I have my mind set on the aviation degree (most likely UND even though I also applied to MTSU and Kent State) so don't try to change my mind, that ship has already sailed.

Obviously the the loans the school is going to give me are not enough to pay for my flight training ... I am sure that many of you were in this exact same position not too long ago.

Where did you get your loans from, and is the contract fair?

My dad is going to cosign with me (he is making good money but his credit is just average) ... how hard is it to get a private loan this days?

 

Sorry, but I can't resist, your post is very contradictory...

If you have to borrow money, that means you don't have a trust fund. If you want to be a professional aviator, you will need a trust-fund or a back-up career.

I would major in nursing (or similar medical field), fly when you can through college, work as a nurse (or whatever) after college, finish flight training as you can pay for it, then transition into flying as the job market permits. That way you will be debt free and have a part-time job non-aviation to see you through the first ten years, furloughs, bankruptcy, medical problems, etc.

Borrowing a lot of money to get into this career in financial suicide...just because a bunch of other kids are doing it does not mean it is good idea. Wannabe pilots and their parents seem to suspend all rational thought process and buy into whatever crap the flight schools and aviation colleges tell them (they will say whatever they need to enhance their revenue stream).

As for your original question...you will need a cosigner if you do not have a full-time, stable, well-paying job. It will come down to dad's credit score and income I guess.

 

This quote combined with your username is hilarious!

 

Haha ... excuse me HSLD, I didn't realize I was in a flight deck here

But I definitely see the fun in it ... I am just trying to prevent comments like the one rickair7777 made. I've read all that in my previous post, I appreciate your feedback but the decision is made.

@rickair7777 - I do have money but I am not trust found rich. Me (and my parents) will be able to support the monthly payments without too many problems. I simply don't have 150,000$ hanging around so I can pay for the whole thing in cash.

I read good things about Sallie Mae, what do you guys (and girls) think about it?

 

I think you have a lot to learn before you should consider taking out loans on this profession.

 

Where have you heard good things? No pilot has good things to say about their loan note holder. But why should I say anything, you have it all figured out.

You are wasting people's time on this forum, Im sorry but it is true. You ask questions about this career, get tons of advice about what to do (from people in the industry) and still pay it no mind. You say that your mind is made and to not try and tell you otherwise. Ask 100 airline pilots and 99 tell you to avoid an aviation major, and you still are going with the aviation major.

Im sorry if this seems mean but your ignorance amazes me.

And HSLD is correct. Your name and attitude is the very definition of ironic.

 

Maybe he is exerting the "Assertiveness" and "Decision Making" at the expense of "Situational Awareness" and most of the other tenets of CRM.

USMCFLYR

 

I just want to say that, without a doubt, you'll look back at this in a few years and wish you had listened to Rick's advice. Some people just have to learn everything the hard way. Good luck! And good luck to your dad too since he'll be paying off your loans.

 

I guess it doesn't really matter.... your ship has sailed...

Sounds like you have selective hearing... but now is not too late to consider another route.

On another note... you may not even get approved for a Sallie Mae (which is pretty much the devil nowadays). Frankly, you'll be stupid to get a loan from them.... it's just a bad decision....

...a guy on another forum had a good way to put things... he basically said that college is to get an education and learn how to think critically, not learn a specific trade. Flying is a trade.....try not to corner yourself financially or educationally.

 

WOW ... tough crowd. I was expecting this but not to this extent.

Ok let me put it this way:

Let's assume that someone put a shotgun in my face and forced me to choose a private loan. In that case what will be the best company to go with?

Let me give you some more information about myself (because I feel like I am getting the "standard" answers without people actually reading what I am saying.

- I am already a junior in a liberal arts college, my degree is COMPLETELY useless without a Ph.D. (no I can't do engineering, I don't enjoy it)

- I am also a citizen of the European Union (so I already have a lot more opportunities than your average aviation degree student - I am familiar with the JAA conversion)

- I have another marketable skill (not sure how far it will take me ... but at least I can get a manager job in a retail store)

- I speak 4 languages.

- I can live in two different European countries without paying rent / mortgage


" It's a great job unless unless you're flying with someone who complains "
So ... my dear friends, if you care about my health and your fellow flight deck occupant's health.

Suck it up! Stop complaining ... if you don't like the industry, this is a perfect time to get out!

Let the flaiming begin ... (or should I say continue?)

P.S. I still think that this forum is very interesting ... but I don't think it is a very good place for wannabes.