I second what Bug Smasher says.....

and I went to Riddle...

 

I agree as well. If I could have done my training all over again, thats exactly how I would have done it. I went to a well known flight school in Florida and lived their for about 2 years living off student loans. Now im struggling like crazy to make the payments.

 

Maybe look at the Air Force Academy, free flying-free food. Just put in the effort. My 16 year old just soloed and the cost is astronomical. He is applying at a bunch of schools, but I think one of the service academies is the best bet. 4 years of school and maybe 10 years after that. That would make him about 30ish and ready for the world.
Good luck, Jim

 

I'm all for service academies, but you have to consider what your real aspirations are...

If you want to be a pilot above all else, the academies (or ROTC scholarships) are problematic in that you might not get a flight slot, or might not complete flight training. As a scholarship recepient you owe 5 years of service in some non-flying capacity. Not the end of the world, but it will delay your career progression.

If you are dead-set on flying, it might be better to seek a guaranteed flying slot after college, either active duty, ANG, or AF Reserve. This way if you are medically or otherwise disqualified you are not locked into a service commitment.

With that said, service academies and military service are good life experience and can open it a lot of doors. It might be worth doing five years on the ground just for the experience...but make an informed decision and be prepared to live with the outcome.

As long as you have an interest in the military in general, you should be OK. Just don't end up bitter and disappointed because you failed the eye exam in the second semester of your senior year (I did fail that eye exam, but I made the most out of my military time anyway).

 

I went to UND (www.aero.und.edu), I thought they did a good job and are respected, if you have the money there or Purdue will be good. I have my dream job and couldn't be happier. Not that getting here was a smooth road though. While flying the plane is a cool job itself all of the "baggage" that comes with the job is worth a serious look. The military route is a good way for some sort of retirement, which you will not get from any airline anymore. They are all worth a look.

 

Not advocating one school or another, but if you're an Indiana resident I believe Purdue doesn't charge tuition. The doesn't include things like housing or for that matter, any extra fees but could be a good start if you are looking to save some money. Whatever you do, don't choose a school because of a flight reputation. Choose a school based on the whole experience. College should be the best years of your life. The experiences and friendships will be some of the most influential items in the remainder of your life second only perhaps to your parents.

I also think a degree in something else is a GREAT idea. I double majored, spent an extra year in college but the best part is that I have a plan B. The industry isn't in great shape right now and that second BS in business management is helping me sleep a little better at night.

 

Whoever said about kissing their momma about not letting them go to riddle is right on. I thank my parents everytime I see them for not letting me go. Gives me chills to think about the debt and the degree I was going to go for, and I havent even graduated yet and can already see the benfits of not going.

 

what?? do you really think that you could go to a university w/o paying tuition? Indiana residents get to pay the instate rate, versus the out of state rate which happens to be at least 2-3 times as much...

flight fees there are about 5 grand a semester for the first 5 sem. if you dont have your private coming in, or for the first 4 if you do. After that, your jr and sr years it is about 2 grand extra per sem for sim. fees. Other than that, you just pay tuition and whatever you decide to do for living arrangements...

 

It's been nearly 10 years since I was looking at schools and I could be mistaken, however I was under the impression that there was no tuition for state residents at that time.

Looking at their website today it's about 1/3 the out of state tuition.

 

Also, go to an AME to see if you can obtain an FAA First Class prior to going to college. OR if you don't want to go to an AME take the time to do a little research to see if you have anything that may disqualify you from obtaining the medical, i.e., diabetes. You can contact AOPA to see if they can help you with this.

I would also suggest a state school versus expensive out-of-state colleges/universities.

Good Luck.

This career can be difficult with furloughs, paycuts, scheduling, etc. but it can also be rewarding.