Good point. Get a first class before you spend a dime on flight training.

Download the medical application form and read it. If you have any current medical problems, reserach that BEFORE you go to an AME. Past medical problems are usually not an issue if fully recovered (past psychological issues will require an evaluation of your current status and a letter from the provider).

If your health is good, then you can just go.... don't bother reading Part 63.

Also might be a good idea to get a vision checkup first so your prescription is up-to-date and to check your color vision.

 

snipeya66

I was in your shoes about 15 years ago. Indiana resident and didn't know anything about flying. I was fortunate enough to get into Purdue and have had a great experience with my career so far, but I'm the exception right now, not the rule. You'll hear a lot on these forums about getting into something else, and I can't say I totally disagree as I see many of my friends who are getting ready to be furloughed with multiple mouths to feed. But if it's what you really want to do, go for it. The industry is rough right now, as it was when I started school, but it can and hopefully will turn for the positive. I remember my first day of class a Prof. saying, "Good luck here and you'll be lucky to get a job when you graduate." There was 1 opening for a flight instructor position at Purdue and they had 50 applicants. When I graduated 4 years later, there were 3 openings and 3 applicants. I had 2 job offers without even interviewing.

Being an Indiana resident, the in-state tuition is huge to have. I'd also recommend getting a back-up degree, but I recall the syllabus being very structured and not having a lot of wiggle room. It may add another year of school but I would recommend it. As someone earlier mentioned, the best thing about Purdue, or any large university, is the experience of college diversity (athletics, girls, arts, girls, parties with co-eds. Did I mention the girls?).

PM me if you have any further questions. I tried to PM you this, but I don't think you're eligible since you lack the required number of posts.

Good luck.

 

CM, who do you fly for now? Thanks for sharing your story

 

No.....it can be done, maybe spend another year in college....but it is possible.

 

I currently fly for UPS.

 

Well, as of right now I am in touch with Purdue's admissions counselors and they said I could double major, but with the strict class structure of the Professional Flight program, it could take 6-7 yrs to complete both w/o any previous flying experience.
My other option is to stay home and train at Ft Wayne International Airport while at the same time go to a local college(IPFW). I have signed up for ground school and private flight lessons at the airport, so hopefully if I decide to go to Purdue I will be able to test out of several classes in both aviation and another major so it might only take me 4 yrs(HOPEFULLY).

Any other input would be great! Everyone here has already opened me up to more options I didn't think of.

 

Ft. Wayne Flight Academy's ground school course is an excellent prep for your first sem. at Purdue if you dont end up getting your Private before school starts... I took her ground course and when i got to Purdue, the ground school was a piece of cake, and that helped me tremendously with flying, since i didnt have to wait until the ground school covered something to understand it, my instructor and i could skip forward as much as possible since i had had previous expierience with the topics, i would reccomend having SOME expierience even if you never set foot in an airplane before going to school...

 

Snipeya66,
Purdue is an excellent school and choice as an Indiana resident. However, think about foregoing the Professional Flight Technology program. Instead, get an Engineering Degree (Nuclear,Electrical, etc) Whatever has your sincere interest to complete. You will have an excellent background for flying (engineering)and ability to earn money when/if airline business hits a dry patch in your future.
Start flying lessons now if able. If not, believe you would find many fellow Purdue students who possess the CFI and would be happy to fly with you and you will get all your certificates and ratings just like the Flight technolgy grads.
This minimizes your time out of the business of flying airplanes for a living just earning degrees (if doing so, you would be better off spending the extra years of study pursuing a masters degree) Airlines don't care if you have double majors, don't really care if you have an aviation degree. The old joke that a degree in underwater basket weaving is good enough is true.
Myself, I went to Parks College of St.Louis University and avoided the flight program and flew with of few of the gazillion CFI's they produced <g> and saved gobs of money and time. Got the engineering degree and all the certificates and ratings the Aviation major folks had and off to the races.
Whatever you choose, remember to encourage other young men and women who have the same disease you do. This forum is the internet extension of the generosity of many truly old folks who encouraged me in the "old" days of pre internet <g>
Also, remember this President Calvin Coolidge quote when it gets truly discouraging (and it may), but it helped me

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Best in your adventure

 

Ok. Say I get my PPL in the next 3-6 months. Should I then enroll for Commercial flight courses at a local airport or should I do them at college? How long does in usually take to earn your Commercial ratings?
Thanks Again Everyone!

 

I'd recommend just do it concurrently with your college courses. Some semesters are a bit more relaxed so you can fit in your commercial/instrument work. The CFI's at Purdue that are hanging around will I'm sure help you out. Remember, you have 4 years to get all the stuff done. It can all be done at the airport Part 61 style.