Private Student Loans

[T56Maniac]

I have a question for you Flight Safety Academy pilots. I am wondering if anyone is in the same position or went through the same situation that I am in now. Below is my situation and question:

1. I recently separated the Air Force and I’m preparing to attend Flight Safety in a couple of months. However, loans are hard to find considering that I am (now) unemployed and would like NOT to have a “Co-signer.”
2. If anyone has been or is in the same situation, is there a private student loan out there that will cover me for the cost of the training?

I have VA bennies and a big chunk of saving for my living expenses for the next 1 ½ years, but do not have the financial capital to cover the back end of the flight training. Any direction for a private student loan would be of great help.

Thanks,
J

[pavelump]

Call them, they will be more than happy to help you find the money... Also, I hear that they're really good with the VA benefits.

[launchpad]

Ya, call FSA...they can find anyone money.....ask to talk to the person who deals with VA benefits...they have LOTS of experience with people in your exact situation...

[T56Maniac]

Thanks pavelump and launchpad. I will call Mary Wood (VA rep) tomorrow. I just sent out Flight Safety’s application today and hope to start around November 06. Did either one of you go over your “quoted price tag?” Is there anything that the both of you would suggest before attending Flight Safety?

Thanks,
J

[launchpad]

I only went there for my instructor's licenses, but I did go over the quoted price. I would definitely budget for 10% over just in case. It may seem extreme, but if you don't need it, you can give it back. If you do need it, you won't have to scramble to get it.

As for what you can do before going, it all depends on what your background is. If you're starting from zero time, you can go to a pilot shop and buy the FAA publications such as the airplane flying handbook (or whatever they're calling it these days) and a far/aim book. That'll get you started with basic knowledge.

If you already have a license, I would study the above, and also brush up on anything you could be asked during a checkride for whatever you hold. That will get your brain fresh on things you need to know. It's definitely a fast paced environment, so you don't want to show up unprepared.....

They'll get you all the books you'll need and let you know what's expected of you on the first couple of days there.

[jonboy34]

I was slightly under, and my roomate was way under. I had about $4-5 grand more in flight briefs than he did, so just depends on your instructor and how much briefing you 2 will do. Briefings are very important, but everyone is different. Both of us also finished exactly per the syllabus (no extra lessons) which is definetly possible if you put in the extra work outside of flying, just come prepared and you will have nothing to worry about. good luck it will be very fun

[CLR4ILS]

Originally Posted by T56Maniac

Thanks pavelump and launchpad. I will call Mary Wood (VA rep) tomorrow. I just sent out Flight Safety’s application today and hope to start around November 06. Did either one of you go over your “quoted price tag?” Is there anything that the both of you would suggest before attending Flight Safety?

Thanks,
J

I finished approx. $5,000 under budget. It helps to be overly prepared for every lesson. It cuts down on post flight brief time which I believe is $55.00 an hour...

Not sure if you know this. If money is tight, you can work at the school. Talk to Jackie in marketing. She is really nice and can help you down that road.

ILS

[T56Maniac]

Thanks for all the input everyone! ILS, thanks for the heads up with Jackie. I will do anything to keep my butt out of a lot of doubt.

Another question for you guys; how are the A&P certified mechanics at Flight Safety? Do they allow students to pick their brains on mechanical issues? The reason I ask is that I already have my powerplant certification…however; I still require hands on experience on the airframe side.

Thanks again for all the help,
J

[CLR4ILS]

Originally Posted by T56Maniac

Thanks for all the input everyone! ILS, thanks for the heads up with Jackie. I will do anything to keep my butt out of a lot of doubt.

Another question for you guys; how are the A&P certified mechanics at Flight Safety? Do they allow students to pick their brains on mechanical issues? The reason I ask is that I already have my powerplant certification…however; I still require hands on experience on the airframe side.

Thanks again for all the help,
J

you will visit the MX hangar a few times throughout your training as a class where the mechanics will cover a list of things on the A/C depending on which rating you are working on. you can always stop in and request some of their time when you have questions. they are always willing to help educate you. Talk with Don Doohan. He is the head of MX...

ILS