Longbow64

I'm planning on going to a 141 flight school to get my commercial, and they said I can use my GI bill to help pay for it. I also want to go to college (UVSC), and use the GI bill for that, so if I use the GI bill for my flight training, can I also use it for college? Also, how money do I get back from the VA for flight training?

Thanks,

Tony

rickair7777

First off everything I know applies to the OLD GI bill...I'm assuming that is the one you have. I used it for training, and while I was a CFI, I was the school's VA administrator (trained by the VA).

I have heard (but not verified) that the new GI Bill will pay for higher education only, not VoTech...so no truck driving school, welding, or flight training.

Normally, you can only be enrolled in one training program at a time under VA. I already had a BS, so I used it for some post-grad and certificate programs, and finally for some of my flight training. Every time I switched programs I had to do a brief paperwork drill.

For flight training, the VA will not pay for "recreational" flying. This means you must pay for your PPL out of pocket.

Since the IR could also be purely recreational, you must enroll in a concurrent IR/Commercial program...this will alllow you to get paid for the IR. Any VA school will offer this under 141. Once you have the commercial, all subsequent professional ratings (CFI, MEI, type ratings) can be covered by VA.

A VA-approved 141 school will have a trained administrator to handle the VA paperwork. Keep copies of everything (forever) and double-check it all yourself. It will take weeks to get your first check, after that they should roll in regularly. Note that you will have to pay your training costs up front, and will get re-imbusred by VA after the fact. But don't deposit a large amount of cash with any flight school...pay as you go on a week-to-week basis. Otherwise you risk losing it all in a BK (far too common), or if you drop out or change schools they may not give you quick refund.

The VA will now pay for some expenses which they did not in the past...books(?) and checkrides.

As far as concurrent enrollment in UVSC's flight and degree programs, you will need to talk to the UVSC VA administrator about...maybe it's possible if they have the flight program setup as part of the degree program.

If you need to do a full four-year degree program, and have to choose between using VA for flight or college, you are probably better off using VA for college. The flight training reimbursement will be a MAXIMUM of 60% of what you pay for flight training, grand-total not to exceed what you would have been eligible for during a 36-month college degree program. Odds are high that you can get more money out of VA for college. Also the college payouts are just a monthly lump-sum, which you can use for food, rent, beer, etc...the flight training payments will be based soley on training already accomplished and paid for by you.

Also in many cases VA-approved 141 schools charge higher hourly rates...they know you can afford it. It may well be cheaper to use VA for college and train part 61.

Longbow64

How come they only pay for 36 months of college? I thought a regular college is 4 year program.

rickair7777

It is for four-years... Most programs take the summer off, although if you work straight through, you can finish in three. 4x9 = 36 months of eligibility. For college they pay well over $1000/month.

McBoeingBus

Rickair is right from what I remember, but like he said the new bill that kicks in next August will change a lot. Go to the va.gov web site and request updates for the GIBill. You can also see if you can use the new bill. Also, your school of choice should have someone that can guide you. Unless you are the first, that was me and it ain't good. Good luck.

MBB

Dizzy

If you are wanting to go to a 141 and college I would suggest using the GI Bill for college, assuming you are going full-time (12 credit hours). I just started using mine and I get more right now by going full time to a school that offers an aviation degree and using what is left over to pay for flight time. Every persons situation is different so do a lot of research before you decide. Also, make sure you research the new GI Bill and use that to help you figure out what to do from now until August. I am still waiting for some more details to be released about the new one, but where it stands now I will get a larger check from the VA if I go to the new one in August, but that might change. The GI Bill is set up for students to take the summer off so Rickair nailed that one. I don't agree with it, but that's how it is.

I noticed a couple of weeks ago that the new one does not cover pilot training costs. I am in a state that has one very expensive public school that charges more per year then I would spend for school and flight fees. Sucks that they won't cover my flight training, but the BAH makes up for it a little. Still doesn't seem right though since my pilot training is directly tied to my degree.

XL0901

If you can get the GI bill to pay for tuition don't be discouraged if you have to pay flight costs out of pocket. You would still be ahead of all my friends that went that route and paid for EVERYTHING out of pocket. Student loans will cover the rest and are not really a bad thing. Unless you have unlimited amounts of money no one goes to a 141 school without some hefty loans.

Dizzy

I am thankful for any help I can get paying for school and flight hours. I don't think I would even be in school if it wasn't for the help I am getting from the GI Bill.

I was ranting about what I perceive is how the US, in this instance our government, discounts the value of having a stronger work force by teaching people a trade. I think the GI Bill places to much emphasis on getting a bachelors in anything as opposed to gaining knowledge and being someone who contributes to society.

hotshot

How do you apply for education benefits? I was just on the VA site and I didn't see any links to apply for GI Bill. Do I need to fill out an education benefits application on VonAPP?

Also, is it too late to use benefits for a spring 2009 semester (Jan-May)?

rickair7777

It's not too late for Sping 2009. Contact your school's MGIB ccordinator...if they are approved for VA they have to have one, and you have to go through that person to get your benefits.