Originally Posted by ryane946

I personally feel an AA degree doesn't mean anything (in flying). There is practically no difference between a high school degree and an AA degree to the airlines (except that you are more educated). Since you know the importantce of college, you should get a 4 year degree.

Originally Posted by coryk

Right, I completely understand the importance of the 4-year degree. But the way I see it, I'll be in for 4 years, working and more than full-time job, it'll be highly unlikely to get that done within my 4 years, so I'd like to have at least an AA done, and have as much done towards a 4-year when my enlistment is up, was what I was trying to say.

Uncle Boss, I hear on that. I'm hoping I'll be able to get something done. If not, I'm not going to stress, Ari Ben as well as Skymates accept GI funding, so I can use that towards a Professional Pilot Course, something I'd rather not do, because I'd like to use that towards finishing off my BA during flight training/CFI-ing.

I guess we'll see when we get there. :-)

Thanks guys!

Cory

Originally Posted by aussieflyboy

hey coryk i have nothing for u buddy since i was not a military man but took the civilian route into aviation and am cfi-ing now hoping to get into the regionals by the end of this year.

but can someone please shed some light on the 4 year degree for me? i'm a dual australian and us citizen, and i've got one more year to go in my bachelors degree in health science from the uni of sydney. but in australia, my and many other bachelor degrees are 3 year courses, not 4.

does anyone know if my completion of a 3 year bachelor degree as opposed to a 4 year one will affect my chances of being competitive with the airlines?

any thoughts appreciated guys

Originally Posted by coldpilot

Are you referring to the Skymates at Arlington Municipal Airport in Arlington, Texas?

Originally Posted by rickair7777

You sound like a pretty sharp guy...once you get into the fleet check out the seaman-to-admiral program. You need some college credits I believe, but if you are accepted you can go directly to OCS, flight school, the RAG, then an operational squadron tour. After your squadron tour, the Navy sends you to a civilian college to finish your degree with full active duty pay and benies at the O-3 level. Hard to beat. Also apply to Annapolis; there are slots reserved for qualified enlisted that are often not used...all you have to do is meet the minimums usually, you don't have to compete with the congressional appointment pool.

Warning: Navy/Marine Air has a lot of helos...fun to fly, but it is difficult to salvage an airline career after 10 years as a helo pilot. It can be done, but might involve starting over in the fixed-wing world.

The Air National Guard has two major advantages:
1) You can sign up for fixed-wing, no risk of getting stuck in rotors.
2) You can build 121 experience at a regional airline while doing the guard.

Originally Posted by Darby67

I also recommend becoming an officer. The difference is night and day between enlisted folk and officer folk. I joined the Air Force for 4 years immediately after high school and have never regretted it. I then went to college and got all my ratings. I got out of college debt free thanks to Uncle Sam, but I also spent every dime I had in the process. Since you've already enlisted you're somewhat stuck. There are programs like boot strap and a.e.p.s. that have you go to college while serving and then you become an officer once you get your degree. These programs may have changed. I joined 20 years ago. Look into those. You can also look into palace chase which lets you transfer from active duty to the guard or reserve. Many states pay close to 100% tuition for their members. Getting into college ROTC isn't always easy, especially if your grades in high school weren't great. In the mean time, if you haven't been assigned a job yet, try to get a job in the Navy related to flying. I was an air traffic controller. That is a great job and it helps out immensely when you start pilot training. Try to find a land based job. You will have more time to take college classes. No matter what do the best you can at whatever you do. It is a long road. Don't give up!! Good luck.