MercuryBirdman

Hello,

I'm a retired veteran and am currently enrolled at a University with an Aviation program. I already have a Bachelors degree and I'm enrolled in a second Bachelors so the GI Bill will pay for everything. Great right? Well, the only concern I have is that since I'm enrolled in all these non flight related classes I have much less time to devote to flight training. So I'm in somewhat of a dilemma. Do I stick with the University and take two plus years to get my PPL, Commercial, Instrument and Multi all paid for by the GI Bill and then pay for CFI, CFII and MEI?

Or, do I bite the bullet and pay for almost all of my ratings myself and get them sooner and start flying for hire sooner? Also, this way I can devote all my time toward flight stuff and not writing History papers or taking a Communications class or other such nonsense.

Anybody that's been through this, or have any insight please share. Lastly, the University that I attend has a lot of days where flying is not possible due to weather. It is common for me to not fly for over a week due to weather this Spring. Any advice would be appreciated.

kingsnake2

Well I know you will need a 4 year degree to fly for the majors and not having a lot of student debt hanging over you in the early years when salaries are low certainly seems like a bit benefit to me.

JamesNoBrakes

The people that I know that got their certificates and ratings at the same time as me have taken 10-15yrs to get to "the majors" or equivalent positions from when they started flying "for hire". That is just reality because there are not that many jobs out there and more regional jobs comparatively. A few years makes no difference and much of getting hired is simply luck. All of your academic mentors will try to spin that you are getting into everything at "the right time!", but they've been telling people this for at least 20yrs, if not more. We've all heard it. What would make a difference is to not be burdened by debt, there are many things you won't be able to do and experience due to this, and what fun is it to finally have some money when your body is starting to give out? Now, if you've got 50k burning a hole in your pocket, then by all means use this, and then use your GI bill for something useful, like an engineering degree or similar.

MercuryBirdman

I already have a Bachelors degree. Getting a second one so the GI Bill will pay for it. Good point on student debt. Thanks.

MercuryBirdman

I just don't like that fact that a majority of my time is spent on something that I already have and can't concentrate on the flight stuff. I only have around 22 hours flying since Jan. 14th. Frustrated!

Vito

Mercury Birdman,
Remember, by attaining your bachelors in Aviation Studies (I realize you already have a bachelors degree ) You can be waivered by 500 hours from the ATP requirement That will be passed soon (1500 Hrs for an ATP rating in order to get a job at a regional, so as a graduate of an accredited Part 141 aviation program you will be waived to 1000 hrs to attain your ATP) I know the GI Bill covers this type of flight training, since my son is using it right now at Kent Stae University. I'm not sure if GI Bill monies count towards regular flight lessons at an FBO instead of a University setting?
Good Luck

MercuryBirdman

Vito, As I understand it, that is only a proposed change. It'll probably take years for that to take effect. I also have over 4900 hours as a Flight Engineer on a military variant of the Boeing 707 and should get 500 hours there. The question is will they both be taken? I highly doubt it. I'll be surprised if they take any hours off the requirement. Hopefully you're correct. Thanks!

Death2Daleks

I'm currently enrolled in a community college. It's a two-year program vice a four-year program. You still get all the same ratings, but with a whole lot less bloat. I already have a bachelor's degree, as well, so this is perfect for me. Being a community college, the classes are relatively easy, so I have plenty of time to fly.

You should consider a CC vice a 4-year program.

Death2Daleks

I doubt you will get any time in your logbook for those FE hours. The airlines are looking for PIC time. Is there a rule that you know of somewhere?

HIFLYR

If you can let the GI bill pay for your flight training then that's what I would do. You never know how your career is going to turn out in this business and debt free is good when you start out in the regional airlines.