Sky Angel

Just curious as to getting some advice on some of the pilot schools I have checked into. I am very interested in Kansas State as they focus on female pilots but have also looked into ATP and Oklahoma State. Any advice out there as to who offers the best program with zero flight time? I would be starting from my private pilot certificate all the way through to my CFI. Any advice is appreciated.

EmbraerFlyer

Check you the University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota--John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

RomeoSierra

Central Washington University is a good school also.

As for the female pilot thing it is a thing of the past. More and more women pilots are getting into aviation and the only problem you might encounter would be an old private pilot in a bonanza that thinks he knows every thing about aviation.

Central Washington University - Department of Aviation

Sky Angel

Are all the aviation programs at the universities associate degrees? I plan on starting in January. Already did my discovery ride so I know without a doubt its what i want to do. There are just so many schools out there to choose from. I want to make sure i spend my money wisely for the best training. I'll check out Central Washington. Thanks for the advice.

wrxpilot

We all have to worry about those guys! Absolutely HATED dealing with owner pilots when I was a CFI. Give me a new student pilot any day, much less stressful.

FlyJSH

With legs like that, I would love to focus on female pilots.

Just curious, why not find a quality part 61 school outside the university? They are often cheaper, more flexible, and be more willing to "stretch your wings" in varied settings (more actual instrument time, interesting cross countries, etc.)

Sky Angel

Anyone in particular?

HSLD

I guess I've been out of the primary training environment for a while, but what exactly is the difference between a coed flight school and one that focuses on women (with respect to pilot training)?

Sky Angel

I actually inquired about Kansas state through Plane and Pilot Mag. They listed several schools. Kansas State actively recruits women. Programs include glider training. www.sal.ksu.edu/aviation

I really have no preference. I just want to be the best I can be. Just want to find the right school.

HSLD

So it's just marketing, with no difference in training?

I know many people will chime in, but the ignore the marketing hype. All aviation training programs are doing everything they can recruit students. Look for a solid education over career promises - this might be an education outside of aviation.

Also consider:

• That you probably won't find many (any?) working pilots that would suggest to their own kids that they should pursue aircraft piloting as a career.
• There isn't a pilot shortage (by a long shot).
• There is no shortcut for experience.

I realize that I'm far less enthusiastic than the glossy brochures put out by many flight schools. I don't want to scare you away, but you should have the benefit of knowing what the industry is really like.

When choosing a school, ask yourself just what it is that you want out of the training and why? That should narrow it down a bit and hopefully steer you towards a well rounded college degree plan.

If you're looking for a fast track to the high dollar major airline gig by virtue of being female, you're about 15 years too late. In the late 80's there was an EEOC lawsuit filed against UAL that all major airlines subsequently complied with to some degree. It was a narrow window of preferential hiring that lasted a few years in order to comply with the consent decree but those days are long gone.

If flying is your dream and passion, I say go for it, but be an educated consumer.