Burrito Bandit

I've used some of my GI Bill benefits for my flight training up until now, and have earned an associates degree in the process. The degree included the commercial single/ multi with instrument and CFI. Being a CFI has treated me well so far, however I am still trying to find out ways to use these educational benefits.

I have a good portion of my benefits remaining, so it has me thinking... Has anyone ever used MGIB benefits for CFII and MEI, maybe a multi time builder or even a type rating? I'm trying to decide on going to another school to finish up the four year degree, find a way to build up more flying time, improve the resume....

I've read alot of the other discussions about the four year degree, and I'd like to... So I figured I change the topic slightly and add my MGIB scenario into it. Any suggestions?

Update:
After some more research it seems that the Post 9/11 GI Bill is alot more lucrative that I first thought. Has anyone had any experience with the Chapter 33 GI Bill?

Hawk 285

I am active duty Navy, and I recently used my MGIB for my 737 type rating at Higher Power Aviation in Fort Worth. They do all of the paperwork for you once you get there. Lots of military guys go through there so they have it down to a science.

As a side note: Call and make sure the school you are interested in will accept the Chapter 33 (Post 9/11). Some schools that accept Chapter 30 are not yet on board with Chapter 33.

nfnsquared

Thanks for that info! I didn't know any 737 type schools had been approved. Under the new bill, did it cover 100%? Did you happen to inquire about GI coverage on other type ratings at Higher Power?

rickair7777

Hold on there! Unless something has changed recently, the post-9/11 bill is VERY limited WRT to flight training. The post-9/11 was setup to focus more on "education" and less on "vocation".

My understanding is that things like truck driving and welding are no longer covered.

Flight training is ONLY covered if it is packaged as part of an actual degree program at an IHL (Institution of Higher Learning). This means that you would have to enroll in a 4-year (or possibly two year) degree program to obtain flight training.

It might be possible to game the system: enroll, get the flight training you need, and then quit but usually the flight training is a structured part of the curriculum vice a la carte.

blastoff

I saw an *unofficial* blurb from the VA that the law is a bit gray on the vocational training so they will continue to cover many things with the 9/11 GIBill that they did with CH 30 until congress tells them not to.

Burrito Bandit

From what I have learned so far, you are correct, Chapter 33 (a.k.a. Post 9/11 GI Bill) doesn't allow one to go directly to a 141 school and obtain training. That's how the Chapter 30 worked. Although Chapter 30 may not distribute enough money to cover 100% the course's fee and tuition. I also have been told many veterans earn type ratings under Chapter 30. Once the veteran uses all of their Chapter 30 benefits, you may also collect 12 months of Chapter 33 benefits. Utilizing the Chapter 33 does require enrollment at an IHL and follow that programs curriculum. 100% tuition paid for, plus allowances for books & supplies AND basic housing allowance for an E-5 in your zipcode.

So if you desire to obtain a 4yr degree, Chapter 30 may leave you with some of the bill, Chapter 33 will not. Each state has a maximum cap on the allowed tuition for a semester, therefore Chapter 33 will pay up to the maximum tuition for your state. In Florida, that's up to $62,000 a semester. Yes, that is sixty-two thousand dollars, not a type-o! Met a veteran the other day that was earning all his rotorcraft ratings in an R-44 ($525/hr) because he has $62K per semester to burn up.

In my situation I am looking to turn the associates I earned under Chapter 30 into a bachelors, so it seems that I should continue to use Chapter 30 until it runs out. Then enroll in Chapter 33 for up to 12 months. But once the veteran switches from Chapter 30 to 33, you can't turn back. So in my situation I am looking to see what program/ college would work best for me, since I have already earned my ratings up to CFI.

Hawk 285

As of Januaray 2010, the MGIB paid for 60% of my Type Rating at Higher Power. You get the ATP for free if you show up with your written. The folks there made it seem like they were not onboard with CH 33, so I waited to switch over until after I got reimbursed from the VA.

GunnerV

I used my Ch 30 GI Bill for my CFI,CFII and MEI. Paid 60%.

rickair7777

The old (CH 30) MGIB can still be used for types, just find a school which offers the type under part 141 and does VA benies.

usmc-sgt

I went to a mom and pop FBO (Orion Aviation) in Carlsbad CA and it covered my instrument, both commercials, cfi, cfii, mei. I was not enrolled in anything at the time.