coasttocoast44

I'm going to be graduating high school this year and I am trying to decide on which college to go to. By the time I start I should have my private pilot's license and I am looking to study aeronautics with either a minor or double major in something else like management. After visiting a few colleges, I am trying to decide between Arizona State and Kent State. I like them both, but i'm interested in hearing from alumni or students who are currently in the program on their experiences. I'm having trouble finding updated information on student's experiences at ASU now that ATP is their flight provider. If anybody has either been through the aviation programs at these schools, or are currently in them and could fill me in on their experience it would be greatly appreciated.

crewdawg

Arizona State and never look back!





In all seriousness, I'm a Kent State grad (over 10 years ago) and I have nothing but great things to say about the program. It was a great program with great people. It was relatively small, but it was like a big family. They have lots of high level connections in corporate flight departments all over the state of Ohio, as well as with a few airlines. I'm not sure where you're from but the weather can be crappy. Ever heard of lake effect snow? It sucks! This creates a lot of down time, but also creates some great IFR training. The area is pretty nice...for Ohio (my home). Being so close to so many cities, there is a lot to do. It's a safe area and the campus is great!

However...the Air Force sent me to Phoenix for a year for training. Hands down, my favorite place I've ever lived! I hope to move back some day. If you like the outdoors you have so many amazing places that are great for extended weekends...Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, Superstitions, Petrified Forest, Canyon De Chelly, Sedona, Payson, Showlow, etc... Plus you have San Diego and Vegas not to far off as well. Flagstaff/Utah/Colorado for skiing. Do people still go to Rocky Point, Mexico? I don't know much about the program but have ran across a few guys who had good things to say...slightly dated info.

Roll down to Tucson, join the Air National Guard F-16 unit down there. Don't go to AU...Tucson sucks compared to Phoenix. Let them pay for your college and give you lots of money for flight training (via the GI Bill). They're a training base, so they don't deploy...which will be great to keep you on track to graduate on time. Once you're close to graduating, apply to be a pilot there, go fly F-16s, it's some pretty amazing flying that can't be beat. If you want the airlines, you'll be at the majors the same time, if not ahead of your college buddies. Your non-Guard buddies are saddled with crazy debt, struggling to pay their college loans while making 30k/year. Meanwhile, you'll be debt-free, making good money, flying awesome jets, funding TSP, a Roth IRA and accumulating wealth. If you don't want to drive so far for Guard duty, going the KC-135 squadron in Phoenix and do the same thing as above. I don't get very far without our tanker bros.

If you don't know that a Roth IRA/401k or TSP if you join the military. Do yourself a favor and learn all about them and contribute from a young age...again, you'll thank me later. In fact, consider a major or minor in finance. At least take some classes on financial education.

You can thank me later. If you're a chick...just look really hard at the dudes behind the chicks.

Jingles

Tempting... So I am in an almost similar situation. Are you in the ANG now or still in the AF. The main flaw I see is the pilot slot is obviously not guaranteed so wouldn't you be kinda screwed if you don't get it? I guess apply to as many units as possible if that happens? Or perhaps work on more civilian ratings? Also do you have any recommendation on what position to do in the ANG during college?

crewdawg

Yes I was enlisted in the ANG and now fly for them as a part timer. Joining was by far the best decision I have ever made. I was a crew chief which is a great gig, but there are tons of good gigs. If you like computers check out comm. I would say look at Life support as well. Most ANG recruiters have more people trying to sign up than they need so they'll be pretty honest. I told them I wanted a job that would help me become a pilot and they said Crew chief (~1/3rd of our pilots are prior Crew chiefs), life support or ARMS.

I wouldn't worry to much about not getting a pilot spot. You can apply to every guard base in the nation. If it doesn't work out you'll be able to get out quickly after graduating college. You'll only be screwed in that you'll graduate college mostly debt free (HUGE!!!!) and you'll have served your nation. You'll also have the opportunity to fly travel all over...I've been to alot of the US and more countries than I can remmebr thanks the Guard.

coasttocoast44

Thanks for the information. It helps me tremendously to hear that you had a good experience at Kent state. I've been leaning towards Kent state myself because it is a lot cheaper and seems to be a more respected program. The nice weather and amazing places around Arizona does make the decision a lot harder, but won't make a difference in my future career. I'll also have to look into the national guard option.
Thanks for your advice and for your service.

Panzon

The weather in Phoenix is almost always conducive for flight training. But, as someone who lives a little west of Kent State, I can't say the same for eastern Ohio. Be careful choosing a place where the weather might keep you from training or might prolong your training. The perceived cost advantage of Kent State might disappear quickly.

I've worked with two recent grads of the Kent State program. Both seemed like pretty good pilots. Neither was lacking in self confidence (almost to a fault).

coasttocoast44

Thanks for the responce. I definitely am considering the weather when making a decision. I'm currently working on my private pilot's license in Connecticut and I can attest that the weather can hinder progress. The student tour guide at kent state did mention how the weather does lead to canceling some lessons. On the other hand, some people say that flight training in places like Phoenix doesn't prepare pilot's for flying in other areas of the country where it isn't sunny and warm most days of the week. I'm having trouble deciding what is more important. I am open to staying during the summer to continue my flight training.

Panzon

When I've flown with new pilots most have pretty good instrument skills, apparently born from lots of sim time. However, few have any crosswind skills. I think that's because most of the schools are very restrictive in that regard.

Assuming your real introduction to hard IFR comes as an SIC and that you get plenty of sim practice, I don't think Ohio's frequently lousy Wx is a selling point. There's a reason the ab initio schools are concentrated in FL and AZ.

coasttocoast44

Good point. Is the bad weather mostly concentrated around certain times of the year? Once I get my instrument rating will cancelled lessons be as much of a problem? Thanks again for all your help.

crewdawg

There is more to college than class. Don't forget to live life. It may not make sense now, but it will some day.

Not really and yes. Ohio is equal opportunity when it comes to crappy weather. The winters suck, especially in NE Ohio. But the spring and summer can be difficult too. The weather keeps you down a lot. You'll most likely end up having to stay into the summer to finish courses. Having your instrument rating doesn't solve all your problems. X-winds can be exceeded, clouds to low for instruments, icing, etc...