This is my $0.02, but I attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University. They just signed an agreement with Eagle regarding the pipeline program. Cost of living was very cheap, and they are one of the accredited schools that allow the restricted ATP. The cost of the degree and flight training was very reasonable when I attended.

 

Have you ever had a heart to heart with a pilot and find out what being a pilot is all about? What kind of lifestyle you'll have? Ask a lot of questions.

But who knows, there may actually really be a pilot shortage soon. If you were to ask me if I would do anything differently. One thing would be to major in a subject unrelated to aviation. And area that I really enjoyed and is a trade skill. So I could still provide for my family if something happened to my flying.

 

Yes I have. Continental FO when I was on my way to puerto rico. (This was 4/5 years ago) I hope to major in business management or something related in business as a Plan B. I also have a intership right now at my friends body shop; Plan C, go to trade school like you said. (autos)

 

The university had signed with eagle? I've only heard about trans and us aviation so far.

 

Debt, long days, crashpads, risk, no certainty, crappy management, poor pay, lonliness

 

I'm familiar with US Aviation. I've had a few buddies work there for a while...I can't say that they enjoyed their time there. The vast majority of their students are from China and struggle mightily with English...they spent a lot of time teaching English on the ground prior to flying and they were terrified about students getting a violation which could perhaps expose their instructor ticket to some liability. They lasted a couple of months and left to do things like Traffic Watch or right seat in some business jets.

I wouldn't be too concerned about having a "Pipeline" to a regional carrier. Thought I'm not involved with 121 flying, I keep up with that side of the industry fairly well. You will not have a hard time getting on with a regional by the time you hit 1500 hours...the regional carriers will struggle to fill seats for many years to come in my opinion.

 

If someone is going into aviation and plans to take out loans to pay for college/flight training to fly for a regional...be prepared to move in with your parents or marry a wealthy girl who won't mind you making little to no money while being gone quite a bit. Hate to sound negative, but the regional pilot quality of life and pay seem to have taken a severe beating over the past decade. While there will likely be a decreased supply of future pilots coupled with an increased demand from regional carriers to fill seats...it will still be a tough road...

 

Very recently.

Aviation Sciences Institute

 

What does the admission process look like? How many hours do the instructors fly each month?

 

I just figured having benefits and a guaranteed job would be the best bet.