Using VA (MGIB) Benefits?

[rickyrhodesii]

Is there anyone out there using VA benefits for flight training?

I've found a part 141 school which is VA approved, but i'm a little confused on how the whole process works. The flight school I’m looking at is telling me I pay for the training as i go. When i complete my training (Instrument and Commercial) they'll present me with a certificate which i send to the VA. The VA, in turn, reimburses my money.

Does this sound right? Any information would me much appreciated!

[mtsu_av8er]

Noooo, not at all. Close, but not close enough to ever get your money back . . .

I would encourage you to read this.

Basically, you'll train, and turn in a summary each month, from the flight school, stating how much you've trained. You'll then be paid, on a monthly basis, for 60% of your training.

Any other questions, let me know!!

[scottyboy75]

Here is how I use my VA benefits. I attend UVSC full time. I took out loans to cover my flight training. I then use my GI bill based on UVSC it gives me $1,000 a month to pay back my loans. This way 100% of my training is paid for.

[rickyrhodesii]

Great info mtsu_av8er...

This is what i found on that site you linked:

Part 3: Recieving Benefits

Type of Training: Flight Training
Frequency and Rate of Payment: Monthly payments based on 60% of the approved charges for the course, up to your remaining MGIB entitlement.

Verifications of Continued Training: The Last Step for Payment
Flight Training: The flight school has the form and certifies the number of hours, the hourly rate, and the total charges for flight training received during the month. You must review and sign the certification form and send it to the appropriate VA regional office.

thanks mtsu_av8er!

[Boltonpilot]

Here's another question about MGIB/GI Kicker: are they taxed? It's a dumb question, and I think the answer's yes, but I'm not sure...

[subpilot]

no, tax free. If it was taxed then you would recieve some sort of tax liability form from the VA at the end of each year. As for Scottyboy... the $1000/month is for full time attendance at an accredited college/university. For flight training you are paid 60% of what you spend on training per month. They then deduct your account at a rate of one month for every $1000 (actually $1030). So you can receive 6 months of benifits if you mananged to spend $10,000 on training in one month.

[Boltonpilot]

...and GIB/Kicker starts after basic training graduation?

[mtsu_av8er]

No problem, Ricky!!

And Scotty, that's exacly how I did it!

[GatorFC]

Don't forget reimbursements for written tests and checkride fees!

http://www.gibill.va.gov/Education/LCweb/search.asp
- type in federal aviation administration
- click on the "Federal Aviation Administration" button
- click on "Licenses and Certifications" for a list of all that is covered

[scottyboy75]

It seems to work out well for me. Although you have to be pretty discplined to make sure you use the money right.

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by scottyboy75

It seems to work out well for me. Although you have to be pretty discplined to make sure you use the money right.

Exactly.

You don't know how many times I almost wrote checks to pay bills and then caught myself and drove straight to the liquor store . . .

[rickyrhodesii]

mtsu_av8er and scottyboy75...i take it both of you had separated or retired when you used your benefits? How long did it take from the time you send the VA your "end of the month statement" and the time you received you check?

I though about going to a college full time, but the closest one that offers an aviation program is a little over an hour away. I can't make that drive every day for classes and all. I just chose to do my college with Embry-Riddle and their Distant learning program.

Thanks for the info!

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by rickyrhodesii

mtsu_av8er and scottyboy75...i take it both of you had separated or retired when you used your benefits? How long did it take from the time you send the VA your "end of the month statement" and the time you received you check?

Mine was slightly different because I was doing it with a college, being reimbursed for being a full-time student. However, I'd verify my attendance on the last day of the month and usually get paid a week to ten days later.

I though about going to a college full time, but the closest one that offers an aviation program is a little over an hour away. I can't make that drive every day for classes and all. I just chose to do my college with Embry-Riddle and their Distant learning program.

If you're set on getting an aviation degree, and hour drive really isn't that bad!! I drove from Madison, TN to Murfreesboro, TN.

[slowandlow]

Originally Posted by rickyrhodesii

mtsu_av8er and scottyboy75...i take it both of you had separated or retired when you used your benefits? How long did it take from the time you send the VA your "end of the month statement" and the time you received you check?

Thanks for the info!

I started a 141 program in september for my instrument. The school has sent in the forms every month since then, and as of today I have yet to receive a check. The website says wait 8 to 10 weeks for the first check. We are way past that point, and have called many times. I talked to a supervisor who said they are now starting to work on september. Mind you I'm in the western region, so if your flying out of Oklahoma you would fall under that too. Because they are short on people they are only able to complete 10 a day, and he wouldn't tell me how many they have waiting to be paid. Hope this helps.

[rickyrhodesii]

Thanks for the reply slowandlow!

Originally Posted by slowandlow

Because they are short on people they are only able to complete 10 a day, and he wouldn't tell me how many they have waiting to be paid. Hope this helps.

Completing 10 a day?!? Are you kidding me? What does it take to get these things moving? That is their job...right?

Other than that one huge issue...have you have any other problems/complaints?

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by rickyrhodesii

Completing 10 a day?!? Are you kidding me? What does it take to get these things moving? That is their job...right?

The Veteran's Administration is horribly under-staffed. Certain unnamed people don't really feel that vets need these services that much. You should see me wait to get service at the VA hospital . . .

[Stone Cold]

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

The Veteran's Administration is horribly under-staffed. Certain unnamed people don't really feel that vets need these services that much. You should see me wait to get service at the VA hospital . . .

Not to defend him, but The VA hospitals have been horrible for years, and the entire VA system has been hurting for a long time also.

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by txpilot

Not to defend him, but The VA hospitals have been horrible for years, and the entire VA system has been hurting for a long time also.

No doubt about that! The entire system needs an overhaul! The last thing we should be doing, though, is cutting funding!

[falconvalley]

The VA is sooooo slow. I used the GI Bill for flying and college and the first couple checks took months to roll in. 141 flight training is even worse if you fly just whenever you can. The only time I've noticed the checks come in more regularly was when I had a regular school schedule. For their slowness, they sure helped me out though. I didn't have to work for two years! Just Guard Bummin all over the world with my school books. I miss those days...

[falconvalley]

Originally Posted by rickyrhodesii

mtsu_av8er and scottyboy75...i take it both of you had separated or retired when you used your benefits? How long did it take from the time you send the VA your "end of the month statement" and the time you received you check?

I though about going to a college full time, but the closest one that offers an aviation program is a little over an hour away. I can't make that drive every day for classes and all. I just chose to do my college with Embry-Riddle and their Distant learning program.

Thanks for the info!

I did ERAU through Distance Learning, too. Great program and it's changed so much over the last few years. I just got my BS in Pro Aero in May. Took the full load 4 classes at a time for 2 years, no breaks. I about went insane, but it was worth it.

[rickyrhodesii]

I'm enrolling in an Instrument/Commercial program that's Part 141 VA approved. Does anyone know if the ground school is reimbursed? What about supplies? The school is offering the Jeppesen Instrument/Commercial Kit. Would the kit be reimbursable?

Thanks!

[slowandlow]

Your ground school will be covered. I'm not sure about the kit though. Remember though that VA will only reimburse up to the mins needed for that rating.

[mtsu_av8er]

Your ground school is covered, but the supplied are NOT covered. There's no way for the flight school to convince the VA to pay for those things.

Now, I have heard of flight schools figuring out ways around this. Let's assume your flight school charged $90/hour for a Cessna 172. Let's also assume that the school's 141 program called for 35 hours for an instrument rating. Lastly, let's assume that you had to buy $300 worth of supplies and books for your instrument training.

Now, what would happen if the flight school had a special "VA" rate on the aircraft - you know, to cover the "administrative costs of operating as a VA school", and charged the VA students $100/hour for the same aircraft.

That's $350 for supplies, reimbursed by the VA!

[slowandlow]

or a simulator that is not approved in the 141 program, but need for the commercial ticket. It COULD be billed as ground time only, but the sim hours go in your logbook.

[mtsu_av8er]

There are lots of ways to be creative! It's all about finding a school that can work with you!