High School to Flight Safety..

[IWExcelsiorE]

Anyone currently at FSA that started there soon after they finished high school? Do you think you made a good choice. I'm asking because I'm a freshman in college but I'm thinking about leaving and going to a place like FSA......

[Flysher]

Welcome to Jetcareers

My advice would be to stay in college, you won't have much of the FUN that you need to have right out of highschool at FSA.

You might also want to add a line to your signature quote... something like " And get paid a descent wage to do so!!!"

[launchpad]

See the thread in the general section about why you should stay in college....then do it...don't leave. When I instructed at FSA, I had a few students who were right out of high school. It was very difficult for them to adjust to the discipline needed to study and motivate themselves. The FSA program is good, but things come at you fast and furious, and if you don't have any experience handling those kinds of things, it's going to be difficult for you.

On top of that, people there at FSA like to have fun. The problem with going to FSA right out of high school is that you'll have a very hard time deciding when to have fun and when to study, etc. etc. Get all the partying and fun out of the way in college, and you'll have plenty of time to go to FSA and be serious about the 80 large you're spending.

Like I said before, I had quite a few students who came right out of high school, but they were hard to motivate and weren't able to do all the things they were supposed to do. Their training was longer and harder because of it......more expensive too.

If you don't like your major, change it, but stay in skool and maybe take flying lessons on the side....

[bLizZuE]

It depends on the person. I've seen some come straight from high school and do fine. Others that haven't made it very far. If you're an independant person that is self motivated and not easily discouraged, great. If you miss mom and dad, and have trouble setting self goals, might as well stick with college.

[BajtheJino]

Originally Posted by Flysher

You might also want to add a line to your signature quote... something like " And get paid a descent wage to do so!!!"

Man, oh man. We get paid? All I get is a lousy cot in the back of the hangar

[intern_mike]

Definitely get at least your two-year degree. The workload is intense here and requires a lot of self-discipline. Think of this place as an extension of college. Get through the basics (two year), and then decide what you want to major in. I did my two-year at home, and then came here. After I'm through I can complete my degree on-line (aviation science @ EARU). One of my good friends here graduated from Notre Dame with a bachelors in aerospace engineering at 21, and even he's supervised at the intensity of the curriculum an amount of information they expect you to know here. If you can handle it, do it. I know that I wasn't mature/disciplined enough for this place right out of high school, but that's just me.

[IWExcelsiorE]

I should state that 1) the maturity level in college is a little too low for me,
2) I want to spend more time flying (or in ground school, in a sim, etc,)

[soonerpilot06]

You could also consider a college with an aviation degree program to incorporate flying into your schedule. Most aviation jobs require a 4 year degree. At least the majors and many corporate flight departments do. If you want to be a professional pilot, don't stop at flight instructing or even regionals. Go for the gold! But most of all, do what makes you happy. Many colleges like the University of Oklahoma offer affordable rates. Out of state tuition may be different, but the flight fees are the same. Before you dump $60,000 in to FSA, you should have the experience and discipline to take in all the education. Otherwise, all the remedial flights will hit your wallet hard. I came down here with my Comm AMEL ASEL and just completed CFI and am almost done with CFII and it has kicked my butt the whole time.

[fly8slep]

Originally Posted by IWExcelsiorE

I should state that 1) the maturity level in college is a little too low for me,
2) I want to spend more time flying (or in ground school, in a sim, etc,)

I can relate, I dropped out Sophmore year short of a BS degree because I wanted to fly full time. I just couldn't handle flying and studying, figured you don't need a degree for entry level flying anyways. But you know what as soon as I get stabilized again the first thing I'm going to do is complete the degree. I'm probably going to use the 50 credits I got and my licenses towards an aviation management type degree.

There's just no way you're going to get ahead at the major airlines, basically the better aviation jobs. I know plenty of people who know the right people and have the times who can't get a job because they don't have the 4year degree.

So I'd recommend you continue with your college, you're going to need it sooner or later just finish it now. You're experiencing the normal period of withdrwal, it usually happens after Freshman year, most of the college students who drop out of college do it after Freshman year. It's normal just keep on studying.

[ananoman]

I would definately recommend at least a few years of college. Flying isn't cheap and it will be very hard to finish college later if you accumulate any significant debt from flying. Most CFI's work like slaves and don't make that much money, so it will only get harder to get your degree as time goes on.

The other big problem with skipping college and going right into flying is the difficulty you may face getting established. If you have taken 'advanced' classes in HS, you will be fine with learning what you need to about flying, but this is only a small part of being a pilot. As a CFI, you may have a harder time, as almost all of your students will be older than you are and may have a hard time taking lessons from someone who is so young. In general, your interpersonal skills, public speaking skills and overall level of knowledge will be enhanced by going to college, making your job as a CFI that much easier.

I have only had a few students that were straight out of HS. What I saw in general, was that they do not do as well as older students. HS is for the most part a joke and requires very little work on the part of the students. Flying is what you make of it and if you really want to learn, it will take a lot more effort than what you are used to.

[Cav]

Stay in school, period. If you have a degree no one can ever take that away from you. The FAA can take your license or your medical. If they did, and you didn't have a degree, you would be left with very few options. Also consider that while many major airlines do not "require" a degree very few people get hired without one. Why? Because they have no shortage of applicants with degrees. I know you said that you don't care where you work whether it be instructing, regional, or major, but why limit yourself from the start? Why not work towards your degree while flying as often as you can. Could you go to a less expensive program with your summers off? As an FSI grad, I'll be the first to admit that their are much less expensive ways to achieve your dreams. Slow down, take your time, mold yourself into the best qualified candidate.

As an airline pilot I want to see the airlines hire the most qualified people and to me a college degree is included on the list of requirements. I know many will disagree but it shows a high level of dedication and maturity to finish the required course load. I also think that as airline pilots we should desire educated, well rounded individuals to join our ranks. There's a reason that careers labeled as PROFESSIONS have barriers to entry. This helps to ensure that we will be viewed, treated, and PAID accordingly.

Note to the Flysher...your dead on regarding your comment about being getting paid a descent wage. I love my job, but given the time, sacrifice, and money we spend to get a job in this line of work we never should lose sight of the fact that we are entitled to a desireable salary. I wish more people getting into this business recognised that.

I don't mean to lecture but this is a topic that I feel strongly about.

[IWExcelsiorE]

hmm.....i see....

[fly8slep]

I fully agree with what the others have said and I'd also like to add that the nature of this business requires you to constantly be in the habit of studying. There's a lot of training, re-training, you're constantly in class. A degree will tell the airlines that you can basically study and pass. Major airlines recognize this and a few others.

[IcarusGR]

I went to FSI right after high school .. didn't have a problem, then went to college. I was mature, studied a lot and had a good time. It all depends on the person. Since you are already in college I would stay ... I did the High School - FSI plan and it worked out for me.

[SmitteyB]

I was in the same spot you are in...

College in NY, getting a B.S. in Aeronautics, but I wasn't flying it had been 5 months and I had 14 hours towards my private. At that pace I would have finished my instrument when I graduated with my 4 year...I would have still had to timebuild, do my COMM's and CFI's ... then instruct! It was turning out to be almost a 6 year track from start to finish. I wanted to get there fast, so I decided to go to Ari-Ben in Florida. Although my time there was great and I'm a good pilot because of it, it's not where I should have been at 19.

There isn't one day that goes by that I don't regret not staying in college.

I've been there, I know how you feel...but I'm telling you- start your training at a local FBO, get a side job, work on your ratings, instruct and by the time you graduate you'll be ready for an airline job. Not to mention you won't have to worry about online classes like me!

You'll save tens of thousands of dollars by doing it that way and you'll be just as good of a pilot. Be patient, you'll be glad you did.

[Cav]

Originally Posted by SmitteyB

I was in the same spot you are in...

College in NY, getting a B.S. in Aeronautics, but I wasn't flying it had been 5 months and I had 14 hours towards my private. At that pace I would have finished my instrument when I graduated with my 4 year...I would have still had to timebuild, do my COMM's and CFI's ... then instruct! It was turning out to be almost a 6 year track from start to finish. I wanted to get there fast, so I decided to go to Ari-Ben in Florida. Although my time there was great and I'm a good pilot because of it, it's not where I should have been at 19.

There isn't one day that goes by that I don't regret not staying in college.

I've been there, I know how you feel...but I'm telling you- start your training at a local FBO, get a side job, work on your ratings, instruct and by the time you graduate you'll be ready for an airline job. Not to mention you won't have to worry about online classes like me!

You'll save tens of thousands of dollars by doing it that way and you'll be just as good of a pilot. Be patient, you'll be glad you did.

That's some of the most mature, honest, and well thought advice I've seen on here in a while.

[West270]

Originally Posted by SmitteyB

I was in the same spot you are in...

College in NY, getting a B.S. in Aeronautics, but I wasn't flying it had been 5 months and I had 14 hours towards my private. At that pace I would have finished my instrument when I graduated with my 4 year...I would have still had to timebuild, do my COMM's and CFI's ... then instruct! It was turning out to be almost a 6 year track from start to finish. I wanted to get there fast, so I decided to go to Ari-Ben in Florida. Although my time there was great and I'm a good pilot because of it, it's not where I should have been at 19.

There isn't one day that goes by that I don't regret not staying in college.

I've been there, I know how you feel...but I'm telling you- start your training at a local FBO, get a side job, work on your ratings, instruct and by the time you graduate you'll be ready for an airline job. Not to mention you won't have to worry about online classes like me!

You'll save tens of thousands of dollars by doing it that way and you'll be just as good of a pilot. Be patient, you'll be glad you did.

You are absolutlely right!

[Doug Taylor]

Originally Posted by IWExcelsiorE

Anyone currently at FSA that started there soon after they finished high school? Do you think you made a good choice. I'm asking because I'm a freshman in college but I'm thinking about leaving and going to a place like FSA......

GO TO COLLEGE

[Crockrocket94]

yes sir!



I am glad I already received a BA. But man, I took a hard route for it. Liberal Arts was not easy, I don't care what people say. I wrote an 86 page Senior Thesis to graduate. Did well too! I r smertr becuz of it!


Seriously though, go to school.

[bLizZuE]

One of the larger regrets of my life was not finishing high school, and not going to college. While I instruct I plan on earning an online degree of some sort.

[CLR4ILS]

Originally Posted by bLizZuE

It depends on the person. I've seen some come straight from high school and do fine. Others that haven't made it very far. If you're an independant person that is self motivated and not easily discouraged, great. If you miss mom and dad, and have trouble setting self goals, might as well stick with college.

He is absolutely correct. When I was there, several of the 18-20 year olds were struggling in ground school and on the flight line. Then again, a good friend of mine went through FSA at I believe 20 years old and kicked some serious butt. It probably helped that his dad is a retired United pilot and it was in his blood.

If you do go before your sophomore year, you can complete your degree with Embry Riddle while instructing. It is not as easy, but it can be done.

Maybe give college one more year and see how you feel at that time. At least you will have two of the four years behind you.

Good luck...

ILS

[Flysher]

If I may add one more thing to this thread..

I went to FSA when I was 18, fresh out of highschool. I had no troubles at all with the studying as I was extremely driven to do my best, and I excelled on all of my test scores and checkrides. But let me tell you that looking back, I didn't need to go there when I did or even at all to learn to fly. Now I have a huge school loan, no college education, and I truely missed out on a great part of my life.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not regret my decision!!

Granted, right now I am having a great time with my job, but it just really sucks to have missed out on that whole experience. Now it's going to be a pain in the arse to do it online because I'm too busy with my JOB to do school. It will get done, but it's going to be so much harder.

Please take the advice of the guys on this website. I didn't, and I regret it.

[IWExcelsiorE]

Thanks a lot guys!

Very useful indeed!

Keep em coming!

[Cav]

Originally Posted by Crockrocket94

yes sir!



I am glad I already received a BA. But man, I took a hard route for it. Liberal Arts was not easy, I don't care what people say. I wrote an 86 page Senior Thesis to graduate. Did well too! I r smertr becuz of it!


Seriously though, go to school.

There is nothing wrong with a liberal arts BA. I have one myself. If nothing else the grammar on our application will be correct!

[Crockrocket94]

Correct!


However, I may forget most things.