This is coming from first-hand experience on using the GI Bill for flight training, and second hand knowledge on a friend going to ATP flight school in Richmond...

Apply for GI Bill benefits online throught the VA eBenefits website. A google search will get you there. Once you get your eligibility letter in the mail, you present it to the flight school. It pays for 100% of the costs per academic year up to $10,900, not including private pilot. I used mine to get my ME and MEI ratings.

For a mil guy going to ATP Flight School, your mileage may vary depending on the instructor, but my friend said he found the experience very enjoyable, very informative, and the checkride incredibly easy. He's an F/A-18 driver with around 3500 hrs.

Toonces, I have my eligibility letter but thought there was a limit to the number of ratings you could get per year. Based on your post, I am now assuming you can get multiple ratings, ATP - CFI - CFII - MEI - 737 Type rating from multiple schools as long as you don't exceed 10.9K. True?

If you start getting into different schools, you may lose me - I don't know how the VA views that. Multiple ratings however? No problem there. I did a flexible ME and MEI course at a Part 141 school, and the total ended up being less than the maximum reimburseable amount. Theoretically I could continue training there and pursue training towards my ATP (not a bad idea...).

The big thing is to use all that money before August 1st, since that is the beginning of a new academic year. Also, don't forget about doing your military competency instructor exam (if you were an instructor). It basically made the MEI course a rating add-on for me, instead of going through the rigamarole of the initial CFI checkride.

Toonces, Thanks. Great info. 2 more questions: I was assigned as a flight instructor a while back...like over 10 years ago before the military competency instructor program existed. I have all my old original, signed, designation letters. Am I still eligible or do you have to be actively engaged in military flight instruction? Second question: I was told the VA will only pay 60% if I were to use my Post 9/11 GI Bill which I am considering doing with K&S Aviation to get an ATP and a 737 type rating here in Seattle. What do you think?

About to start an ATP at Hortman Aviation at NorthEast Philadelphia airport.

VA approved, using the Montgomery for this one. Have 6 months of funds left for use, anyone know the max amount? I guess I should start the ATP at the end of the month and finish it in the next one so I don't go over on funds if that is the case. I think it's about 1600 a month they pay. Anyone?

SEAviatior, no problem with the mil comp instructor test. I just took mine and I was an instructor 2 years ago. Just bring all applicable paperwork so the FAA examiner can use it for their paperwork once u pass the test. Btw, you can take the test for free at a handful of places around the country. Are you in Seattle? Here is the closest. USCG Sector North Bend, 2000 Connecticut Ave, North Bend, OR. POC: 541-756-9259.

As for the second question, the VA does not differentiate between types of vocational flight training, whether it is initial instrument training or your ATP in a sea plane. It all falls under the same cap for the post 9/11 GI bill. However, the MGIB does only pay for 60% so you may have heard some old gouge.

Got my ATP at the end of 2011 after taking 10 years off from flying. I went to Accessible Aviation in Columbus, Mississippi. I used the Post-911 bill and Carl (retired F-16 guy) took care of all the paper work. I did a 25 hour ATP course, but he specializes in taking military guys and getting them done in three to four days. It included the ATP written and practical. The DE was a great guy and didn't pull any punches. Carl will get you ready for the written and practical. Call them at 662 574-9157 or e-mail: [email protected].

But it does have to be at a part 141 school, right? If trying to do AG training under part 137, 9/11GIB doesn't cover it, I don't think...happy to be proven wrong!

Toonces, great info.

SEAviator, you can also do it for free at JBLM. Here is the contact info: William Lane, GS-7, DAF
Base Training Technician
62d Airlift Wing
COMM: 253-982-2674~ DSN: 382-2674
FAX: 253-982-1113

They do FAA testing for just about anything. Did my ATP written and CFI MILCOMP there.

once you get the tests, just go to the FAA office in Renton to get the certifications (still working on getting ATP practical).