First Post... and my Dilemna

[mlcoastie]

Hi all,
Been reading your forums for a few weeks now, seems like really good stuff. Here is my dilemna... I am working on my PPL, albeit slowly in WA in the winter ( Seattle actually ). I want to fly as a career, whether the best decision or not financially in the near future, I dont care, I have done 4 years in the military for a stable financial situation and it bored and tired the hell out of me, and flying is what I want to do. So I have financing for my PPL, I have the GI Bill, and thats pretty much it. I am looking into my options to continue my flight education. I have seen a few schools that offer a non aviation degree with flight training, and I have basically enough hours of schooling to get a degree in 2 years or less. I have also spoken with Jerry from Mazzei down in CA and have really liked what he had to say, and what I've read about the school. Here are my concerns. I have some bills, credit, a truck, etc. I plan on going into the Air National Guard for some bonus money, and training ( Aviation Mechanic knowledge shouldnt hurt when flying ). I like schools that include housing, as thats a major cost when you consider locations, and the duration of aviation schooling. My two lines of thought are somehow financing Mazzei ( dont have a co-signer for a loan atm, so not sure if it will work ), finishing up the training there, and flight instructing part/full time while going to school to finish my degree, OR going to a college to finish my degree and training part time at a local FBO ( or a college that does both ). Obviously for building flight hours, an aviation program and instructing while going to school would be best, but my question is, would I be better off doing that, and privately financing a large chunk of it, or getting federal loans for school, and using some of that plus the GI bill for flight training, and take a little while longer to build up my hours for a job. I am 26, so time isnt that huge of an issue, but Im not getting any younger.
Thanks in advance
Matt

[Swen]

going to a college to finish my degree and training part time at a local FBO

Do that, get yourself out of debt and finally stay out of debt. IMO, avoid taking a loan to finance flight training.

[Koen]

Honestly, dont worry about any of that. You are young enough, and if you are medically qualified, go talk to the AF ROTC detachment in WA. Have them pay for your school, get a commission, make 0-1E pay and go to pilot training. Gonna take a lot of work and some good grades, but you'll be better off in the long run. And, you'll have a lot more fun doing it! Just my .02...good luck! Welcome to the board!

[DE727UPS]

You have the VA benes, you should use them. Using them while you get two years of school out of the way (or four) is even better. Find a 141 school where you can use your VA that has a flight program. Maybe Auburn. (northwest college, or whatever they call it) Maybe Mazzie and go to school at the local JC. I'd decide what flight school is best and then incorporate college as able. Some people like USVC online and some people don't. I went to ERAU...what the hell do I know....

Where are you flying at now?

[Ophir]

I like the above advice and I would talk to JDflight. He went to Mazzei and is now flying for SkyWest. He has a similar route without the miltary (I think he's an army brat though ; )

I like DE727UPS's advice but I would seriously steer you to sitdown college, not an online education. I went to all of the above, U of Utah, UVSC online and ERAU online and I would take a formal education all the way. The ROTC thing sounds good. I would avoid debt at all costs (no pun intended).

[Persian_Pilot]

Originally Posted by Koen

, go talk to the AF ROTC detachment in WA. Have them pay for your school, get a commission, make 0-1E pay and go to pilot training. Gonna take a lot of work and some good grades, but you'll be better off in the long run. And, you'll have a lot more fun doing it! !

I was planing to join AF or NAVY so I could use the GI bill but from what I've heard , It's almost impossible to get that money !!!!!

[jeskoe]

Originally Posted by Persian_Pilot

I was planing to join AF or NAVY so I could use the GI bill but from what I've heard , It's almost impossible to get that money !!!!!

I use the GI Bill for my flight training, and I haven't had any problem getting the money. I get a nice fat check in the mail every month. The school takes care of most of the legwork, so it probably all depends on the school that you train at.

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by Persian_Pilot

I was planing to join AF or NAVY so I could use the GI bill but from what I've heard , It's almost impossible to get that money !!!!!

Where did you hear that? I got almost $40,000 from them, with no problem.

[Ophir]

Originally Posted by Persian_Pilot

I was planing to join AF or NAVY so I could use the GI bill but from what I've heard , It's almost impossible to get that money !!!!!

All the GI bill guys at OK3 Air in SLC received money from their's too. No problems. You have to train with a 141 school and they HAVE to be good with the paperwork and submit it regularly.