, MEI, and CFII. This figure is on par with ATP and Flight Safety.

My education at Riddle after four years (four year degree, flight certificates): ~$162,980

Earning your education at another private four year university and attaining your certificates at ATP (accounting for $5,000 increase): ~$188,199 (does not include PPL)

Of course, my figures do not account for all variables. And yes, you would save money if you attend a community college or public university. However, my point is that Riddle is on par with the national average.

I can't wait to point people to this info...thanks man!