17 Yr Old In Need Of Some Help
07-03-2008, 07:55 AM
#21
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,297
Originally Posted by Lindy
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.
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.
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.
07-03-2008, 12:14 PM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 126
Originally Posted by snipeya66
I'm 17 yrs old and about to enter my senior year of high school. I haven't taken any flying lessons yet. Flying caught my eye last year when I was traveling to California for vacation. I would one day love to be a pilot for a major airline. I have been researching various training possibilities for a couple of months now. I would really appreciate some advice from people who have been trained at college or at a flight school. I don't know which one to choose because I live in Indiana where there are no real flight schools close, but I have Purdue two hours away. So I'm asking, what's the better route? Flight school or a 4-yr college. I've heard Purdue has a well-recognized flight program. Any elaborations on this would be great whether they are good or bad.
How hard is it to enter into a college like Purdue for flight training? Does Purdue have a good record of producing top pilots that excel in their careers?
Or should I go to a flight school in Florida or out west and just do online courses? I'm going to get a college degree either way, I just don't know which path would be more logical.
How hard is it to enter into a college like Purdue for flight training? Does Purdue have a good record of producing top pilots that excel in their careers?
Or should I go to a flight school in Florida or out west and just do online courses? I'm going to get a college degree either way, I just don't know which path would be more logical.
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.
Last edited by Charlie Murphy; 07-03-2008 at 03:09 PM. Reason: grammar
07-03-2008, 02:34 PM
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,213
Originally Posted by snipeya66
What about doing a double major? One in Aviation Technology and one in something else.
Or would this still be too time consuming?
Or would this still be too time consuming?
07-03-2008, 06:35 PM
#26
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Posts: 7
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.
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.
07-04-2008, 12:50 PM
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: CFI in training
Posts: 160
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...
07-04-2008, 02:11 PM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Leftof longitudinal
Posts: 1,899
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
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
07-06-2008, 07:24 PM
#29
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Posts: 7
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!
Thanks Again Everyone!
07-06-2008, 08:08 PM
#30
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Leftof longitudinal
Posts: 1,899
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.
