Hi Tristan,

I went to ERAU...one of the greatest part of Embry Riddle is the fact that everyone there wants to be in aviation in some capacity whether as a pilot, mechanic, manager, computers etc. Living in the dorms, etc you will befriend people in all programs. It set a tone for the a professional environment, you will have contacts in aviation once you graduate, & they have a great networking system with alumni plus it looks good on a resume, you will not find this with other colleges.

Since you state you are planning on going to your local Jr College first see if they have an aviation program ie aero science (pilot) or aviation maintenance. Also check with Jr Colleges in near by towns to see if they have a aviation program. If not talk to your future 4 year collage that you want to transfer to about what credits will and will not transfer for the Jr College then see what program will transfer the most credits to your desired say ERAU program. For example the ERAU aero science degree (pilot) you need physics 1 & 2, calculus etc all of this you can take at the Jr College if ERAU accept these class which will save you lots of money so check now.

DO NOT worry about the money side of college...contact your desired 4 year college financial department now, get to know the head of that department, ask lots of questions to see what you qualify for. Since your dad was in the service have him check with his branch of service/base for scholarship programs for kids who had parents in the service...not sure what office on base has these scholarships but they are available. In addition your local jr college library has books in the reference section that list out scholarships/check with their financial department for future scholarships too. You may also qualify for grants which you will not have to pay back. Research the heck out of this NOW and apply as soon as the scholarship program (every scholarship) will allow in advance for your transfer to your 4 year college.


For ERAU back in the day for the Aero Science program (flight program) if you transferred with your Commercial/Instrument license you only had to take one flying class all your license and ground school transferred. Type of course you could take then at ERAU would be Certified Flight Instructors, Multi engine, crew coordination, turbine etc if you go this way. This is a huge savings if they are still doing this. Meaning you could fly at your local airport now to save money then transfer to ERAU. Call them or the other colleges you are looking into to see if they still do this.

Lots of student at ERAU joined ROTC ...mainly Air Force & Army but some Marines. They had most/all of their college paid for as long as they did not fail out of ERAU/flight training.

Get a job now at your local airport as a line guy/counter person to gain experience and meet local pilots. Make friends with the airline guys on the field.

For ERAU or other colleges look into their aircraft maintenance with flight college program (not sure the official name now) the reason why you should consider this program is you end up graduating with all of your aircraft maintenance licenses and all of your pilots licenses. Why do this? because you will have an unbelievable aircraft systems and flight knowledge great for every job you have in your future especially all of your airline/Marine ground/flight schools, looks great on a resume, opens lots of doors early in your career. It does not mean you have to become an maintenance personnel at all.

If your local Jr College does not have a flight program check with local flight schools, high schools, even the Jr College as some times they will have a summer ground school that is very inexpensive and you will get the signoff towards your license(s).

Buy the Jeppensen private pilot manual & private flight videos and start studying/watching. They are excellent and will give you a great knowledge base for when you start your flight lessons.

If you transfer with all your pilots license to a 4 year college get your flight instructors license and instruct while you are in college still...you will end up graduating with a few hundred hours even part time which is heading you in the right direction for either the commuter direction or for the Marines or other service direction.

call ERAU or the other Flight Colleges to see if they are going to be at your local airshow...usually ERAU has a Alumi tent/Recruits tent at the big ones where you can go and talk with them.

Best of luck to you!! Your picking a great career!