Did anyone use their GI Bill cash / VA benefits for training?

[ozziecat35]

So I'm getting out of the Army in 44 days, and am planning on going to a flight school in Phoenix...leaning towards RAA, but that's a different thread. Question!, does anyone whose run the gauntlet have any advice or tips for making the most of of my 50K GI Bill/Army College Fund and VA Benefits? ie, RAA has the fixed price program costing about 50K, but my monthly alotment from the GI BIll is only $1,320, yet the course is slated at 14 months...should I just go part time and work the other half? I'm just trying to figure out how to best utilize my $$$$$ from Uncle Sam.

Thanks, Ozzie

[Ian J]

Hi Ozzie, welcome to the boards. I too am in the Army, and had a break in service where I used my benifits. Just a question... have you thought about using them to go to college? (Assuming you don't have college yet... if so, disregard!) You could even go to one of the big aviation schools and get a degree AND aviation certificates.

Many experienced Airline Captains and FOs on this board routinely advise people to back themselves up with a non-aviation college degree. Iwould have to agree.

As to your original question... I believe (not to sure though... I hope others will correct me) that the GI Bill will only pay 60% of the costs for a 141 school. I believe no matter what you have to shell out out-of-pocket expenses for your training.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[88MPH]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

... I believe (not to sure though... I hope others will correct me) that the GI Bill will only pay 60% of the costs for a 141 school. I believe no matter what you have to shell out out-of-pocket expenses for your training.

Right on, Chinook. The only catch, ozzy, is you cannot use the MGIB for ANY of your private cert. After that, any additional rating, even types you get, you can use your MGIB under Part 141.

I'm not sure how it would work at an aviation university, but I know there are strict rules about "flight" costs only being paid up to 60% (100% out of pocket, and 60% reimbursed) but the actual tuition can be paid with the $1300 ish per month.

[sfusaf]

I'm a veteran & used VA to fund my instrument ticket.
I worked it at one flight school for 13 months. Then transferred to another to finish it up .
Overall, took a year and a half to get my instrument rating.

[ozziecat35]

Hmm, as I understand it, the MGIB can go full use towards it (say at RAA). The 60% comes in as to what the VA will reimburse you at after your private (it is correct that they won't reimburse you for your PPL) But as far as the MGIB, the day I start RAA it'll start paying, even if I'm working on my PPL (which I am since I'm currently only at 14 hours and getting ready to solo next week)

Thanks for the warm welcome BTW!

-Ozzie

[ozziecat35]

Oh yes, forgot to mention....I'm a few credits shy of an Associates in Electronics...so there's that, hopefully I'll have the rest of the time by mid summer next year...Man I hate school.

[Ian J]

What did you do in the Army and how long have you been in?

I'm telling you man, stick with school... get at least a Bachelors. It'll be worth it in the long run.

[ozziecat35]

MOS 33W 4 years. I'm coming out as a SPC(P)

-Trust me, still working at the college degree.

[DCApilot2006]

They will pay you more than 1300 a month. The VA realizes you are in an accellerated program and will pay accordingly. Now you will get 60% of flight training costs. But what regional requires for hours compared to what the va says are apples and prime rib. You will be in for a big shock. 60% will only amount to about 15K for the entire program if your lucky. Ask me how I know. I went down this same road already.

[ozziecat35]

Originally Posted by DCApilot2006

Ask me how I know.

?? I'm guessing you had the Florida campus experience?

[DCApilot2006]

Yup.

[USMC-SGT]

Originally Posted by ozziecat35

?? I'm guessing you had the Florida campus experience?

Could you elaborate DCA?

I will be in the GI boat soon too and have heard alot of mixed information. Here is what i understand:

They do NOT pay for Private

They WILL reimburse (key word REIMBURSE, ie. you pay every cent and they reimburse you) up to 60% of the FAA minimums for any rating after your private

You must be enrolled in a commercial course as well as a for example IR course because they will not just pay for a rating unless they think it is in pursuit of a career or some sort, meaning you are not supposed to just get your instrument rating on the the govts tab just for the hell of it.

You must have at least a 2nd class medical throughout the entire training or they will not reimburse you

That is what i know so far..i have talked to Ari-Ben and the course for i believe 34,995 or something in that ballpark you would have to pay around 18k, i am thinking the reason the math doesnt work out is because you build hours over the minimums and have to pay that out of pocket. Is this the course you attended DCA or did you go to another.

In my boat i talked to Mike and since i am already IR with over 150 hours i will only need my CSEL CMEL and all of my instructor ratings but it will still cost me 13k out of pocket. Am i on the right page here, or am i way off? I would rather know now and be prepared than live in a dream world and be shocked....

Also....i will be attending ARi while i am still technically in the Marines (terminal leave, for those who do not know if you have saved up say 60 days of leave than you can get out of the service 60 days earlier and they mail you your end of service paperwork) Will the VA pay even though i am technically in the service or do i have to wait to get out completely?

Thanks for your help....for those researching take my info with a grain of salt because i am not 100 percent on it.

[Ian J]

Also....i will be attending ARi while i am still technically in the Marines (terminal leave, for those who do not know if you have saved up say 60 days of leave than you can get out of the service 60 days earlier and they mail you your end of service paperwork) Will the VA pay even though i am technically in the service or do i have to wait to get out completely?

That's the only paragraph I'm qualified to answer... and the answer is YES. You can use your VA Benis WHILE IN the service if you choose. I did it, and many of my friends have as well.

[USMC-SGT]

Chinook...you are the man..you have helped me on more than one occasion.. in that case i may even try to finish my CSEL before i get out at my local favorite FBO while i am still getting paid great money and than spend less time, hopefully 2 months, busting my hump at ARi while making zero money so i can then graduate to horrible pay sooner!

you are going on the list...


Good list
-----------
1.Chinook

[poppa2trolls]

I'm curious if you could use Tuition Assistance since you're still AD at the moment. Last I knew, TA paid 100% (though I'm not sure what restrictions there are). Still, seems like it'd be worth a call or visit to your Education Office.

[ozziecat35]

Originally Posted by poppa2trolls

I'm curious if you could use Tuition Assistance since you're still AD at the moment. Last I knew, TA paid 100% (though I'm not sure what restrictions there are). Still, seems like it'd be worth a call or visit to your Education Office.

As I understand it, negative. I asked about that when I was still stationed back in the states...every answer I found was a big fat no go. Take my current situation for example...I'm stationed here in S. Korea w/ the Army, but working on my PPL at the aero club at Osan AFB, I asked about it, and TA won't cover any of it. I've already dropped close to a $700 out of pocket here on flight training. Ah well, at least I'm having an interesting experience with some crazy S. Korean airspace.

[DCApilot2006]

You pretty much have all the info. You must maintain a 2nd class the entire time. And no you will not see an actual 60% of what you spend. The schools
all require you to do more than the VA has agreed to pay for. If you give ari 35K you will be lucky to see 10K. You pay for everything and the VA reimburses you. Your local VA rep and I dont mean the schools VA rep either, will be able to give you the straight facts. If you wanted to be a doctor, they would pay for all, but noooo you choose to be a pilot and they only pay 60%. What a load of crap if you ask me. Shame on them!

[mattdc]

Does anyone know for sure if you can use the remaining funds in your GI bill for additional education? Say to finish up your degree, after you've finished flight training?

[Low_Level_Hell]

Can the GI Bill be used for a type rating?

I have my fixed-wing ME comm. and inst. and just wondering if I get reimburst soley for a type rating.

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by Low_Level_Hell

Can the GI Bill be used for a type rating?

I have my fixed-wing ME comm. and inst. and just wondering if I get reimburst soley for a type rating.

Yes, if the training is at a 141 school (which I'm sure it would be). Call the location and ask them if they are VA approved.