Its sad - anything to say you fly a jet...

How do these people enjoy life? Can they even buy a movie ticket?

No regrets - I bet!

-LAFF

Right on brother, man I wish I went that way. I got suckered in and went to western michigan university (third largest aviation school in the country) I got my B.S. in aviation flight science which is honestly a pretty worthless degree. It's a smart backup move to get a degree in something that can make you some decent money right after graduating, like accounting or business management. I thought it was pretty funny that my school had all these top people in the aviation industry visiting and talking to us, but meanwhile no deals were made for western grads, at least when I graduated in '05. You really don't get special treatment because you went to some fancy aviation school it's all about who you know

I'll 2nd this, and I was a Purdue 04' grad. They're some deals going on now I guess, but nothing when I graduated. Oh yeah, guess Riddle might not be a good idea right now since the tornado

Actually, Riddle is soliciting donations on its website, to help cover the costs of repairing the damage from the Christmas tornado. Just out of curiousity, I did a Google search on them and found a wikipedia page for the school. I learned some interesting things from it. First of all, it says that Riddle is a *non-profit* institution. I'll have to dig around some more to confirm that.... It also says that Riddle is one of the most expensive private schools in the entire nation and the costs quoted *dont* include flight training or on-campus housing. There were some links off of the Wikipedia site to other articles about that, some from the Daytona Beach student newspaper. Supposedly, the tuition increases are in line with the CPI, in order to keep up with inflation, but I can tell you from personal experience that is a bunch of crap. They have passed through tuition increases twice a year the entire time that I have gone there, with the net result of their tuition has gone up much faster than inflation. The Wikipedia article also says that 85% of their operating funds come from tuition.

Riddle students graduate with one of the highest average debt loads of any college or university in the US.

Full disclosure: I am not an aero-sci student, and have attended a state university in the past. However, I am an ERAU student. I picked them to finish my degree because they have what I consider to be a decent online educational program. My current employer is footing most of the bill for it. I do my flying at a local FBO.

In addition to asking around on this site about ERAU, it would pay to do some other searches online as well.

Do all the research you want. At the end of the day www.allatps.com will give you the best overall deal in the flight training business. Ask around on this and other boards - ATP is a good deal. They deliver on their promise.

Have a nice weekend...I'm going down to Charlotte to golf for the weekend...


-LAFF

Is it just me, or do you shill for AllATPS in nearly all of your posts?

I spent some time checking their Atlanta operation out, I wasnt particularly impressed. However, it might be just the thing for some.

I hope you enjoy your weekend of golf.

A few factoids from a Riddle grad student (yes, I'm a pilot):

1. Last I heard there is a waiting list to get in to the aerospace engineering program, so let's just say that it is "selective". I know a guy in my apt complex who moved from Ohio and who is on the waiting list. He's taking classes and keeping his fingers crossed.

2. Consider that ERAU has been the ONLY civilian entity chosen to train future Air Force pilots. So that basically means ERAU is doing something right. Check it out here: http://www.erau.edu/er/newsmedia/new.../airforce.html

3. Yeah, it's expensive at Humpty Diddle. Ever heard of elasticity of demand? Here's a study done by my ECON prof that "may have caused" tuition to be raised at Riddle: http://www.springerlink.com/content/d3253h5472w6719x/

4. If you want to skirt your student loan payments while you make near to nothing at the regional airlines, simply maintain part-time enrollment in an online class or two at a local junior college. Check your loan terms. Even the private loans that fund much of the flight training give you what's called "In-School Forbearance" if you maintain at least half-time enrollment (i.e. 6 credit hours...who cares if you get a C- if it waives the loans and allows you to pay what you can afford for the time being).

5. Try to get into ROTC. TRY. I couldn't because of asthma. If ROTC doesn't work for ya, there's Navy or Air Force Officer Candidate School after you get your BS degree. Here are their respective websites: http://www.nsgreatlakes.navy.mil/otcp/ and http://www.afoats.af.mil/OTS/index.asp

6. I agree with those who say go to an FBO and get your training. Keep in mind that a $40,000 private loan through Sallie Mae with 10% interest = $500/mo, 15 yrs.

7. Try to lower your living expenses when you become a regional pilot. There are these things called "crash pads" that run about $250/mo all inclusive. They are 3 bedroom apts, townhouses, etc and I know many a United pilot and flight attendant that do this. I'm pretty sure it exists for each airline.

8. What's the point of all this? You'd be amazed at how many options are out there to a) not default on your loans and b) keep your head above water and still enjoy life. Remember...flying is supposed to be FUN. If it's your passion...do it. Just make sure that you a) get a baccalaureate degree in something OTHER than aviation just in case the day comes when the doc says, "Sorry, I can't pass you for a 1st class medical." Do have a plan and, as always, CYA (i.e. cover your ass).

Have a ducky day...

Just want to point out this isn't true... A handful of civilian flight school around the country conduct "lead up" flight instruction for the Air Force. I'll try to find some names for you.

UND does however have the only West Point Cadet Rotary Wing training program in the US.

Thanks...I had a good day on the links. I don't know what shill means. I have to look it up in a few minutes. I do promote them (if that's what you mean...) because they offer a good deal. I've been burned at FBOs and I want to prevent others from falling for the mom / pop scans. I am certain there are plenty of good FBOs out there as there are plenty of bad ones.

Like you said....For some it might be just the thing.

-LAFF

And to think a horse that's been dead since September couldn't be resuscitated for another beating. Well done!