Dash9

Morning/evening all.

Posted a few months ago that I'm current active duty enlisted. Contract is up next year and I have the choice to exit. Before I commit to this decision I've been doing a bit of research into the civilian aviation world.

Despite the 'anxiety' of rejoining the civilian workforce and aviation industry vulnerability I'm excited about the current opportunities present during the foreseeable future. Having said all that I've found a flight school commutable to my home in FL. Believe it's on SRQ in Sarasota. Cirrus Aviation. This school is paired up with Liberty University's flight training affiliate program. Part 141.

Basically I get my PPL, Instrument, CPL, MEL, and instructor licenses a long with an aviation bachelor's online degree in 2.5 years all covered under the GI bill yellow ribbon program. The icing on the cake is a 1250 hour R-ATP due to being in Liberty's aviation program. There are a few costs but the majority of training is covered.

I know you all usually steer people clear of aviation degrees for good reason, but what about in this case? It seems like a great deal. Anyone hear about this program before or this particular flight school? I'd rather part 61 near my place up to instructor and build hours but I'd be paying much more out of pocket while working on my degree/possibly taking out a small loan.

Appreciate your advice as always. The forums here have been a great resource for me.

WantingWings

In your specific circumstance, earning the aviation-focused degree isn't a bad deal at all. I've looked into similar programs as well. Does the college that's paired with your prospective flight school offer a four year option? If so, I'd opt for that route as you'll need 250 less hours to become R-ATP eligible. The plan for you would to be able to start CFI'ing during your junior and senior years to accrue additional flight time and make some extra cash. There's a college-administered part 141 program near my hometown that offers a track like that for four-year students. Again, just something to think about. If possible, your goal should be to secure employment by a regional airline upon graduation. Seniority is everything in this game and the faster you start checking boxes, the faster you get to play. Good luck, man!

rickair7777

Aviation degrees make more sense today than they used, and especially for GI Bill beneficiaries. Still some downside/risk to not having a more marketable degree.

I think the R-ATP should be 1,000 hours for a four-year degree.

But what you REALLY want to do (for any school) is talk to current and former students. I'm not talking about meet-and-greets arranged by recruiters either. Maybe you can find some folks online, or maybe travel to the school.

Also... take some lessons, make sure you like flying before you commit.

ajkc114

I used my GI Bill to pay for my flight training up to commercial. Flew charter for a couple years, and am now going back to knock out my CFI and Multi with my remaining GI Bill money... coincidentally, I'm going to the same school, Cirrus, in Sarasota. I've talked to a lot of schools in this area, and they really seem to have their stuff together, and know how to make the GI Bill work best for your situation.

I didn't finish my degree program at my last school, so I wont qualify for the ATP lower hours. I really wish I would have.

You will not get a bigger bang for your buck when it comes to GI Bill money than you will with flight training. Then add on that you will get BAH, and yellow ribbon, book money, etc... don't miss this opportunity!

PM me if you have any questions... good luck!

WantingWings

Also consider that while you're flying professionally, you can always work on a second degree that's more marketable to pad your resume in the event of an unforeseen medical complication, furlough, etc. Education is power, as we're so often told.

trc8301

You may want to look in to this further. I don't know the specifics of the program you are looking at, but to qualify for the R-ATP you must complete all education and flight training through the program, not remote. For example I finish my degree with ERAU Worldwide, but I don't qualify for their R-ATP.

Here is the list of R-ATP schools, and again you may have to dig deeper, but I'm almost positive that the flight training and education must all be completed at the actual campus listed on this list.

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/...ority_List.pdf

As far as advice with the GI Bill....I did my training through Portland Community College in Portland, OR, and worked towards my Associates. I opted to not get my associates, and as soon as I had all my Pilot Certificates (I did all but the CFI/CFII/MEI), I transferred to ERAU Worldwide and finished my B.S. in Aeronautics earlier this year. Obviously I had to do a degree program to apply the GI Bill towards my flight training. If I could go back I would have done the same except that I would have tried to double major during my associates and then transferred to a different degree program to finish my Bachelors. Something outside of aviation. In this line of work, as a pilot, a degree is a check in the box. An aviation degree will do nothing for you when it comes to most pilot jobs (That may not be true if you are looking to eventually go in to pilot management rolls). And knowing what I know now, I'd say always plan as if the next medical is the one you fail. A little crude, sure, but it's just good planning.

If you have any more questions about my experience or whatnot, feel free to shoot me a PM.