DROCK

Navy Helicopter guy here. Will retire in two years, want to go airlines and eligible for both MGIB and 9-11. Anyone know the best use of the two programs to maximize fix wing training? All of my time is rotary except for primary. I was thinking about just going to ATP and starting from scratch, but that would probably be a waste of money?

tankerdude

Get a helicopter job. pays more.

Herik54555

I believe they make you choose one or the other if I remember correctly. I can't remember the exact details of both but I ended up using post 9-11 (private thru comm). It took just under a year at an approved school. I'm not sure how much benefit I burnt up, you should contact a school you are looking at and ask for the veterans office..they should be able to fill you in on all the exact details. As far as atp goes idk, I would imagine you burn up a lot more benefits than say going through some university or tech school....

Herik54555

Tanker dude is right! Air methods is always looking for rw guys fwiw.

rickair7777

You can't get full benefits from both. I know from experience that if you had used some MGIB before the 9/11 bill, you would retain eligibility to apply the unused months (not limited by dollar amount to your 9/11 bill eligibility. If you had used all MGIB (36 months) then you could still get a year of 9/11 bill.

blaquehawk99

If you don't mind me asking what school did you go to?

Herik54555

Fvtc.edu for my ratings...it's actually a pretty good program if you can handle wi winters....the va guy and gal at this school are the best I have seen at the 3 schools I have attended!

Toonces

Hi, I just did this, sans retirement. I left active duty, and shortly beforehand, I used my 9/11 GI Bill at a local FBO to earn my commercial multi-engine rating. Afterwards, I spent a couple bucks to build some hours on my own. The multi cost me about 5 months worth of GI bill benefits. I spent 3-4k on random flights to maintain currency and buy hamburgers. This is easily done on an active duty paycheck.

Since then, I landed a "entry level" job that gained me some more multi-engine time since I did not meet the ATP minimums (250 hrs PIC/SIC in an airplane). I did this through some shrewd networking with random people who were very helpful. This job has since landed me a more lucrative position, but still not a career position.

I have been off AD for less than a year, and I have a job that (while not mindblowing) can support my family in the fixed wing world. It can be done - just be patient and look forward. PM me for more.

2xAGM114

Not to hijack, but has anyone been able to use the 9/11 for a Master's and still have enough GI Bill credit to get the 737 type or sim prep course?

Wife is currently using the 9/11 for her master's (3 year program). I'd like to be able to do the 737 type course at HPA concurrently without jeopardizing her funding.

Toonces

I think you'll end up paying out of pocket. The 9/11 is for 36 months of benefits. The 737 course will eat up about 8 months worth.