Purdue Visit

[Pilot5510]

I went up and visited Purdue this weekend and I was very impressed with what I saw. Even though the weather was not great, I still stopped by the airport to get some information. They have a very nice fleet and all the airplanes seemed to be maintained very well. Overall I liked the campus very much and it is still a possibility for me to go there.

I have a few questions maybe someone can answer:
- how often do you have to cancel flights due to weather
- how do you like the training
- do you get to fly as soon as you arrive on campus as a freshman

Thanks,
Connor

[GUNIT]

Hey Connor,

I won't be able to help out much with the training aspect of Purdue and how the flying is (I'm sure its great minus the fact that Indiana is flat), Evan or Chris Ford can lend some more helpful information on that, but if you have any questions regarding the application process just ask. I just finished out the whole process of applying for admission and scholarships; I should be attending the university next fall. So any questions regarding that shoot.

However, I do believe as soon as you arrive on campus as a freshmen they start you on the Private Pilot Flight (unless you already have your PP when you get there in which case you start on the Commercial).

[Jason]

Yes, you start flying in your first semester.

Yes, you have to cancel some flights for weather but it's not an overly ridiculous amount - you don't have to worry about completing the courses. In my four years at Purdue I canceled more flights for football games than I did for weather!

Personally, I really liked the training. You'll most likely have a different instructor every semester. A few of mine were excellant, most were very good, and I had 1 bad one but we got thru the semester. I don't know about some of the newer King Air instructors but all of the guys in Hanger 5 were excellant as well (except for 1 and he's gone now).

If you have any other questions feel free to reply or PM me....


Jason

PU 1998

[BoilerPilot2007]

Connor -

I'm glad you came up, braved the weather, and enjoyed the campus. I'm a senior now at Purdue, but I remember my first visit. I was also impressed.

Here are the answers to your questions:

- how often do you have to cancel flights due to weather

We're scheduled to fly 3 days a week, from day 1, freshman year. At Purdue, if you're in the program, you won't be deined an aircraft any of those 3 days (well, very rarely). This is not the case at many schools with LOTS of students, and too few airplanes. Also, you'll have the ability (and I highly recommend it) to get extra flight slots. Most people end up flying 4 or 5 times a week, and finishing their courses early. In any case, to answer your actual question, we usually end up flying 3 days a week, on average, due to weather. We cancel more in the winter than in the summer - probably once every two weeks or so, on average. It's cold, but in general, the weather isnt that bad.

- how do you like the training

It's top notch. Great instructors (I'm biased), fine equipment. Part 61. You won't be disappointed.

- do you get to fly as soon as you arrive on campus as a freshman

As I mentioned above, yes. You'll fly the first week, and keep flying, through your senior year. Many of my friends have over 600 hours TT.

If you have any more questions, feel free to send me a PM. Good luck!

-Evan

[K_Money]

Originally Posted by BoilerPilot2007

Also, you'll have the ability (and I highly recommend it) to get extra flight slots.

Haha, extra slots.