Originally Posted by
Shaun
Yup, I am an instructor at an FBO that does both 91 and 141. In my oppinion, 141 doesn't gain anything unless you want to get the commercial total time requirement dropped, but you still have to get the time somehow, and you don't have to do private 141 for that tt break. I try to get my private students to go part 91 because it gives so much more flexability, and can take less time and end up costing less.
I'm ex-military, and have trained and taught at both 141 and 91 schools...
141 paperwork is so cumbersome that schools really only use it to attract VA students...but then they jack up their rates, so you end up paying almost as much out-of-pocket, and the school gets your MGIB. You will be money ahead if you just pay for traditional part 91 flight training with a loan or whatever and save the VA money for college. You WILL need a 4 year degree...do NOT kid yourself on this (or let anyone else kid you).
I understand how the big flight schools appeal to military folks...you are used to a package deal with a lot of structure, and that is what they offer. Unfortunately they charge WAY too much for it, and they can get away with it because people don't know any better. The 91 world requires more initiative and living by your wits, but you will save a ton of dough and learn a LOT more.
The biggest thing wrong with MAPD is that you are stuck at mesa for years...it really doesn't get any worse than that. I would quite flying if I had to go back to mesa.