So im heading to my senior year And i have to start applying for colleges. I am 17 yrs old and very interested in becoming an airline pilot, since I was a little kid (0 flight hours except for summer camp at Erau where I flew a c172 twice and a sim). And now I have two choices and I'm looking to see which one is better. Any help and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

CHOICE 1-
Delta state univ
PROS-They have a decent price for every flight rating $42k A total of $102k with the aviation degree.
- Lowered ATP hours
CONS- I get an aviation degree which is useless as many say because u never know. Ex medical exam fail, no job available etc..
- out of state
-Bright futures doesn't cover tuition


2- FIU (Florida international Univ)

PROS- In state
-6k tuition excluding housing.
-I can get most tuition covered with scholarships and aid, which means I will have little or no debt hopefully

- I can get a degree outside of aviation

-there is a flight school nearby 30min away and they offer every rating for around 43k. And you can choose the weekend course which is perfect.

- another flight school nearby just in case 20min way.

- Its in Miami, Probably going to be a fun experience, And 3hrs away from home.

CONS- Getting a job to fit my school schedule Mon-Friday, so I can pay Flight school and my other expenses. -any tips on how to do that?

-And checking out how that AOPA flight finance works out.

So yea I'm left with these two choices does anyone have an opinion on which is better? Any tips? thank you very much .

 

Go to either college, join the ANG for pilot training.

GF

 

How does that ANG training work sir?
But I'm only for reaching to become an airline pilot.

 

You get selected to go to UPT, graduate with wings (hopefully) and get hired, continue as a part-time Guardsman. Just be willing to serve as an officer and pilot. As guaranteed a route as can be found.

GF

 

AND training slots are extremely competitive, you would be in competition with those who want NOTHING else but to fly for that unit. Odds are long someone who just wants to be airline pilot would be chosen.

I would pick the instate tuition, fly on the side, join the military in four years if interested and fly for them then. Make sure you can maintain a class one medical.

it can be a fun career but little is certain and no path is guaranteed. Of those I started college with, back in the days fire was new, and are still flying are numbered in the few not many.

 

Focused? Driven? Get your ratings first. Get on with a regional with a f/t agreement. Get your degree on the side. By 25 you'll have a four year degree and be a regional Captain. Guaranteed airline job before 30.

 

^^^ this also keeps the ANG as an option if you mature and realize that you do want to fly in the military.

 

It sounds like $$ may be a bit tight? The fast track is normally a dedicated aviation school, flying 3 or more times a week. How about working on your private pilot training right now? Starting with a low cost ground school.

Yes, a Guard flying slot would trump(no pun intended) both of the listed choices, but there are a handful of conditions to be met. In most instances they would rather a current Guardsman with a PP license anyway, though most anything is possible.

How gung-ho are you? If your parent(s) sign you can join the Guard/reserves at 17. Even though I did, it's not for everyone.

I'd try to avoid borrowing to much $$, as much as able. Start networking locally, meet some pilots and aircraft owners.

 

Yes im trying to get a job this senior year so I can get ahead on my PPL.

 

Guys I'm not looking for any type of military route so far, just college and flight training.