Cubdriver

We talked about this late last year- AE Degrees.

I would see where you can get accepted first, starting from the list provided in that thread, and then figure out the flying part as a second priority. It is a safe bet that any good engineering school is going to also have a flying club, however flight training for credit may be harder to find. I never got any credit for my flight training; it was just something I did to have fun, flesh out my aerospace studies, and use as a second career which as it turns out was prescient considering the economy. ERAU has it, but beyond that I cannot say who has both an AE and a flight training curriculum. Time to do some homework. Let us know what you find out.

Tegguy

Thanks for the link I read all the advice in there.

I have already been accepted to ERAU because thats where I thought I was going to go it's just that after reading things online I started to ask questions and wonder. I have not applied to Purdue yet and I am waiting on information to come so I can read over it. I am not going to apply to Cal Tech because I really don't think I want to go there.

BHawk60M

I was in your shoes back in 04. I came off active duty and went to ERAU (DAB) I used as much of the GI BILL as possible. I also inherited alot of debt which im slowly paying back. I just read ERAU has began the yellow ribbon program, if you havent already I would suggest going on the VA's website and converting your GI BILL Ch 30 benefits to Ch 33. Your education will be completely paid by the VA and the yellow ribbon program. You will also receive E-5 BAH per month for the remaining months of entitlements you have. GREAT DEAL!!!! I have the Aero Sci degree and came back on active duty to fly because I couldnt find a job in the civilian world. I think the Engineering degree would open more doors and fly on the side. **AND** do flight as your minor for your degree so the VA picks up the bill. It is a WIN WIN for you. I wish I could go back and do it all over again. Debtfree. Good Luck. Thanks for serving. You'll love riddle, great school.

Tegguy

Do you regret going to ERAU? Would you recommend it to other people? The new post 9/11 Gi Bill has great benifits I am so glad they came out with it.

Thank you also for serving.

Dustoff44

The guys that do the airline interviews know ERAU. It is highly regarded in the aviation industry. But most places just want a degree.

evilboy

Since you seem very inclined to attend ERAU, here is my sugestion to you. Aero Science degree is not the greatest thing to have, but obviously in order for your GI bill to pay for flight training, you are limited there.
I think the idea of doing your A&P is a good one, but check to see if your training in the military may qualify for some/all credits towards that. Then do the A.S degree with flight, but complement it with minors. Back when I went there they had a program where you could do your Dispatcher license with the A.S. degree. The required classes for the program cover the requirements for the Dispatcher course, with the exception of one or two classes (which you could take as part of your open elective requirements). So technically, does not cost you anything extra and gives you something to fall back on. Also another program they have is the ATC program. I do not know much about it other than you could use open elective requirements to take the classes the A.S program does not offer. Another program is the Aviation Safety and Aircraft accident investigation. This one is a minor degree and extremely helpful if you ever want to work for FAA. Also, another minor is the Aviation Business Administration.
You may not have many choices when it comes to doing the flight program without the A.S. degree, but you can make it look more appealing. I did the A.S. degree with the Safety Minor and the Dispatcher license in 4 1/2 years (plus flight).
Also, look into the Prescott, AZ campus. I went to DAB campus and that town is turning into a dump. Prescott is still a nice town (albeit a bit boring), less airport congestion, more diverse flying conditions (mountains, snow, desert, etc.). I liked the flying there better (I instructed there and flew 206s and 182s on the side). I still go to Prescott, my kids live there.
Anyhow, hope all this helps.

Tegguy

Thank you for the reply. I can get my flight costs paid for with it as a minor. I am working on getting my Airframe license since I will qualify for that as soon as I brush up on some skills. After that I plan to get my P license. Could you explain what a dispatchers license is? I have not heard of it before. I am looking at DAB becuase they offer aviation maintence where as prescott doesn't. I am really leaning towards Aerospace Engineering with a minor in flight or ATC or Aviation safety (I have taken their accident investigation class and enjoyed it). I might have to go visit both colleges and see the area but I think Daytona offers more options for things to do. I have spent the last 5 years in an area with very little to do.

I have really thought about what people said with the AS degree and thats why I am looking at another degree that would still keep me in the aviation industry but give me something to fall back on incase flying doesn't work out.

KSCessnaDriver

Tegguy, you might take a look at the Aeronautics program at ERAU. Its basically a program where you choose what all your going to study. It was originally designed for people who already have work experience, and decided to go get a college degree. They give credit for work experience/ratings already held, I believe. So, if you had your A&P, you could probably get a substantial number of credits from that. Also, as a Aeronautics major, you have to choose 1-3 minor programs to complete, which would allow you to do the flight minor, if you so choose.

Tegguy

A&P would get about 30 credits towards a degree. The problem with Aeronautics is it's specialized as well pretty much like an aeronautical science degree but these people already have some aviation expierience. Creidts aren't really my worry I want a good foundation that will cover me if one thing falls through.

MTCowboy

I did a B.S. in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Meteorology and a minor in Flight Safety and wish I had an A&P. The Aerospace Eng. is a really good degree. I know that NASA hires right out of E-RAU. I have three of my friends that were 'interns' at NASA in there last year and they were offered some pretty decent packages before they graduated. I think you should ask yourself what you want to do IF you loose your medical or IF/WHEN you get furloughed with an airline. You still have to make the car payment etc. Good luck. Sounds like your on the right track.