skiermws

I am currently going to Kent State University. Im about done with my second year in a Finance degree. I dont really like it and its not something that makes me happy. I've always had a huge interest and love for planes and flying. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the academy that i posted as the title. It is right by me, in Akron. If i wanted to, i could go through kent and get an aero degree, but i've heard that i want to stay away from that. Also, what is your guys' opinions on starting a career. Do i want a 4 year degree, better yet, do i NEED it? Or is flight training and all my licenses and certifications and ample hours enough to get a good job and eventually advance? Any info/ opinions/ recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
-Matt

fjetter

My advice would be to stay at Kent and get your four year degree in something. Changing majors wouldn't be a bad idea if you don't like finance, but get it in something. For most regionals it isn't required, however it does make you more competitive and it is required for most majors. While in school work on your ratings part-time and over breaks. By the time you finish school hopefully we will be back on the upswing in the airlines and the timing will work out. But in this economy diving head-first into accelerated aviation training is probably not the way to go.

motoboy

Whats up man, I'm also a business major at kent. I have not heard anything good about American Winds at akr. I took my written test there, and was not impressed with the professionalism of the staff, listening to their loud instructors, and also the owners dogs scratching at the door did not make for a good testing enviroment.

If your local around the akron-canton area I would call Jim Long Aviation at CAK, awsome instructors. If you want some contact info shoot me a pm..

Convairator

Advice in order of importance:

1. Finish your degree at Kent State. DO NOT get an aviation degree!!! If you dont like finance, find something that interests you, and major in it. An aviation degree is completely worthless outside of aviation. The airlines do not care what your degree is in, as long as you have one. You need a backup plan if flying doesnt work out, and an aviation degree is NOT a backup plan!!! Any non aviation company looks at it like a sports management or communications degree (i.e. non-useful).

2. American Winds is good!!! I really liked it there, I got my comm. liscense there, and it went really well, the staff was very professional, and I was satisfied. I highly recommend it for your ratings, except for your (point 3)

3. Multi-Engine rating! Do not get a multi there, because you could probably buy a Learjet, Gulfstream, the Space Shuttle, or all of NASA for the price that their twin seneca costs per hour plus fuel surcharge (which is absolutley absurd) by the time you finish training in it. Only get your multi at a location that offers a low cost seminole. It is the best multi trainer because its cheap, efficient, and not very complex. Its user friendly, and designed with training in mind.

pm me if you need any other info

propjunkie

Stay away from American Winds!