All,

I'm a PSEL/PMEL working on advanced training under the GI Bill. I've done considerable research on GI Bill flight benefits, to include writing several letters to the VA (with completely unhelpful form-letter replies), reading through lots of forum posts, and talking to the VA representatives at several part 141 flight schools. I still haven't found the info I'm looking for. I found a thread at http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...tml#post786297 where timinfla2 asked many of the same questions a few years ago, but nobody answered them.

I'm sure some of you have already walked this path - please help!

I'm asking only about how to use 18 months of MGIB; Post-9/11 won't work as well for me. <<Why not? I have just over 18 months of Chapter 30 (the "old" Montgomery GI Bill) benefits remaining. I am NOT eligible for the additional 12 months of Post-9/11 once my remaining 18 months run out. I could convert all 18 months to the "new" Post-9/11 GI Bill, but I've done the math, and I would get about $33k of reimbursement under Ch 30, but only $15k if I use the new GI Bill.>>

1. Is there a monthly cap for reimbursement of benefits? The VA says I'll get about $1900/month for flight training. Does that mean I can only be reimbursed for $1900 during each calendar month? I intend to fly around 15-20h per month which might cost over $5k - the 60% reimbursement would be about $3k/month. Will VA only reimburse $1900 and leave me stuck paying $3100, if all those hours are during the same calendar month?

2. I've seen that some schools have different VA cost estimates for training (one school says IFR-Airplane will rate $10k of VA money, another says it's $14k). What happens if you exceed the VA-estimated cost of training (which I will likely do, since I'm doing my IFR in a twin)? Will they reimburse me up to $10k (or $14k) and leave me paying any excess cost?

3. Will the VA pay for time building? Will the GI Bill reimburse 60% of the hourly rate to get me 1500 hours for an ATP?

4. How can I get them to pay 60% for a tailwheel endorsement, spin training, floatplane, and other ancillary ratings/endorsements?

Thanks very much for your time and attention!