CbumsChild

Hi my name is Anthony I am 25 years old and served in the US Navy for six years as an active duty Hospital Corpsman. I am looking to become an airline pilot but not sure what route to take, my ultimate goal is to become a pilot for a major US airline such as American Airlines, Delta or United. One option I have in mind which I am leaning towards is to attend a school like Spartan College were I'd be able to go through the pilot program and earn an associates degree in the span of 17 months with an option to earn a bachelors and only need 1250 hrs for ATP. My other option is to go to a school like Aeroguard FTC complete the pilot program with them and then while working as a CFI/possibly as a regional pilot work on getting my bachelors degree. In todays pilot situation and with my goal in mind I guess I am asking what would be the better path for me to take. Would highly appreciate any advice given and thank you in advance.

FlyinCat

Hi, I just saw your thread and thought I'd revive it for you.

As for which path is best, I guess it depends on your financial situation. The college option would probably require a full time commitment, even though you would get your ratings in 17 months you'd still have to fly the 1250 hours. How will you get them?. Also, check carefully into the restricted ATP requirements and that the school is qualified for it, many people have been disappointed to find they aren't eligible because they didn't cross their t's and dot their i's. On the plus side you'd likely qualify for a college loan, but will this cover your flight labs too? Good questions to ask other people who went to this school.

Going to a flight school and then becoming a CFI could take longer and you'd need more hours but you could do it part time and work at the same time. You'd likely not be able to get a loan but would have to pay out of pocket or get a personal bank loan at a high interest rate. What is the school's capacity? Keep in mind that flight schools tend to underestimate cost and time to finish ratings. This could be due to weather, airplane availability, CFI availability or just the volume of students competing for slots. Again I recommend finding people who attended this school before you and find out what their experience was.

I highly recommend the RTAG Nation group on Facebook which is geared towards getting Vets jobs as professional pilots. They have the best information, including how to get not just GI Bill to pay for it but also VR&E and other ways. Best wishes!

dckozak

Can you do college level academic's while flying? The legacy carriers you aspire to will expect to see at least an associate degree, possibly a BS to be competitive. Some will suggest otherwise, definitely do some research on how much education you need to be competitive. Don't just look at the airlines min quals. As mentioned above, if you want to get to any airline with under 1500TT you will need a degree at a school with an aviation program that has met the blessing of the FAA. If you have VA benefits due to your prior service, you will probably get a good amount to money towards your education and flying. Make sure you know before you assume and make sure the program is approved.

I would advise against getting the flying done than doing the education. Too many have flamed out and can't find the motivation to attend university while also holding down a flying job. Good luck