Career change but financing is a problem
 

Here’s the skinny:

-27 soon to be 28 y/o woman currently working for a major as a flight attendant. I am comfortably holding a line and it’s very easy for me to drop all of my trips and go full time on my license; w flexibility to pick up if I wanted to from a nearby hub (commute), stay on w my airline as long as possible to keep insurance benefits etc
-was looking into ATP, but due to some remaining balance on my undergrad loans, denied by Sallie Mae for the $89k estimated cost to start from zero. Advised to apply for two $44k loans 30 days apart (one was approved already but I haven’t accepted the terms)
-offer from my dad in Tucson AZ to live with him however long I need to
-also looked into other flight schools in Phoenix AZ but I’d end up having to pay living expenses etc
-was told about Flex air in TX/KS/CA with an income share agreement vs a traditional loan but seems like too good to be true
-I have a Bachelors from a fantastic university so I don’t really want to get another bachelors degree

goals:
-get back to an airline as soon as possible
-not fail at this career change

I’m aware that ATP is a lot of self-study and it’s kind of “on you” as the student to advocate for your needs. I’m the type of person who taught myself Japanese; enough to attend university there for a semester w minimal problems, and also passed the language certification exam for my airline to be language qualified. It prob doesn’t mean much since it’s such an easy job, but I was top of my FA class without trouble or that much extra effort studying.

Any/all advice is welcomed and appreciated. Of course no one wants to incur debt but I’m at 5yr pay at a major as an FA making same or less than a 1st year regional FO. I’m under stimulated at my job and I hate it, but I love flying.

1. Get a PPL. Preferably without giving up your existing job. If that means living with Dad in Tucson for a summer, so be it.
2. Give serious consideration to going military reserve/ANG. You are young enough. They put you through UPT, a lot of your ratings are taken care of for you at no cost. In fact, they pay you to do it.
3. If you don’t like 2. (Above) get your instrument and then CML. Lots of skydiver hauling jobs in Tucson and Phoenix. They don’t pay squat but hours are hours. Get your ME and Grand Canyon sight seeing tours offer a chance to build ME time.
4. At 1500 hours, go to whatever regional 121 job best fits where you want to be.

Do not go further in debt.
Sally Mae is unethical in recommending 2 x $40k if you don’t qualify for $80k.
Thats ludicrous.
For further information read this pls:

https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/f...ml#post2970636

^^^^^^^ what these two guys said x 1000000. I was also looking for that thread, but TiredSoul beat me to it.

You're already in debt and want to go in even more?

There are no guarantees in this career. Do not go into debt and do not hand over large amounts of cash to any school (whether actual cash or loan proceeds). Book smarts do not equal flying aptitude. Find out if you have the skills before you sign on the line. Even then there are no guarantees. I wouldn't want the Sallie Mae noose around my neck during the early years when you are struggling as is...

ATP was worth it (somewhat) when housing was free (included), the program cost was half of what they're charging now (and interest rates were 4-5% if you did take out a loan), and the airlines were hiring at 250 hours. You needed the elusive 100 hours of multi engine to meet hiring requirements and they got it done. That requirement no longer exists and you now need 1500 hours (and every flight school is hiring instructors so the "guaranteed job" is a moot point).

Depending on who you work for there are new programs for non pilots to transition to pilot roles.

AA
Delta
Southwest
Republic
JetBlue

All have an initio programs as well.

I've met quite a few FA's going through flight school. Some work while also getting their ratings. It might take a few months longer but it's better than going into debt. Pilots from work can also be an invaluable resource while getting your tickets.

How do you do it with minimal or no debt then?

continue to work=$$$
live cheap = -$

$$$-$= $$

Take $$ and use it for training hours. Once past commercial get paid for hours. Once at 1500 hours go to regional.

Even working 100+ hours a month I’m only taking home $3500 before taxes. Not sure where you’re getting $$$ from!

Well, it ain’t going to be given to you. Opportunities are out there. Some cost money, some cost time and effort.

https://www.161arw.ang.af.mil/Portal...-27-122716-160

Nobody makes it without working for it, one way or another.

https://youtu.be/q_WMP1gebP0

Its a 6 figure career, no one is going to give it to you.