Flight Club or College, What's the best opt.
 

Hey everyone,
I have very limited resources, but I want to be an airline pilot. I am starting from scratch, as in 0 hours, 0 training... just some guy with a goal. However I have been looking around at the flight training options that I have here in Honolulu.... So far all three have their advantages and their parts that still got me scratching my head.

The main question I have is this... what will be the best instruction option for me in the long run if I want to work for a major airline one day.... An actual College program or a local flight club?

I already have my BA, so through the college program I'd only be doing the flight classes to get my certificates and ratings. THe program boasts, all the latest equipment (new aircraft, navigational equip etc), it's own airfield (better use of flying time), and they work in association Galvin Flight School....I know that through the University program I will have a quote "richer experience" and will receive the most up-to-date training possible....
However I could go through the local flying clubs for quite a bit less, and they would be flexible... Both offer Part 61 and Part 141 training, and above all, rental fees are about a third less than the college program I want, and the two flying clubs also offer what seems to me, the same classes I will need for my ratings.....


What is the best option? Would going through flight training through the college give me a competetive edge? How much better would it be than just going through a local flying club? Does it even really matter, since I will bascially be learning the same thing when I am starting out? Beside, aren't the amount of hours I have and the fact that I am certified to be a commercial pilot the most important thing in the long run? I am open to any opinions or advice available...

Welcome, a college degree will Never hurt your career progression in aviation, but you can major in anything and doesnt even have to be a flight college. Flight clubs are a good way to build time for less money, and some reputable ones even have instructors that can give you instruction that is just as good as any flight program...

Well how fast do you want to get done? thats the real question. A college program is set up in semesters and is usually desinged to take 2 years min. but at a flight club they can go as fast as your money can take you. or as fast as you can learn the information. and really you will find some hurtles with a college, some questions to ask, Can you take your freinds up in the aircraft after you have your licence? most colleges say no. Then what oportunities are there for you when your done?

The best option if you want to be a professional pilot is a four-year degree followed by military flight training. There are many, many reasons for this:

- Training (and possibly college) are paid for.
- You will be getting military pay and benefits during your first ten years in aviation. Civilians live on poverty wages during that period, all while trying to pay off their flight training loans.
- You will be much more competitive than a civilian pilot for a major airline job when you leave the military (you will owe them about ten years, but you could also stay for 20 to get the retirement).

With that said, there are MANY things to consider before going the military route, it is certainly not for everyone, and you have to be motivated to actually do the military job. If you are motivated, athletic, and adventuresome it might be for you. See the military forum here on APC for more info.

If you go civilian, I would suggest something like this:

- Get a four degree in a NON-AVIATION subject (aerospace engineering would be OK). There many reasons for this.
- Do flight training at a club, FBO, or small school at a nearby airport while you attend college.
- Pay-as-you-go, avoid loans. If necessary wait till after college, get a real job, and fly on the side. You could get it all done in two years or less if you focus, and stay debt free if your post-college job pays enough.

I would avoid most aviation colleges, they are usually over-priced.

Also be aware that due to some pending regulatory changes it is very likely that all prospective airline pilots will essentially be required to work as flight instructors before being eligible for airline employment. Few people ever go straight from training to an airline, and it looks like those days are over for good.

If you want to advance in this industry, go to college. No question.

Thanks
 

I already did go to college... I got my BA and everything... in graphic design...
Is that gonna make a difference?

That's fine as long as it's an accredited 4-year degree. And you can probably work in that field after you get furloughed.

thanks Rick... Good advice