Tyk113

So, since I was a kid, aviation has always interested me. In high school, I was dead set on going to college and getting my degree in aeronautical science.

Uncle Sam had other plans. I joined the US Marine Infantry and completed several deployments to Afghanistan. When I completed my four years, I became a correctional officer, then proceeded to go back over seas as a private military contractor.

Currently, I'm a Police Officer. I love the job, but my enthusiasm for flying won't escape my head! I get decent pay and great benefits, but will I love this in 5 years? Slowly, my answer to that question dwindles every day.

I have done my research. I know that getting into a professional flight career will be expensive and the starting pay is not the best. Much much less than what I make now. I'm willing to put in the work, but I have some questions.

I do have Post 9/11 benefits. I also know that several flights schools accept VA benefits and participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. What flight school has the best accommodations for veterans?

Also, since I'm not 18 like most of these kids on here, I have bills to pay. Going to school full time right now is not going to work. Schools like ATP, Spartan, and others interest me. ATP provides veterans with no assistance. 60K out of pocket is not in my budget haha.

What are the best flights schools that can assist my needs and provide top quality training? I'm looking to get into regionals, and if possible...work on my degree part time.

Thanks for any help or information!

mexipilot84

I don't know where you live but look for 141 schools around that accept VA benefits. Don't just jump at the big schools as they can be expensive even with the GI Bill. I did the 60/40 program before the post 9/11 stuff. I went to a 141 school here in Atlanta that was not expensive and had a good flexible program rate . Also don't stick to the fanciest airplane with g1000, it just isn't necessary. Good ole steam gauges are good training for your scan. There are those university programs too but I don't know how much out of pocket you'll be out, their advantage is getting the R-ATP as long as they're approved.

PerfInit

How about combining aviation and law enforcement? Use your GI Bill for earning your helicopter ratings and go enjoy the best of both worlds!

Slim11

I used pre-9/11 benefits to get my CFII and MEI. I used American Flyers in ADS, TX for the CFII and Bourland Aviation southwest of FTW, for the MEI. I don't know how that works post-9/11.

Purdue University and Western Michigan University have flight programs. Universities seem to provide more assistance for military veterans than schools like American Flyers or ATP.

As a prior service veteran, have you considered ARNG/ANG for possible flight training? A former co-worker of mine, a flight attendant at TransStates Airlines, was a flute player in the NCARNG band. She was selected for flight training and should be completing it soon assuming everything went well.

bcpilot

I personally made the comeback real late in my life & now work for a regional.

I know the meaning of having a family to support & pursue one's dream of flying..

When you get enough posts, pls PM me.

I will put you in touch with another police officer, now a former police officer, who made the switch in his 40's & is now working for a regional.

It's one life to live, live it to the fullest...

bedrock

Check out military flying clubs on bases for flight training in your area. Even if it's an Air Force base, you might still be eligible as reserve or inactive. The clubs typically have cheaper rental rates. When I was younger, I joined the Civil Air Patrol, just to get access to cheap rentals available on base.