Introduction And Advice?

[TheMattAttack17]

Hey all,

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. This site looks great and really well maintained. This is my first post i've been looking around for a while now finally decided to make a user name and start posting. Anyways, I have a couple questions. I'm a 20 year old full time college student in the San Diego area and looking to possibly start my flight training. I've been looking around for a flight school but don't really know where to look. If I find the right school I would drop out of school for a semester and devote myself to earning my ratings. Second question would be how does one afford all of this? I'm postive I'd need financing although I don't know what company to go through. I'd be looking to hopefully make my way to corporate aviation or possibly a fractional operator. So any information anyone could offer would be great and very much appreciated. Looking foward to hearing from everyone!

Very Respectfully,

Matt

[Stapp0770]

Hey, welcome to the forums. There are many people here that know a lot about financing their flight training. I dont know much but wanted to welcome you anyways. good luck

[LoadMasterC141]

Welcome to Jetcareers Matt.

Not too sure on Flight Schools in Cali so I cannot help you there.

However, I have to question why you would drop out of school for a semester to get your ratings? Why not finish school, then do the training? That way, you are not going to waste money getting current again once you finish up your schooling. A college degree is important to most Major airlines as well as corporate operators, plus a degree is nice to fall back on should industry tank, like it tends to do from time to time.

If you have a burning desire to fly, which I am guessing you do, why not pick up your Private Pilot license and fly occasionally while in college? You could do that dudring the summer off or something.

As far as financing a flight education, well, if you have the grades and physical requirements, it would be well worth looking into being a military pilot. They pay for all your training, and you could get to fly some pretty neat stuff! If that is not your cup of tea, expect to pay $40-90k for flight training. You can either get huge loans, or work and save money before starting.

Hopefully, SteveC, a moderator here, will be along to share his thoughts on loans.

Again, welcome aboard!

[dc3flyer]

Welcome aboard!!!!!!!!!!


As many others will tell you, try to stay away from loans as much as possible!!! I know it seems impossible, and for most it is (including myself), but remember that starting out in aviation you are not going to be making tons of money.

Also, I am going to go with Loadmaster on this one, don't plan on taking a semester off for flight training. Why don't you plan on getting your PPL this summer and see how you like it. I am also sure there are Part 61 schools in the area where you can fly part time even while you are taking classes.

As far as picking a flight school, just go to the airports in your area. I would start with the closest one to where you are and go to the FBO and ask about flight training. When you see that this airport has a plane $10 an hour cheaper than this one, figure out how much time and gas you will spend traveling between the two. Ask lots of questions other than about pricing.... how many CFI's do they have? how many planes? how is maintanence? what about plane availability? and so on.

Hope this helps.

[TheMattAttack17]

Well, I've considered staying in school and flying on the side. But at this point I kind of want a break from from school but want to do something semi productive with my time. The way I was looking at things was take a break from school then start back up after I get my CFI so I could work and go to school. Upon completeling my CFI, while still in school I would try to work and possibly earn my CFII and MEI.