VladimirG94

Hi, my name is Vlad.
I'm a 21 year old college kid living in Boston. I'm currently a sophomore.

I want to be a pilot, and I looked into a bunch of options.

Ideally, in August I'll move to Las Vegas (cheap rent, girlfriend is from there).
I plan to finish college, but I also want to be a pilot.
I am considering ATP's program in Vegas. I don't hold any certificates or pilot licenses at all.
After ATP I'd do my CFI and finish school on the side so I can defer my loans.

The other option would be to attain an Associate's Degree in Aviation technology from College of Southern Nevada, which provides all the FAA and Commercial licenses, also. The CSN option is cheaper, but only by so much. 30 grand in additional costs and examiners fees plus 10 grand in tuition versus ATP's all inclusive 75k?

I was also looking at other flight schools, ones that may combine a bachelor's program.

My GPA isn't that great, but I'm a hard worker. I speak 4 languages (Russian, German, Arabic, English). I've lived in Massachusetts most of my life, and I'd really prefer not to stay on the east coast.

What are things I should consider?
As soon as I get a cosigner I'll be able to finance ATP. But is that the right option? I don't want to be caught in a ****ty situation. I can do Uber on the side and make some side cash that way.

My plan would be to start in September, finish ATP, start work as a CFI, finish college, work on the side with Uber.
Is my plan solid? What am I missing? I want to fly commercially eventually, but I also don't want to be making bad money. I don't mind making under 40k a year until I finish college....
All advice and input appreciated, thanks everyone.

tomgoodman

Vlad,
45 years ago, I was a 21 year old college kid living in Boston, applied for Air Force pilot training, and am now retired from a major airline.
If it were possible, I would do the same thing today.

CODs4ever

The Navy is also hiring. I bet they would love the fact that you speak fluent Russian. No better way to go through life than haze gray and underway.

Javichu

I live in Las Vegas, and with all due respect to the owners/CFI here in Vegas.....schools suck compared to many others. Not cheap at all

Poseidonspulse

Consider mom and pop schools before ATP. I pay $450 loan payments each month and that is interest alone. Others that started from zero time are paying aunt Sallie Mae almost $800 a month. Did you know they pay their CFIs $7-12 per flight hour and do NOT pay them for ground time? The going rate in Southern California for independent CFIs in Southern California is $65 an hour. I can't believe they still convince people to work there. Just something to consider. ATPs whole gimmick is the multi time. Guess what, that ship has sailed. All you need to get to a regional is 1500 hrs and a pulse. You could have 25 hours multi, and get the other 25 in you ATP sim training (provided by most regionals after they hire you). That means go to any other school out there and just get your single ratings through CFI. Then right before you hit 1,500 TT, tack on your commercial multi. It's your life but I would say enjoy college and get your degree first and foremost. While you are doing that, get your private pilot license at a mom and pop school. You will usually get a more involved, experienced, caring instructor that way. At least you will get an idea of whether or not flying airplanes for a living is something you really want to pursue. If you still want to go to ATP then go for it, just remember the quickest way to do something doesn't usually yield the best results. Just keep doing your research and decide for yourself. Full discretion this is coming from someone who has done mom and pop and ATP and highly recommend not giving that company your money. Good luck.

Javichu

https://atpflightschool.com/jobs/two-year-cfi-las.html

raptor22ms

Consider the local FBO route for multiple reasons. First and most important is is cheaper lots cheaper. You can go from zero to CFI for under 30K tack on a CFI and CFII and your golden. Then work as a flight instructor for a local FBO. Be professional when you take lessons and always network you never know who could be your next employer. When you get spare time knock out your multi-engine add on.

The most important thing I would suggest is if you haven't already go take an intro flight. Sit up front see what it's all about. You would be amazed to see the number of people who just don't realize what it's like. All the same I hope the best for you no matter which direction you choose.

By the ways I'm new posting on here but been reading for a while.

Flyhayes

Definitely get your Private Pilot Certificate at a mom and pop FBO first. By doing that, you'll get a better idea of what to look for in your training going forward. And remember, the minimum hour requirements the schools quote are just that MINIMUMS. Always plan to spend more that the quoted package prices.

VladimirG94

Thanks for all the responses.
I did consider the Air Force. I was a cadet in Army ROTC for a while, but it wasn't my thing. I wouldn't want to do full active duty for 8 years, though I wouldn't mind doing a 4 year stint with them.
Also, what's a mom and pop school?
The thing is getting a loan would be difficult with no cosigner, and I thought maybe just to attend college and take a loan for a private license first? Never hurts to have one of those, right?
The thing is I am unsure if I am eligible for Air Force, and if I am, am I guaranteed the pilot training job?

Javichu

No guarantees in life, nor in aviation. But there's one 'guarantee', if you get a loan you'll end up paying 40% more for your training just in interest.
Long term it's looking better than ever, with good salaries and good perks, but you have to understand that for the next 3-4 years, you'll be making peanuts as a pilot, if not a few more years. So you need to do the math, car payment, rent, utilities, loan payment......some savings in the bank for oil changes and tyres haha, stuff like that. Ain't easy nor I'd recommend a loan for college+flight school.

Military all the way. Suck it up, find out if you're eligible, and if you're, it's the best option by far. You'll be a better pilot and with a bunch of discipline and good habits.

In my humble opinion