Originally Posted by
PFactor
As a matter of fact. The motto was changed about 2 years ago. It seems the architects of the original tried to keep "AOA" in the name although it was technically not correct. Got some "professional" help and it is now "more better" BTW I'm a Riddle Diddle, and I certainly enjoyed my time in DAB. The school and the town is what you make of it. No one gives a rats a$$ that you're a pilot, so save it. You can be miserable or make the best of what is available. There are a lot of interesting "finds" in Daytona Beach, but if you can't be a little creative God help you. You will not be given an airline job upon graduation. However, hard work and networking will really pay off. I have worked at a few different flight schools through the years including ERAU, and I spent time in the part 121 world. ERAU is expensive, but you get what you pay for with the aircraft. CFI to CFI, you'll find good and bad anywhere you go. The quality of equipment at ERAU is no doubt the best anywhere in the US. Don't complain when you have to fly at 6am...you just might like it.
Well said sir.
From the Mountains myself (PRC) and currently instruct at ERAU. PFactor said it, you'll get out what you put in. As for me, I was fortuneate enough to have roomed with two good roommates Freshman year (and still live with them today even after 4.5 years [one other is a CFI at ERAU and the last is getting his CFI's at ERAU]). The lifestyle among everyone else is, yes, nerdy. You'll either like hanging around a bunch of people who always talk aviation or you'll hate it. But there are good times every now and then. I never got involved with a frat, but I do know plenty of people who did and enjoyed it.
I came in with my private single license and learned that ERAU flying is a whole new ballgame compared to my FBO at the single-runway little airport I flew out of. That did give me advanced credit, as well as the AP/Dual Credit I took in High School, allowing me to graduate in 3.5 years with an internship at American Airlines during Summer 2007. And by the way, do an internship, it'll give you valuable experience and networking capabilities. I never did spend summers at ERAU since I had a girlfriend at the time (whom I met in high school and went to UofA in Tucson.) So that settled the girl issue with me, although, as I've said before in a previous thread, you can still find local girls. There were plenty to meet when I worked my part time job at the mall. And I do agree to drop the "I'm a pilot" line...the days of Top Gun are long gone.
Ok, sure, the flight training program may not be perfect. The only time you're going to get "airline training" is when you get hired by the airlines. And last time I checked, the 1st time pass-rate for all stage checks (for a certificate or not) was at least 80%. By FAA regs, a Part141 school must have at least an 80% 1st time pass rate or the FAA will investigate what's going on. I've also said before in a thread that the aircraft costs per hour for ERAU aircraft are competitive (not including the tuition costs associated), especially for how well-maintained the aircraft are. Yes, it's still expensive, but still competitive.
Anway, do your research and see what lifestyle/college experience you prefer and go from there. Also, from what I've seen from my students, make sure your homework includes the financial aspect. There have been a few cases where the student has left or changed majors because of the flight costs in addition to the tuition.