Does anyone know where I can find a flight school with their ATP program approved for VA benefits and doesn't require me to put the money down up front or pay as I go? The post 9/11 bill pays the school directly it just takes a little while. Every flight school I have spoken to so far requires the money up front which is frustrating, since the whole purpose of this bill is to help us veterans go to school because we might be unable to get alone or afford the money up front. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

I have never heard of a school that would float you the money up front. I used to administer VA bennies for a 141 school, and there's a good reason for this. The VA is FUBAR, so there are often lengthy delays in getting paid, or the school could find out after the fact that the student was not eligible for the bennies he claimed.

yeah, I figured....was hoping there was one tucked away somewhere...haha, oh well. It's frustrating to have money that is supposed to be used because i don't have the money for the education myself, only to find out I can't use the money unless I have the money.....glad I have that GI Bill....growl.. Thanks for the reply though

You would be growling more if you didn't have the GI Bill at all and needed to pay it all yourself.

USMCFLYR

Can you get paid instead of the school, and then put it on a credit card, get the training, pay the credit card when they send you your money... I used the old G.I Bill, and they paid me instead of the school. I guess things have changed?

True....but if I don't have the money (or the means to get it) to put up front, then it doesn't really matter that I have the GI Bill money. That being said, I am sure I will find a way to put away a bit at a time, it will just take a bit longer is all. Adapt and overcome

I did my CFII at the Dover AFB Aero Club and they floated it. I have done it under both systems so I have done the credit card and get my 60% back thing. Under the recent post 9/11 revisions, the student isn't supposed to pay anything and the school can request the money as soon as the program is complete (ie the bill is done) or monthly.

But I can understand why it is tough to find a school that will keep money on the books. I did it with the understanding that they had my credit card in case the payment fell through. It worked for me though.

How long were you in the military? Did this idea of flying professionally just pop into your head recently? It is a very expensive endeavor no doubt and often times take planning in advance like putting away some money beforehand to front the costs - like a business. Of course ou may argue that there are ways to get loans for starting businesses and that is true. There were ways to get loans for flight training too in the past until the banks figure out that your "business" was likely to fail and you would be unable to pay your loan on that $20,000/yr salary. Maybe you would have a better shot at getting a loan with the bank knowing that they would be reimbursed through the GI Bill. You are right though - ADAPT AND OVERCOME if you really want this job!

USMCFLYR

Oh, I did 4 years as a Supp-O in the USMC. I think you misunderstand my position; I am already in this career. I'm a regional FO for a turbo-prop carrier which is sliding backwards I've been there for two years and am nearly at the top of the seniority list in my base. Unfortunately the upgrades aren't going to happen and I am part of the first class on the wrong side of the fence of our merged seniority list. I'm trying to get into charter, walked into quite a few places, have the times, but they keep telling me to come back after I get my ATP. So that's the full story, hope it clears some stuff up

Yes...I did not understand that you were already in the business.
Sorry to hear about your situation.
Good luck and Semper Fi Devil Dog!

USMCFLYR