I think you have an excellent thing going for you, and I think it is a great idea to build up the savings account. Also, unless your goal is to ultimately fly for the airlines, if your boss is looking to buy a jet, and you see opportunity to move up in your current company, that is something to look into. It may be a place to stay in the long run, especially if it would offer great pay, and a stable career.

I am hoping to put myself in your current situation. I am trying to get a job at a local charter op. working the line. As I earn my ratings, and build time, I'm hoping to be able to pick up some SIC time. They fly Barons, KingAir 200, 350, as well as they have a few jets.

As far as an aviation degree is concerned. I currently attend LSU. I am thinking of majoring in Geography with a focus in Geographical Information Systems. The reason I was contemplating an aviation degree, is I live only a few hours from a couple of aviation schools here in Louisiana; ULM, LA Tech, and NorthWestern. ULM, in particular, is closest, and has won a few awards for their aviation department. I have basically decided against this, however, due to all of yall's advice.

I have an interest in Geography, weather, and computers, and I think a Geography degree focusing in Geographical Info. Systems (computers), and meteorology, would be a pretty good degree, and the weather portion would also go along with flying. There are also some pretty good jobs out their in Geopgraphy, in particular, the GIS field.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice!

Irish
 

Irish,

Sorry if I come off a bit strong, however this is a topic that I have some background with. I can't sit by and remain idle while people throw away their parents money on a four year flight party. The whole concept of having a vocation artificially inflated into a discipline is laughable. Why not introduce a major in stock car racing? Perhaps we could develop a masters degree for professional bass fishing? To major in aviation not only cheats yourself out of a real education but weakens your background as an aviator.

Though my message might be negative I still believe that it is truthful and constructive. We might just save a career here.

SkyHigh

I am sorry but I need to chime in here because some people are incredibly stupid when it comes to their information on how EXPENSIVE specialty aviation schools are. I currently attend ERAU onlineand they really are not that expensive when you compare them to any cal state or uninversity (I agree that the classes on campus are pretty darn expensive though). Classes are about $530 plus books so people need to do there homework because they looks like idiots when they don't know what they are talking about.

Nick
 

Nick,

I think they are referring to real degrees and not to mail order ones. Why California Pacific offers a BA for $3600 and a masters for $2400. What a deal?

SKyhigh

$530 per credit hour or for a 3 cr class? Also, it is important to consider how much you are paying for your flight training specifically. Some instruction and rental rates at large institutions are way too high.

What is the rate an instructor charges at Riddle?

SkyHigh-
Doesn't look like you have nothing better to do than surf the internet and pick your a$$. From the readings of your previous postings you sound llike a bitter old man who has nothing better to do on their weekends than bash people on the internet who are trying to get important information with their careers. You are such a dork!

KiloAlpha-

The classes online are actually a little more expensive than the satalite campus( a little stupid if you ask me and yes I actually attend both online and satalite classes). I am not sure on the pricings for rentals, but I heard they were pretty expensive (I just attended my local FBO for my ratings). Also, how did you score that current job as a SIC for that KING Air? Like I said, I have been getting some MERLIN III with dash 10's for some great experience, but I am looking for something that will allow me to pick up more time. Any suggestions?

The plane I fly has been modified with -10's by National Flight down in Lakeland. I like them better than Pratt's because they're insanely loud :cool: and everyone knows you are coming lol.

My best advice would be to actually go talk to the person who is purchasing the plane and the main pilot that will be flying it. If you see them around the airport, just start BS'n with them about aviation or some other topic you frequently overhear them talking about. Maybe he has a boat or fancy car, who knows...

Let them get to know you and your personality, cause more than likely that is what got me my job and is what will potentially get you the job you are currently pursuing.

Also, I know what you mean about getting charged more for online classes. The univerity I go to charges an additional $150 per class for the luxury of studying at home.

While I agree I just wanted to get the point across....EDUCATE dont attack people. If you dont think its the right decision, explain why and offer a solution. When you turn it into an attack you dont get anywhere besides getting people offended and ****ed off. :)

Dont know about ridde...but UND I remember paying around $65/hr for a brand new warrior (double stacked Garmin 430s etc.) and something like $35/hr for an instructor. That was a great price considering your equipment and how much training your instructor had had. Many places out here in the SW you will pay $65-95 just for an old 172 for an hour.