"Would I be better served to go so such a school such as DCA for further ratings? Or stay at an FBO? My goal is to join an airline"

First of all, don't ever worry about thread creep. It's the nature of the internet. The problem with a post like yours in the thread it's in is it might not get the exposure it would as a new thread.

As far as "DCA" vs "FBO". Your question is really "big academy" vs "FBO/flight school". With your military background, you may find some big academies your best bet. I'd steer clear of DCA, in particular, cause of what I've read on them over the years. Do a search at jetcareers or flightinfo. Personally, I think the "small time school" environment puts out a better product than the "big academy" because the lack of structure forces you to be more independent. You might get a chance to do some flying you'd never do at a big academy. At the same time, some people NEED the structure to succeed. So, I guess it depends on the person. I'm the product of small time flight schools and had great success with it.

 

The FAA has no issues with my flying abilities. The same will be true of my future employeer / co-workers.

-LAFF

 

 

Yes, it would be a real bummer if the FAA had issues with your future employer, wouldn't it

 

I see alot of bashing here against ERAU, sure its an overrated school, and expensive. But what other aviation college isnt. FIT, UND, ERAU are all pretty expensive. The flight training, is expensive but i believe you get your moneys worth, and i did my PPL at an FBO. I still dont recommend anyone coming here just to fly since it can be done elsewhere cheaper, and the same goal is attainable. As for studying something else, like Aerospace Engineering, Meteorology, Space Physics, Aviation Business, ATC Management, etc by all means this is an awesome University.

 

What do you mean by military background? That it's so structured? If so, then I see your point. However, like you, I don't require structure to succeed. I've also thought about staying in the Phoenix area and going to the Pan Am Academy. But, here in AZ or down in FL, I'll have to pay rent. Perhaps, I can find a school close to Norfolk, VA and just live at home with mom and dad while I'm in school. I'm 32 now and I haven't really lived at home since I was 16, so THAT would be really interesting.

Thanks, I'll check out jetcareers and flightinfo for more info.

 

In my mind "military background" equals "VA benes to spend". Sorry I wasn't more clear. If you want to go VA, you have to find a school that does VA. That means certain part 141 schools and eliminates ALL 61 schools, including ATP.

 

Your VA benefits are better spent on BS / MS / MBA degrees. Pay cash for your ratings. If that means you have to work and save a few years - do it. Loans / loan repayment can be a killer.

Despite not taking VA benefits www.allatps.com is still a good choice for flight training.

-LAFF

 

$49,995 if you don't start by 30 June. $2,800 in examiner fees. Approx $1,000 for food and drink over 90 days. $53795 total!!! How do you pay that off on a regional FO salary? There are places where you could pay nearly half that for the same ratings. Huge difference when you are going to be paid peanuts.

 

That is about the same you spend at aviation colleges for flight. But who said flying is cheap; all of us gotta bite the bullet.