Post 9/11 GI bill for flight training?
 

I know this change just took effect...

Anyone use the post 9/11 GI bill for any flight training, ATP, type rating, etc?

I'm looking at using it for a 737 type. How many months does knock off your total benefit? Transfered benefits to my kids but not very confident the $$$ will be there in 10 years so looking to hedge bets.

Thanks, any gouge pls PM me.

I heard a rumor at work that you (we) get 36 mos of school...no exceptions.

AND....that if u attend a 14 day course, you only lose 14 days of ur 36 mos!

BUT...your 10 yr clock will start..i.e you would need to use the rest w/in that time. Use or lose!!!

...just a rumor!!

I heard rumors there are caps on money out...post here if you find out anything about 737 types - I'm sure that will be a popular topic. ;)

Here is a copy of my e-mail discussion with the VA (personal info redacted).

______

I have a two part question:

1- I want to attend (after 10/1/11) a school to get a type rating in a commercial aircraft. The school is just less than 4 weeks long and cost $8-9000. How will that be charged to my eligibility? The change information doesn't specify.

2- I transfered my elilibilty to my wife and son a few years ago. Can I get some eligibility back for this school? If so, how do I do it?

Thanks,
FlyBoyd


Dear FlyBoyd,

After 10/1/11 the VA will pay up to $10,000 per year for flight school. If the class is 4 weeks long then it will take of 4 weeks of entitlement from you benefits. Yes you can take months back from your dependents. If you are out of the military you will have to mail that information to the VA Regional Office PO Box 8888 Muskogee OK 74402-8888 or fax to 918-781-7863. If you are still in the service go to Defense.gov - Special Report - Post 9/11 GI Bill

Thank you for contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs.

_____

I have a friend starting next week and I am waiting to see how it works out for him.

--PREVIOUS RESPONSE DELETED--

EDIT - A simple search helped answer my question:

If you are enrolled in any type of vocational flight training you can be reimbursed up to the full cost of training or $10,000 per academic year, whichever is less, you WILL NOT receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend.

http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/e..._training.html

Boyd,

Can you PM a POC for that email? I've been working the same issue, though of course I hadn't bothered to actually contact the VA--why go to the source?

But I have contacted HPA, they have of course been very helpful but they also confirmed what I've heard from everyone else--no one really knows yet. Specifically, it's pretty clear that you can get up to $10k/year (and T2s info checks, you cannot use it for books or housing) but HOW you get it, and more importantly, how many months of your 36 months eligibility it takes away--that's hasn't been answered. Unless Boyd got the answer that is.

I don't want to apply common sense to the govt, but if I were to do so--it doesn't make sense that you can do $10k of training and only use 1 month of eligibility. That works out to an equivalent rate of $90k per school year, which is a lot more than in state tuition at any state I've heard of. So, fingers crossed, but not counting chickens (or type ratings)

The way it was explained to me is that you have to pay up front and then send in the bills to the VA to get your money back (I am sure that is a speedy process). It also has to be a 141 school I believe.

I too am wondering how it changes your limits. For instanse if I use $10K for flight training, is there still money left up to the tuition cap for that year or do you loose a year for that $10K? Can I go to a college and go to the FBO for flight training?

If you have the time, it makes more sense to enroll in school and take basket weaving. Your school will be 100% paid for and you get housing and books. Then use the $1500/mo housing allowance to fly. This gives you $18K to spend rather than $10K. It is sad the the full amount to use for flying, is less that the housing allowance for someone going to regular school.





"note to the grammar and spelling police, it is early and I just don't care!"

No real POC. They aren't really e-mails. I misspoke last post. They are responses to my questions within my account at this website https://gibill.custhelp.com/. It is the official VA GI Bill website and the answers are saved under my login. A friend of mine asked similar questions and got the same answer.

Chinabug

You can use your GI Bill for flight training but it needs to be from an accredited part 141 school that offers the training you want. Most ATP schools fall under Part 61 and do not qualify. I don't know if there are any schools that offer a 737 type and fall under 141. Good luck.

Yes there schools that do the ATP under 141. A 141 course can be very short...CFI, ATP, etc.

There are also places you can get types under 141, for a variety of aircraft.

If I had MGIB that was about to expire, I'd get a 73 (SWA), citation (fallback type), and G-V. The G-V might too pricey.