MikeDD

Thanks for the help everyone!

Iflyjets4food - I looked into the VU flight school but it looks like you have to work toward a degree to get through their flight training. I already have one of those. Thank you for the suggestion though.

Willi364 - Semper Fi! Thanks for the support. I talked to the VA several times and they will cover 60% of the total cost at any part 141 school of any rating past your private license. You are absolutely right in that you have to put up the money before the VA will reimburse you. This is very difficult for most especially when you’re talking about how expensive flight schools are. The nice thing though, is that the VA will pay you a lump sum. So if your training past the private costs 30,000 the check they send you will be for 18,000. You don't have to wait for monthly payments like you would attending a regular college. In return, they will also take 18 months of your contract.

I am looking to train full time. I live in Hawaii and am eager to get going to the mainland around May. The large schools I have looked into and talked with are RAA, Delta Academy, Pan Am, ATP and a few others. I can sum them all up as too expensive. My goal here is not to be 40,000 in debt when I finish. The 40,000 I have should be enough to get me through all the ratings. I would be most interested in finding a nice flight school in the Midwest or anywhere that has a cheap cost of living, lower fuel prices and knowledgeable instructors.

What school did you go through Willi364?

Rickair7777 - I have always loved SoCal that’s for sure. The only problem is it’s just so damn expensive there right now. I think I could possibly blow all my funds just paying rent! If you think there is a chance I could get through a school there with 40,000 please let me know. I will try and PM my email add to you right now.


LAfrequentyflyer - ALL ATP was one of the first schools that caught my attention. I spoke with several of the ATP flight instructors and they all seemed happy with the decision they made. Unfortunately for me that school is part 61 and an expensive one at that. What interested me most about the ATP program was the included housing and the fact that the majority of the flight training is done with multi engine a/c. I don't think it is worth paying almost 60 grand to get what they offer, but what would lure me in, is the chance at becoming an instructor there and flying mostly muti time. That is a huge bonus and would surely be a fast track to the regionals. Again my goal is to remain relatively debt free here. The only way I can do this is to find a good and relatively cheap 141 school.


If anyone else can offer any advice please do! I really apperciate everyones time.

Mike