GliderCFI

You're gonna need a college degree for the majors eventually. I'm a junior at Middle Tennessee State, and paying in-state tuition even though I'm from Virginia. Since Virginia doesn't have an aviation program in a state school, I can go here and they'll make up the tuition difference. The training at MTSU is the least expensive of all the other schools, and the quality is good. Just remember that wherever you go, your training is what you make it. MTSU won't hold your hand and force-feed the information to you, but if you really want to do well in this industry, study on your own, learn the material, get ahead. It's not that hard to skate by here only knowing the basics, but it's like I said. You'll get out of your training what you put into it, regardless of where you go.

atpwannabe

From what i hear...FlightSafety in Vero Beach is the best and actually has a better placement record than AllsATP. My personal reseach reveals that both are outstanding schools. I kinda like DeltaConnection Flight Academy as well. That's just me. Other than those three, I wouldn't look anywhere else. But again, that's just me...and I'm an ERAU grad.

edik

dittidano,

Hi,

I am currently a sophomore at UND, finishing up my instrument. Looking back, I only have one regret; I wish I did more research oh different flight schools. I live in California, and being in ND is killing me. I am the only one out of my friends that is this far away. The only time I am happy here is when I am flying or doing something regarding aviation. The weather here sucks, the town is like 45k people, and the chicks don’t even come close to California girls, the parties are the same every week. I can pretty much predict my upcoming weekend.
I grew up in a big city, and moving here has been a shock. My advice for you is do a lot of research, and be 100% sure of your choice. If UND was in Minneapolis, or some large city this school would kick ass. Aviation program here is excellent, like I said being in the small town sux.



Edik

Chris

Edik, keep your head up bro.

I know about the flight training in the small towns. I was a web design major (and am a big city guy too) a couple of years ago.. I liked the college I went to then (lots of eye candy), but didn't like my major. I started my flight training in 2004 in a small town on the outskirts of Houston. Many of my fellow peers are so goofy and one-dimensional, it makes me wonder how they'll become pilots.

This semester I'm taking 18 hours and studying like never before so I can get my degree and get the hell out as soon as possible. My flight training is going to be relocated to a local FBO. The DCA organization here at my school is in its infant stages and is unreliable and shady at best. On the upside, we're getting some brand new planes soon supposedly, but I'll believe it when I see it.

The ground school, as I'm sure it is in ND, is great and the instructors here are, for the most part, great.

--

I want to second that person who reminded everyone of the importance of a four year degree. Aviation, business, pharmacology, basket weaving, whatever. My personal opinion is to diversify just a little bit. Anything can happen.

One of my ground instructors used to be a ground instructor at Flight Safety. It is a superb school from what I hear, but training is training and only you can decide how seriously you take it. The more dedicated you are, the less your training is going to cost you. Being "prepared" saves you more cash than you can imagine. That is something I want to emphasize.

Good luck to everyone.

Pilotpip

Edik, I agree with Chris on keeping your head up.

One thing I would suggest though, if you're not happy explore other options. Go somewhere that you can be happy during those other times that you're not flying. You only live once and you have lots of years ahead of you working your way up the ranks. Control as many variables in your life as you can because happiness may have to go on hold while you're at the bottom trying to get your foot in the door.

edik

Pilotpip and Chris,

I see what you guys are saying. It is so weird being in this situation, because looking back i know i will be saying "what if" and if i leave UND i will be saying "what if i stayed" Nothing good comes easy, so i guess i got to pick what is best for me vs what i WANT to do (which is be in a more live enviroment)

I just need to stick it out for couple more years, and hopefully all of will be worth it someday. It just makes me appriatiate home much more.
Thanks to both of you.

Edik

JMT21

As a junior at UND from Washignton my situation isnt a lot different from yours. Yeah the weather can suck but it can do that anywhere-you should know what to expect before coming here. We've had some pretty nice days lately and are on track for the warmest January on record so you can hardly complain. Grand Forks isnt a 'big city', but at around 45k I wouldnt consider it small. There is always stuff going on during the weekend, they are what you make them. I've been to California several times and I'm gonna have to take suit with your comment 'the chicks don’t even come close to California girls,' there are all kinds of hotties around here you obviously are not looking in the right place. Just stick it out man, do your 4 years and leave like everyone else. UND is great-tuition is cheap, the aviation programs are second to none, the cost of living is low, and your at an actual college getting an actual degree.

Boeing 777-300

Have you considered Embry-Riddle. I'm also looking at flight schools. i think Embry Riddle is pretty expensive though. there was a fact on their website that one in four major airline pilots graduated from Embry-Riddle. Seems hard to believe.

Pilotpip

Boeing777,

I'm not going to say what's right or wrong (because it's different for every individual), but take everything the recruitment videos and websites say with a grain of salt (I'd love to see the data that backs up that ER claim). If I were in your shoes all over again I would visit as many schools as you can afford to. Most will provide free tours and have you talk to an admissions counselor but they'll only tell you what they want you to hear. Talk to as many current students as you can, take in the atmosphere of the school.

Don't belive the hype from any of them. Your certificate won't say where you trained. And the school on the resume only helps as long as you've got the charactor and the skills that the company wants.There are a ton of great colleges and flight schools out there that will get you to the same point. You'll find the right one but make sure you look around and ask lots of questions.

Boeing 777-300

i am definetly going to see several schools. i will really be able to filter the info when i start sending in for info. i am deifinetly not picking a school on its repuation. im looking for one that will provide me with the training type im looking for.