Saint Louis University
 

Hey guys,
All of the universities that I applied to had an aviation program due to the fact I thought I wanted to major in aviation. The schools include:

University of Dubuque
Florida Institute of Technology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Kansas State University
University of North Dakota
Saint Louis University
Western Michigan University.

I then decided that majoring in aviation was probably not the smartest idea right now and have decided to major in aerospace engineering and maybe minor in flight. I already have my private pilots license.

I am right now set on Saint Louis University. Even though I am not very religious it does seem to be a good university and I got a scholarship with a good financial aid package. I hear that parks college has a good rep in both flight and engineering so that is a plus but I wanted to know what you guys thought of this.

Good school
 

I think that would be a good move. When I was stationed at Edwards AFB, I noticed that a good number of the test pilots and engineers were Parks graduates.

Saint Louis University
 

I graduated from Parks College of Saint Louis University in 2001. The flight program has changed quite a bit since then, but it's still a great program. The Engineering program @ SLU is one of the best in the Country. I would definitely go with your proposed course. If you can do the Engineering major, I would just get your ratings on the side or do a double major/major minor.

Since it's a Private Jesuit College you will have to take some religious courses, but it's usually just Theology with options for more in depth courses. If they're offering you a good scholarship/financial aid package, I'd take it and run. It's a great school with an excellent reputation, and there is a ton of stuff to do in St. Louis. Although that is sometimes more trouble then anything. I missed & slept through a lot of classes due to Penny pitcher night at Humphreys. ;) :D

I agree with all of the above. I remember a lot of rough Thursday mornings...

If you can afford it and you get some good financial aid, I don't think you will regret going to SLU. You will hear a lot of people tell you to not spend the money on a flight science minor or major, but if you're already paying to go full time, it wont cost you much more, if anything, to major or minor in flight science. I went there and instructed there and I think you fill find the instructing corp very qualified to teach you.

However, before you sign your money away, you need to have a sit down (face to face) with the flight training director and see what the chances are that you will have a flight instructor. I know they have been going through a patch of cost cutting with some students on standby waiting for a slot. Just see what he says because that will be important informaiton.

EDIT: sorry, i forgot that they instituted flight fees

The flight department changed their fleet of Tampicos with the rather small Diamond DA-20 which is a bummer in my opinion but good for the wallet. I spoke with some of the staff and the department seems to be doing well. I will be majoring in Aerospace Engineering and Minoring in Flight. I just want to know how much people minoring in the flight get as far as flight hours compared to people majoring in it. I want to graduate with at least a CFII and work there as an instructor. The AE degree is just in case I loose my medical etc.

I will hopefully have my multi rating before I go to college. I don't want to get the instrument here because the education is just not the same quality.

Don't be bummed about the Tampico's being gone. They were SLUGS! Plus they had the stall characterstics of a rock! ;) Many a power on stalls the ball was dead centered and the airplane still broke into a violent roll. They also aren't spin certified, & they did not come out of one as easy as a C152/C172. I think you'll enjoy the DA-20.

In regards to the hours you'll receive, if you do there 141 program you'll get the same amount as a pilot majoring in Aviation Science. There will most likely be some shortcuts since you have your PPL, but I believe you will still have to take a 141 checkride. The same would go for any other ratings you bring in. Also, Parks does a multi-engine Commercial followed by a single engine add-on. You may want to direct your questions to the Director of Flight Training.

Good Luck. :)

Thanks for the tip.

I hope my info isn't inaccurate.:o

In addition to graduating from the program I was a full time CFI/CFII/MEI at Parks for a year. But I've been out of touch with them since I left in 2004, so I may be incorrect on some stuff. ;)

You pretty much hit the nail on the head Johnso.

As for the TB-9s departure, good stuff. Those things were tired in 2000 when I started there. The Eclipses will really help in terms of dispatch reliability and costs since they burn a lot less gas. I have some experience in them and I think they're great aircraft. I'm glad they went with them.

As for the religion thing, only about half of the campus is catholic. Jesuits are more about being out there and doing, rather than talking a big game and posturing. Lots of opportunity to get out and do stuff in the community if that's your thing. If it's not, no biggie.

One of the things I'm happiest about during my time at SLU (aside from slow Thursday mornings: You'll find that out later) was the ability to hang out with people that had NOTHING to do with airplanes. There are a ton of good people still there from my days there and I keep in touch with many of them both in and out of aviation. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me, or 250. We both spent way more time there than we should have.

I graduated in 2005, instructed there for a while and still stop by from time to time to say hi. Parks is hosting NIFA nationals this year in mid May. If you're interested in helping, they could use the volunteers. PM me for info.

I heard about the NIFA thing. Its a shame because since I am from Puerto Rico, I can't really go out there in mid may since I have school. If only they would have hosted next year. Eitherway, I am interested in joining the flight team. The flying Billikens is what they are called I think. Does anyone know if its hard to get in or anything?