Hello Ladies and Gents. I am a young Marine currently deployed to the infamous country we all know of as "Afghanistan". I will be leaving this country very soon, and am strongly considering a career in Aviation.

I have spent a large amount of my time trying to find schools that are covered by the Post/911 G.I Bill. I'm aware that there have also been some very recent changes in the way the Bill covers Flight Training. And it seems to be for the better. However I am finding a large lack of information on which schools are covered and which ones are not. I know they're out there, but I can't seem to find them.

If anyone of you knows of any schools that are Veteran friendly (Preferably on the West Coast). I'd appreciate it very much.

Semper Fi, and thanks for your continued service!

Aviator College in Fort Pierce, FL. is military friendly and is taking Post 9/11 GIB. Dig a little and you may read some unsavory things about them, but pay no attention. You're a Marine! You unlike others have the self discipline and motivation to succeed in a program that will place high expectations on you. Those who made bad press about the school lacked these qualities. The airplanes are safe and well maintained although they are not the sexiest to look at. The training is top notch and many of the student intern instructors are also veterans. They speak your language. Fort Pierce isn't exactly a hot spring break destination. Honestly, you won't find it to be a whole lot better than Afghanistan! However, than means that outside distractions are minimal. There are still things to do and see outside of school, but eventually you will want to spend as much time on time building flights as you can. Good luck and come home safe!

Hey, I used GI Bill for flight training and I have plenty of benefits left so I have been doing some research.

The VA website has them all listed. Click the link, and where it says program type, click "flight training" and then select the state you want.

You will see a list of schools, click the school, and then there is a tab for program, and you will see exactly what programs are covered by GI BIll by the individual school.

WEAMS Public

If you look at a school like Chandler Air Service in Arizona, they even cover aerobatics and spin endorsement!

Kansas State University- we have several veterans here currently
http://salina.k-state.edu/aviation/veterans.htm

Unfortunately, this is all the VA has to go by and it is full of dead links, disconnected phone numbers and schools either not accepting VA or no longer in business as a school...and that was just Florida! Don't set your heart on anything in that list until you actually speak to someone who can tell you that the training you seek us covered under a VA program and you have the name, email, phone and fax of the certifying official at the school.

Well if it helps narrow your search, Sonoran Wings in Tucson is still in business and still does VA, and that is where I did my training. The owner is also prior Army aviator.

There are a few places at CRQ airport (15 mins south of Pendleton) that were VA approved when I went that route. I would imagine some of them still are operating and approved. Look into grey eagle and pinnacle (if they still exist).

Thanks, I looked a bit into Pinnacle. Seems like a pretty good school. They even include a degree program. And like you said, is right near Pendleton which would make it even easier on me since I happen to be stationed there.

I did not use Pinnacle at the time only because they were the most expensive on the field. They seemed like a good school with nice structure and equipment/instructor availability.

Probably a good idea if you are getting out soon to get your private and instrument (if you have time before EAS) at Palomar. I would look into somewhere where you can lump in your flight training and degree so your benefits cover it all at once in full.

I was also at Pendleton for a while and its a quick drive to get over there. Because it was "education" my command was good with me leaving a half hour early on the days I flew to get in some instruction before the school closed or it was dark.

Sent them an e-mail asking about G.I bill coverage and this is what they sent back. Some useful information for anyone else out there who's in the same boat.

Pinnacle Aviation:

All VA benefits require that you complete your Private Pilot Certificate on your own. After receiving the Private Pilot Certificate, the Post 9/11 GI bill will reimburse for 100% of the minimum course time (The Montgomery GI bill will reimburse for 60% of the minimum course time) for the following aviation certificates:

• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilot Certificate- Airplane Single Engine Land
• Commercial Pilot Certificate- Airplane Multi-Engine Land
• Certified Flight Instructor
• Certified Instrument Flight Instructor
• Certified Multi-Engine Flight Instructor
• Airline Transport Pilot- Airplane Multi-Engine Land

As of October 1, 2011, you may now use your Post 9/11 GI benefits at FAA Approved Pilot Schools such as Pinnacle Aviation Academy. The Post 9/11 GI bill will reimburse up to $10,000 per year for the above training. The payment year is from October 1st to September 30th the following year. There is no annual payment restriction on the Montgomery GI bill.

The Private Pilot Certificate, which is your obligation to complete under the VA rules, will have an estimated cost of $9,000. We have financing available to help you cover this cost.