smiths15

Ok, I am an Embry-Riddle student and I regret my decision on coming here everyday. Riddle isn't worth the money you pay to come here...and the sales phrase they use "Airlines prefer aviation degrees" really isn't true. Go to a state school so you will not graduate $150K+ in debt (because your first job, if you go into the airlines you will not make much for that $20K a year IF THAT), then get your ratings at a "mom and pop" FBO. You will graduate much happier, your bank account will be much larger, and you will still have the degree and pilots license. I am transferring out of this place after this semester. If you have any questions on the school PM me I would be glad to answer any questions about the school! Which campus are you considering?

crewdawg

I'm one and took no offense to his comments.

Where did the kid say he didn't love his country? If the kid thinks it's not for him, then it probably isn't. That is what is great about this country, he has the decision to serve or not.

That four years could seriously cut into his civilian career, as he will have little time to fly, not to mention the cost. I did 6 years enlisted (Guard) but was able to keep flying and going to college full time. Personally if I couldn't fly for the Air Force, I wouldn't want to spend four years in a job I didn't want to do.

That's all good and dandy, but if your joining the military just to get time to go to the airlines, you are going to hate life. Not sure if your keeping up with the times but there are dudes dropping UAV's right out of pilot training. They say they will get a follow on tour in a manned aircraft, but I wouldn't hold my breath. If you do get an aircraft, your next tour may be a non-flying tour such as ALO or some desk job.

Very true, the pay is pretty good! More to follow on student loans.

I would suggest just the opposite. NJ has two flying guard units, one flying F-16's the other KC-135s (may have been BRAC'd). Enlist and serve part time while going to college. Let them pay for your schooling, most states offer 100% tuition. Then when you graduate, if you want apply for a pilot slot or just get out after your time is up. The great thing about the Guard is you know what your going to fly, as long as you make it through training.

I enlisted and served part time while going to college full time. Got 100% tuition, 650/month in GI Bill, 8k sign-on bonus (up to 15k now) and 20k in student loan repayment. That is the long way of saying I got my B.S. from a state school and up through my CFII and only had to take out one 5k loan. I paid that loan within 2 years of graduating. Through all this I went on many trips, and still managed to graduate in 3.5 years. I even got my unit to send me to pilot training. Best decision I have ever made.

There is alot to be said for being debt free, especially in today's economy, and the wages at the regional level.

To the OP, if your not considering the military because of the chance of not flying, look into the AIR National Guard. If not that's cool, it's not for everyone.

Goodluck with whatever you choose.

navigatro

PS-I don't want to do the military rout because that isn't my thing and i heard your not gurenteed to fly. Also if you go to a normal college but do ROTC heard you have to serve for 10 years and I'm not to sure about that.

So if you could please your best advice on everything-thanks[/quote]

[quote=W0XOFF;499352]Hmmm... . NOT the coolest thing to come onto a board where perhaps 80% + are former military and/or drilling Guard/Reservists and say 'that isn't my thing'.


I disagree, W0XOFF. I think it is great that the OP is being honest about his desire to not go the military route. It is important that those who serve in the armed forces do so for the right reasons. The military is not for everyone. I take no offense to that.

FlyArmy

Since you asked for the best advice possible, I'll give you my best advice. Maybe you could get an English degree so you sound a little more professional. Your grammar/spelling is on par with that of a 4th grader. For your sake I hope you don't write like that on any of your college essays.

wrxpilot

Another engineer turned pro pilot here... I used to work as a mechanical engineer doing stress analysis on turbine blades. I agree 100%, there is no way those guys are making six figs after a couple of years. Not even close.

To the OP, engineering is a GREAT backup to a flying career. You are more or less guaranteed a job if you're willing to move, and the starting pay and benefits are very nice (somewhere around 55-60K/yr these days). Having an engineering degree is beneficial to flying, as you'll have already studied the physics involved, and will be able to quickly grasp other complex concepts (e.g. turbine aircraft systems, high alt meteorology, etc.). You will most likely have great study habits by the time you graduate, so any type of ground schools you do throughout your career will not really be a big deal.

Captain Jeff

Don't go into aviation! Pick something with a more secure future, like acting...

wrxpilot

Do something you enjoy, just make sure you have a backup. Nothing worse that working a job you hate.