I am looking for so advice on a path to choose for education and flight training. I am 27 years old been in the military for 10 years now and working towards my goal of working for an airline. Now I am currently enrolled in a 4 year University for a non aviation degree and in their professional pilot program, i will balance a full class schedule along with flight time in between. For reference the program seems the same as the other professional pilot programs at other university's. On the other side I have had several people telling me to go the Academy rout, one in particular US Aviation Academy. As I have been told is a so called "Pipeline program" with a guaranteed CFI job afterwords and interview with the regional in its network. Currently I am deployed overseas and still have some time to decide if I want to stick with the University of go to the Academy. I have had plenty of time to study for both I have every jepp part 141, 61, and test booklet for every rating type and have read them multiple times to he'll me stay ahead. Everything I have read tells me they want a degree so am I better off going to the University logging hours and the degree at the same time or will I benefit more from the Academy? Will the fast placement in a job help out and go for the degree will I'm working night class and such? Money is not a factor here with my time in service and multiple deployment benefits my training and degree is all but paid for and I have enough money saved up for the rest. The cost for both are just about the same, so which path with benefit the most its the fork in the road for me. Anyone who has information would be greatly appreciated.

What certificates and ratings do you have? Where are you looking to be listed at?

Get the four year degree at a minimum. Better yet get the degree in something like accounting which you can fall back on or exploit along side your flying career.

Right now I have my PPL and have been flying on the side with a friend who until I was deployed again. As far as school for the 4 year plan I'm looking at University of Central Missouri.

There are some really good schools in Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma, Southeastern OSU, Oklahoma State University. They are all 141 certified also. OU has examining authority also.

I have looked into Oklahoma and looks like a great school but would prefer to stay instate otherwise my benefits will do me no good. They cut alot of your benefits if you go to school out of state. It's my federal benefits that apply no matter where I go in or out of state which will only cover flight cost and not a degree. To avoid loans and things like that kinda at a lack of options would have to stay in state for a degree and out of state flight Academy only.

UCM is also a part 141 school and handle everything in house

US Aviation Academy has a two year program with Tarrant County College and is right next to UNT in Denton. UNT is a four year college and very reasonably priced.

You can PM me for more info on US Aviation Academy or of course you can contact our rep through the website.

EDIT: US Aviation Academy also has self examining authority.

I did contact the Rep via email last night about a few questions I had just waiting to hear back. Should be home in a few weeks and then I will be able to call and set up a meeting. But thank you for the info and I will PM you if I come up with any more question Thanks kingsnake2.

I would check out TCC at alliance airport