Need help with my future
 

People,
I am a senior in high school(17), live in Maryland and want to go to Phoenix East Aviation during summer for my Pilot training. I don't know if that's a good Pilot school or if anyone has heard of it. I'm still not sure if I should get a non-aviation degree and then become a Pilot? Or become a Pilot first and then go to college? If I become a Pilot will I be able to go to college on weekly bases? Or I'm guessing most of my degree is going to be from online. I would apperciate if anyone can help!

digit
 

I would search this board for your answer. That question has been addressed many a time over. Short answer...get a degree in something other than aviation and work on your ratings while in school. Some time reading thru the threads on this board will answer all of your questions. Good luck!! :D

get into college and after your degree (something / anything not related to aviation ) join the AF. Better yet goto a school with a ROTC program and get into UPT that way...Let the military pay for your training and spend a few years as a military officer....


Good luck...

-LA

Yes
 

I could not agree with LA more on this one. Im a Lt in the Air Force so if you have any questions about that, let me know. Definitely go into the AF and let the government pay for your training. Youll get to do some unbelievable flying that you simply cannot do in the civilian world and you make good money while doing it. What a deal! I would have done it if my eyes weren't so bad. :eek: Let me know if you have any questions about pilot training or the track to becoming an officer. :cool: Did I mention through ROTC they will pay for all of your college degree?

A hybird option
 

Become a pilot BY going to college.

A program like TSTC in Waco TX will allow you to earn all ratings up to CFI (Private, Commercial, Instrument rated, and CFI), AND awards a Associate of Applied Science that transfers to any "4 year" school. If you finish your flying on time, you graduate at around 18 months.

Transfer that 2 year degree to a University with an aviation program, and you could pursue an aviation (or non-aviation - my recommendation) degree AND flight instruct on the side.

As mentioned by LA, if the school has a ROTC program, pursue that because there is no commitment until after you graduate and sign the papers. ROTC is a no risk option that CAN open doors for you to the military.

At the end of 4 years, you have flight training, 2 degrees, flight time from instructing, and the potential option of going to either the military or regional airlines.

It's a full plate for sure, if you want to party a bunch in college I wouldn't bother with this path.

www.pilotcollege.com/

If you would like to learn about the aviation world i would look into an aviation related degree. Some people will say to get it into another area to fall back on, but I don't believe in it. What I am doing is majoring in Professional Aeronautics and minoring in Safety- there are plenty other carears that you can use you aviation degree in if you choose like the FAA or NTSB. It is possible to do your pilot certificates/ratings and go to school, but in my opinion it's a better idea to get your education done before you embark into the life of a pilot since your schedule is constantly changing. Good luck with this awesome carear!

digitofyou,

Let me ask you something?...Would you move out of state to go to a top notch, well-respected Community College program - and then finish your bachelors online? If you would be interested in this, I would check out Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville,PA. The regular academics are done in Schnecksville, and the Aviation classes are done at Lehigh Valley Intl. Airport at Hangar 7. The 'Chief Pilot' of the program is an amazing guy who has been flying since the 60's and has a LOVE for aviation.

I would suggest a smaller program like this because the teachers are there because they love aviation and they want nothing more for you than for you to suceed as a pilot. I attended Florida Tech for 3 semesters, and barely learned a thing because they sort of 'push' you through. I didn't learn a damn thing...But then I transfered back home to LCCC and in one semester there, I learned WAY more in one semester then I did in 3 semesters at FIT.

If you follow me...I think a smaller institution is the way to go. These guys are there because they love aviation. They have so 'war stories' and make everything interesting and fun. There would be 3 flight schools to choose from to do your flight training. Ace Pilot Training, Moyer Aviation, and Gateway Aviation. I fly out of Gateway. If you want any more information on this matter, Private Message me, and I can give you contact info.

Hope this helps.
D

Get a private linsense at your local FBO part 61 before you eat the whole burrito. And get a degree outside of aviation for a backup.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

The ROTC program is great if you want to have to take extra classes that have nothing to do with aviation. You could end up not getting into AF flight school, then what? The marines don't have a ROTC program which means no extra classes no having to wear BDU's to school, keep your hair how you want it. All this and a spot is reserved for you after you graduate, no guessing, no reassignments, no deploying. Oh and you don't have to compete for a scholarship with other people. If you have fabulous grades go the AF way(more perks, easier basic) but for the aveage joe, marines is the way to go.