SonicFlyer

How long ago, and how much did you pay? How old were you and what job did you have at the time to fund it? How long did it take? Let's get specific.

SonicFlyer

Most 20 somethings don't make enough to save $15k in the course of a year, especially those who are college aged.

When did your friend do this? How much did they pay total for their training?

OscarRomeo

I paid $60k in 2018 for my ratings through CFII at a part 141 flight school. I am almost to ATP minimums working at a flight school in a large metro area and our rate for a 172 is $140/hr and $60/hr for an instructor. You could easily go 0-CFI and defer the multi training and keep it in the $50-55k range.

usmc-sgt

2005 timeframe
I was 23
my training likely cost somewhere around $45,000
My job was a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps (they are hiring) and my salary was around $3000 a month +- and more if I was deployed.
Took me around 2 years flying 3 nights a week after work (when I was around) and 1 weekend day.

GI bill paid 60% after my private and I paid cash for the rest. No debt and drove a $1200 ford ranger. Post 9/11 gi bill paid for degree in its entirety. Actually, they paid me to go to school around $1000 a month tax free.

I wasn’t special, I was no different than you. I just found solutions instead of loans.

SonicFlyer

Ok, question... how did you pay for it?

SonicFlyer

Exactly... 15 years ago. And for someone who isn't in the service this isn't really possible today. And in fact if I remember the GI Bill doesn't pay for ratings anymore if I remember correctly?

It's a different world now than it was when you did it.

DontLookDown

If you have your associates you can likely get on with an army guard unit flying helicopters. Converting everything over to fixed wing won’t be too bad down the road.

In order to fly fixed wing in the military you’ll need a bachelors.

If I were you I’d join an army guard unit as a warrant officer, fly helicopters, get deployed and rack up hours. Come back and convert everything to fixed wing, get fixed wing CFI and flight instruct/part time guard until ATP minimums. That will be a much cooler and more rewarding experience than paying $1300 a month from now until you die.

porkchopexpress

What makes this an even more effective path financially is that housing and medical expenses/insurance are covered for you (active duty). Definitely makes that paycheck go a lot further. IF one wants to join the military with this goal I wouldn't do enlisted USMC though, go army WOFT. They would have a lot more money to spend on those FW ratings after hours (assuming they got stuck in helicopters), and would still be building time towards that ATP while at work. FW in flight school is a possibility with a little luck, and then they'd be set. Military flight training counts towards significant college credits (60-75 ish credit hours depending on the school). The downside is that it'll be about an 8 year commitment start to finish. Upside is that it's a guaranteed flight slot for those without a degree or who don't want to roll the dice with OCS.

BigKitten229180

That’s a good idea, I spoke to an AFROTC recruiter and as long as I can finish a degree within 3 years (I know I have my AA but if I change my major from business to something more technical like aviation it should take about 3 years) I can do the program and potentially fly for the Air Force but we’ll see. I do love & respect the military but it’s something I would like to avoid if possible just because i know it would be an additional 8+ years before I could actually fly for the airlines but if that’s the only option then so be it!

galaxy flyer

Serving, you’ll gain in training, life experience, skills that are worth multiples of the waiting time. You’ll spend most of that eight years in the civilian world