College and flying

[JohnRevere]

Hello,
I was wondering what some of you pilots have done to get through college and flight training with it all being so expensive. I was thinking about taking a four year degree online to save money and then in the four years save up a lot of money and for to Ari Ben Aviation. Just curious as to what some of you have done and if you think this would be a good idea. I thought about joining the military but that life just isn't for me.

[BlueStreak]

I would recommend getting your 4 year degree at an in-state school for the best tuition rates. Major in something you enjoy and something that would also serve as a backup career if your flying career falls through. I don't have any experience with online degrees, but from what I've been able to see the tuition rates at most schools are usually more expensive than actually attending class. Plus you miss out on the social interaction/networking opportunities you get from the classroom experience.

Once you've decided on where you will attend college, find yourself a job if possible. I would recommend doing whatever you can to avoid student loans. Working your way through college is a great way to save up money to pay tuition, or to save up for that expensive flight training. I worked line service at a local FBO and also worked as a ramper for a regional airline during college. Also, don't forget about your local flight schools. You can often pay as you go and fly when you want to fly. It might be a great alternative to the big expensive flight schools.

The goal is to have as much fun as possible, while getting good grades, keeping debt to a minimum, and staying on track with your career goals.

Just my two cents...

[boeing 777-300]

i agree with blue streak, an in-state school will save you money. Also, im not sure how much Ari ben aviation is but could you possibly do you at a FBO? would that be cheaper?

community colleges are a great way to get that degree and save money.

[Aviator737]

I agree with the community college thing, though it depends on what you're looking for out of the college experience. Personally, I would start flying now while attending college - get a rating every summer, for instance. It's amazing to me how much the cost of flying has gone up over the past few years, what with rapidly rising fuel prices. It's only bound to get worse. If you can pay as you go ... that's what I chose to do, and it's working well. I didn't want to face the costs of flying four years from now. And every time I looked up and saw a Cessna buzz overhead was tough - I couldn't prolong being in the sky for that long!

But it's definitely different strokes, different folks. The intensive training post-college, such as ATP or Ari-Ben, might work better for you. I would say a practical first step would be to get your private, and decide from there.

[Bandit_Driver]

try a search, you will also find a wealth of info this topic

[frog_flyer]

go to college. You won't regret it, even if you get kicked out. Ask JH.




.... hokay I lie.