How smart is it to go to college at ERAU and get 250 hrs. and my commercial? How does this compare to taking flight lessons at an airport near a college that doesn't offer a flight program? How great, actually, is ERAU? Any answers/responses are welcomed.

 

Skip ERAU. Go to a college near an airport with a flight school. You will spend FAR less money going that route and the airlines don't really care how you got your certs and ratings. I would also highly recommend getting a degree that has absolutely nothing to do with aviation so you have something to fall back on.

 

this question is asked at least once a month....do a search and u can find all kind of opinions....there are ones on this board who had bad experiences at ERAU and bash it constantly..mostly because they thought they would be 747captains at graduation...u get what u pay for....do you want an education or just certificates?

 

Here's a basic search to get you started, there had been considerable "discussion" about ERAU here over the years. As has been suggested, do a little reading on your own and I think you'll find a good representation of PRO and CON positions:

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/se...earchid=267547

 

Well, I spent several hours looking through that search (thanks, HSLD), and the issue seems to be very opinionated. Hmmm. Maybe I'd be better off at a state college & do flight training on the side.

 

I think a lot of it depends on your money situation, I have a buddy who is currently at erau and doesnt mind it but, he is about $100,000 in debt and I also have another friend who is at a state school with the same ratings and about half the debt. Just someth'n to think about

 

Imagine yourself in the future for a second. You've just arrived at your first regional, and are looking around at everyone else in your class. Just like you, most of them have spent a year or so (or more) instructing, and just like you, they most likely have a college degree. They've taken the same path as you to get where they are, but the difference is, they've paid about one fourth what you did. You, on the other hand, will have student loan payments in excess of your gross monthly income for that first year, and a huge percentage of it thereafter. Just ask yourself if there's any purpose in taking the most expensive possible route to get to the same spot as everyone else. You won't regret your choice to go to a state school. I doubt the words "I wish I had gone to ERAU" have ever been spoken.

 

If you want the experience of college and flying, go to a school like Kent State University, or UND, Purdue and many other state schools with a flight program, I know at Kent we offer flight tech as minor so you can also major in somthing else other then aviation or major in aviaiton which ever you prefer. Once you get your ratings the school hires you as an instructor and you build your time, All three schools I listed plus I'm sure many others too offer great internships with regionals and major airlines. All these schools cost alot less then Embrey Riddle and offer the same if not better training plus you get the exprience of college.

 

this is the way to go....

 

I go to Embry Riddle, and so far I've had both good and bad experiences just like everywhere. It is a good university overall, that is only if you apply and use all the resources the university gives. But can you do it somewhere else? Sure. The major downfall of this wonderful place is the price, it sure does cost a pretty penny. And that is why many students leave the first year or find out the aviation field is not for them. Im here cause my parents want me here; but is not a bad place, im in florida! =) As far as having a college life obviously this institute cant compare itself to a state university but every year has gotten better and better since ive been here. As for the flying in riddle, I say is alot harder than flying out on an FBO. When i did my private back in high school it was very laid back, take your time, etc. in Riddle you follow a lesson plan one after the other, and sometimes it can be quite stressful cause on top that you have school work. Now for whatever reason you finish the activity unsatisfactory you have to repeat the activity,meaning more $$$. If you have any specific question throw me a PM.