So I see all the time where a flight school offers their 2 year associates of applied science in aviation degrees with their flight training program, but on here you always read guys saying don't go that route bc it is a degree that won't go anywhere. My options stands as such. I'm working a full time gig...plan on starting school with the P9/11 GIB...and then using some of my paycheck and some of the money from the living expense I will receive to start flying at my FBO and getting my certs knocked out. Yes it's the long road but I'm really not in any big hurry. Whether I make a career out of it or not isn't the biggest priority. It's just one of those life goals I have to achieve. So I'm just curious for those that aren't doing the 2 year degree option through a flight school....what type of degree are you holding and or what do you do for side jobs when not flying. Just trying to get some ideas to see what's out there.

I'm going the 2 year route because I already have a B.S. in a field unrelated to aviation. I'm in the same boat you are-- using GI benefits and a bit of whatever housing I can save to build time.

I know a few guys who are currently flying for regionals that went through their training the hard way right after high school. Started flying through local FBOs while getting marketing degrees from community colleges in the area. During our Jr year at a 4 year college, they were already applying for some of the smaller regionals. So I know it's possible to build the time, it's just going to take a LOT of hours instructing/surveying.

If you're looking to get in to aviation, but not as a career the GI bill has you basically covered. It should be enough to get you through to your Instrument rating but if you're looking to go beyond that, it might take more flight time than your schedule can afford especially if you're working full time elsewhere.

My two cents, the 2 year option is more practical than the 4 especially if you're trying to get the R-ATP certs. If not, just use local FBOs and instructors that work with VA benefits.

Thanks for your insight and what your doing and have seen/ experienced! I would love to eventually find a flying gig whether it's regionals or like you said maybe just doing some survey work or being a CFI. I know that sounds crazy from a paycheck standpoint but I just love flying that much and see being in the air more of a reward than getting those 6 figures but if it happens later on down the road then that's cool too!

That's not too crazy a standpoint, honestly. I'd say it's pretty common. The CFI guys I know near me are part time or just instructing to prevent themselves from being too bored in their retirement. Hell, my last CFI was retired FDNY just enjoying the flying weather in FL.

Yeah I'm going to be starting school working on my BAS in Web Development and Design this Spring, so I know there is a good secure job in that field ( I hope haha) and like I said if I did decide to go full time aviation and something went south for me down the road, then I will be able to back myself up with this degree! I hope I can eventually find that flying gig that I love and I know its out there, but I just have to be patient and play my hand right!

Network, network, and network some more, hang around your local airport. You'd be surprised what pops up.

That's funny you say that bc the CFI here at my airport basically said he wished he could get someone that would do all the training through him so he knew that he was hiring a good CFI that he trained so he knew he was hiring a quality instructor to help with all the flights he has scheduled. So I'm gonna be there a lot and yes any chance I get to do some networking and talk to any other pilots helps out a ton!

Best advice, pure and simple.