Help Needed, Sorry if Discussed Before
05-10-2007, 08:45 AM
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Joined APC: May 2007
Posts: 2
Help Needed, Sorry if Discussed Before
To Whom It May Concern:
First, allow me to preface this entire post by warning that this is, indeed, one of those “newbie” posts that I am sure get very old and cumbersome for you more senior on this forum. HOWEVER, I have some very specific questions and situations to explain. Furthermore, I have done my best to follow all “stickies” and threads that apply, but the sheer wealth of information available here has become nearly overwhelming for me, especially given my almost total lack of knowledge. All this has led me to develop my own post. Thanks in advance for understanding.
In a different thread, a user suggested a tried and trued format for a post such as this, so let me knock out these very basic questions first:
From the limited reading that I have done here and on suggested websites, I have reached the conclusion that the best route to go towards becoming a pilot is for one to continue school in whatever discipline desired and attend flight instruction training on the side. Is this true? And, if so, I present two more questions: Is there any such instructional school recommended in the Tampa, Florida area and how much does such an endeavor usually cost? Also, what are the prerequisites for obtaining such instruction- or do these types of institutions basically train anyone willing to pay?
As to my personal situation, I have always had a fascination with flight, probably developed from flying across country multiple times a year as a young child because of family separation. However, after high school, I joined the Army and fell in love with that lifestyle. However, I knew the importance of an education (to me) outweighed a life in the service. This is why I am an International Studies student, taking Arabic, and obtaining a minor in Religion. However, I am constantly pulled back to this childhood dream of being a pilot and each time I fly, I kick myself for having this weird foresight that one day I will wish I had given it a shot. Trust me; the passion is there- just not the guidance
To this direction, I have attempted to work out a deal with the Navy. They offer a program called the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program. It is a great program- however; the long story short is that my “non-technical” degree would put me at a great disadvantage of being accepted into the program as a potential flight officer – my real only choice to this end, is to attempt the program in the field of Intelligence which really negates the entire reasons for applying- the dream of flight.
So… to all this, where do I begin? I have already used about 20 of my 36 months of my GI Bill and am currently in the IRR of the military. There are military options there that I am open to, but I do not have the degree yet obtained to enter as an officer and have any shot at flight. I am willing to do the blue collar work to save the cash to finance some side education, but do not know if A) it’s the best option or B) where to obtain such an education. And, along with all this, I am really looking for someone to sort of mentor me through this process- it seems daunting. I guess I am looking to be figuratively and literally taken under “someone’s wing.”
I would really appreciate any information that can stem from this post. I thank you for sticking with me through the extended length of this post. I will include any additionally needed contact information, if desired, through instant message.
Again, thank you.
Steve B.
First, allow me to preface this entire post by warning that this is, indeed, one of those “newbie” posts that I am sure get very old and cumbersome for you more senior on this forum. HOWEVER, I have some very specific questions and situations to explain. Furthermore, I have done my best to follow all “stickies” and threads that apply, but the sheer wealth of information available here has become nearly overwhelming for me, especially given my almost total lack of knowledge. All this has led me to develop my own post. Thanks in advance for understanding.
In a different thread, a user suggested a tried and trued format for a post such as this, so let me knock out these very basic questions first:
- Age: 23
- Aviation Goals: Exciting lifestyle with a wealth of traveling in almost any capacity (however, airline would be preferred). Money would not be an issue but benefits and some sort of stability within an industry would be, of course, appreciated.
- Degree?: Not currently, however, I am about 60 credit hours towards obtaining my Bachelors’ Degree in International Studies at the University of South Florida. I still currently attend school and am a former Active-Duty Army soldier.
- Where is the money for training coming from?: Good question. Any advice given here as to how to most efficiently follow my dream would be taken with my own knowledge that I must become much more fiscally responsible and save some sort of money to fund this additional flight education.
- Single, bills, etc?: I am single and because of past family experiences would like to remain so as long as possible (hence, one of the many reasons I so envy a career of travel). I have no family to really count on for any financial assistance and have sore spots on my own credit that would have to be repaired before following any advice given here.
From the limited reading that I have done here and on suggested websites, I have reached the conclusion that the best route to go towards becoming a pilot is for one to continue school in whatever discipline desired and attend flight instruction training on the side. Is this true? And, if so, I present two more questions: Is there any such instructional school recommended in the Tampa, Florida area and how much does such an endeavor usually cost? Also, what are the prerequisites for obtaining such instruction- or do these types of institutions basically train anyone willing to pay?
As to my personal situation, I have always had a fascination with flight, probably developed from flying across country multiple times a year as a young child because of family separation. However, after high school, I joined the Army and fell in love with that lifestyle. However, I knew the importance of an education (to me) outweighed a life in the service. This is why I am an International Studies student, taking Arabic, and obtaining a minor in Religion. However, I am constantly pulled back to this childhood dream of being a pilot and each time I fly, I kick myself for having this weird foresight that one day I will wish I had given it a shot. Trust me; the passion is there- just not the guidance
To this direction, I have attempted to work out a deal with the Navy. They offer a program called the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program. It is a great program- however; the long story short is that my “non-technical” degree would put me at a great disadvantage of being accepted into the program as a potential flight officer – my real only choice to this end, is to attempt the program in the field of Intelligence which really negates the entire reasons for applying- the dream of flight.
So… to all this, where do I begin? I have already used about 20 of my 36 months of my GI Bill and am currently in the IRR of the military. There are military options there that I am open to, but I do not have the degree yet obtained to enter as an officer and have any shot at flight. I am willing to do the blue collar work to save the cash to finance some side education, but do not know if A) it’s the best option or B) where to obtain such an education. And, along with all this, I am really looking for someone to sort of mentor me through this process- it seems daunting. I guess I am looking to be figuratively and literally taken under “someone’s wing.”
I would really appreciate any information that can stem from this post. I thank you for sticking with me through the extended length of this post. I will include any additionally needed contact information, if desired, through instant message.
Again, thank you.
Steve B.
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