Part 141 recommendation?
03-23-2006, 08:55 PM
#1
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Part 141 recommendation?
First off, I just want to thank everyone on these forums. The vast amount of information provided here has undoubtedly helped me to better understand the aviation industry. Thank you!
A little about myself, I am 29 years old and I spent 8 years in the Marine Corps as a helo mechanic. My last two years I spent as a maintenance supervisor which was a great experience but not exactly where I wanted to land my career. I opted to leave the Marines a few years ago and recently finished an aviation management degree. I have always loved to fly and I am interested in pursuing a commercial license and instructor ratings. My flight experience is pretty much nil other than the occasional ride in a helo and a few hours in a 172.
I have 20 months left on my GI Bill and about 20,000 in the bank totaling around 40,000. I am trying to find a reputable part 141 flight school to use it through. Many of the large schools are just too expensive and most of the smaller FBO's are not part 141. Another consideration is the amount of multi engine time offered. The more the better. Location is not an issue. I want to do this the right way and keep it within my budget. If there are any other prior military out there trying to get through civilian flight school I would love to hear from you! Thank you all very much.
Mike
A little about myself, I am 29 years old and I spent 8 years in the Marine Corps as a helo mechanic. My last two years I spent as a maintenance supervisor which was a great experience but not exactly where I wanted to land my career. I opted to leave the Marines a few years ago and recently finished an aviation management degree. I have always loved to fly and I am interested in pursuing a commercial license and instructor ratings. My flight experience is pretty much nil other than the occasional ride in a helo and a few hours in a 172.
I have 20 months left on my GI Bill and about 20,000 in the bank totaling around 40,000. I am trying to find a reputable part 141 flight school to use it through. Many of the large schools are just too expensive and most of the smaller FBO's are not part 141. Another consideration is the amount of multi engine time offered. The more the better. Location is not an issue. I want to do this the right way and keep it within my budget. If there are any other prior military out there trying to get through civilian flight school I would love to hear from you! Thank you all very much.
Mike
Last edited by MikeDD; 03-23-2006 at 08:58 PM.
03-24-2006, 02:59 AM
#2
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03-24-2006, 08:45 AM
#3
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Hey Mike, I too am a former Marine and was in a similar position as you are. The G.I. Bill is a great way to relieve some of those flight training expenses but obviously will not take care of them all. The fact that you have some money saved is great and will allow you to get started with Private Pilot training asap regardless of 141 or 61 training. You may know the VA does not cover private pilot training. Only Instrument and on. I was wondering what large schools you have looked into? I went to one of the larger flight schools and had to produce the funds before the VA would start the reimbersment which was expected. Do you plan to work while training or do you hope to train full time? I suggest you train full time to get your flight instructor ratings and start building that time asap. The way the airline industy seems to be moving you should get a regional job in a short time. Anyway, I will be more than happy to make any suggestions if needed.
03-24-2006, 09:06 AM
#4
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Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,391
Mike,
I have some info about SOCAL schools if you're interested, but I need an email address, I'm not going to name names on a public board. I tried to pmail you but it didn't work
Rick
I have some info about SOCAL schools if you're interested, but I need an email address, I'm not going to name names on a public board. I tried to pmail you but it didn't work
Rick
03-24-2006, 09:10 AM
#5
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Posts: 2,242
Save your GI BILL for an education outside of aviation. Use it to finish your BS/BA and MBA (if you have the BS/BA done while on active - duty...)...
Most schools know the GI BILL payment structure and plan their financial rape accordingly to get the most from you...
Having said the above - I've found ALL ATPS to have one of the better reps and programs for someone serious about a career in aviation.
Bottom line: get everything done quickly and efficiently thru ALL ATPS, use the GI bill for your college education....
Thanks for serving...
-LA
Most schools know the GI BILL payment structure and plan their financial rape accordingly to get the most from you...
Having said the above - I've found ALL ATPS to have one of the better reps and programs for someone serious about a career in aviation.
Bottom line: get everything done quickly and efficiently thru ALL ATPS, use the GI bill for your college education....
Thanks for serving...
-LA
03-24-2006, 07:11 PM
#6
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Thanks for the help everyone!
Iflyjets4food - I looked into the VU flight school but it looks like you have to work toward a degree to get through their flight training. I already have one of those. Thank you for the suggestion though.
Willi364 - Semper Fi! Thanks for the support. I talked to the VA several times and they will cover 60% of the total cost at any part 141 school of any rating past your private license. You are absolutely right in that you have to put up the money before the VA will reimburse you. This is very difficult for most especially when you’re talking about how expensive flight schools are. The nice thing though, is that the VA will pay you a lump sum. So if your training past the private costs 30,000 the check they send you will be for 18,000. You don't have to wait for monthly payments like you would attending a regular college. In return, they will also take 18 months of your contract.
I am looking to train full time. I live in Hawaii and am eager to get going to the mainland around May. The large schools I have looked into and talked with are RAA, Delta Academy, Pan Am, ATP and a few others. I can sum them all up as too expensive. My goal here is not to be 40,000 in debt when I finish. The 40,000 I have should be enough to get me through all the ratings. I would be most interested in finding a nice flight school in the Midwest or anywhere that has a cheap cost of living, lower fuel prices and knowledgeable instructors.
What school did you go through Willi364?
Rickair7777 - I have always loved SoCal that’s for sure. The only problem is it’s just so damn expensive there right now. I think I could possibly blow all my funds just paying rent! If you think there is a chance I could get through a school there with 40,000 please let me know. I will try and PM my email add to you right now.
LAfrequentyflyer - ALL ATP was one of the first schools that caught my attention. I spoke with several of the ATP flight instructors and they all seemed happy with the decision they made. Unfortunately for me that school is part 61 and an expensive one at that. What interested me most about the ATP program was the included housing and the fact that the majority of the flight training is done with multi engine a/c. I don't think it is worth paying almost 60 grand to get what they offer, but what would lure me in, is the chance at becoming an instructor there and flying mostly muti time. That is a huge bonus and would surely be a fast track to the regionals. Again my goal is to remain relatively debt free here. The only way I can do this is to find a good and relatively cheap 141 school.
If anyone else can offer any advice please do! I really apperciate everyones time.
Mike
Iflyjets4food - I looked into the VU flight school but it looks like you have to work toward a degree to get through their flight training. I already have one of those. Thank you for the suggestion though.
Willi364 - Semper Fi! Thanks for the support. I talked to the VA several times and they will cover 60% of the total cost at any part 141 school of any rating past your private license. You are absolutely right in that you have to put up the money before the VA will reimburse you. This is very difficult for most especially when you’re talking about how expensive flight schools are. The nice thing though, is that the VA will pay you a lump sum. So if your training past the private costs 30,000 the check they send you will be for 18,000. You don't have to wait for monthly payments like you would attending a regular college. In return, they will also take 18 months of your contract.
I am looking to train full time. I live in Hawaii and am eager to get going to the mainland around May. The large schools I have looked into and talked with are RAA, Delta Academy, Pan Am, ATP and a few others. I can sum them all up as too expensive. My goal here is not to be 40,000 in debt when I finish. The 40,000 I have should be enough to get me through all the ratings. I would be most interested in finding a nice flight school in the Midwest or anywhere that has a cheap cost of living, lower fuel prices and knowledgeable instructors.
What school did you go through Willi364?
Rickair7777 - I have always loved SoCal that’s for sure. The only problem is it’s just so damn expensive there right now. I think I could possibly blow all my funds just paying rent! If you think there is a chance I could get through a school there with 40,000 please let me know. I will try and PM my email add to you right now.
LAfrequentyflyer - ALL ATP was one of the first schools that caught my attention. I spoke with several of the ATP flight instructors and they all seemed happy with the decision they made. Unfortunately for me that school is part 61 and an expensive one at that. What interested me most about the ATP program was the included housing and the fact that the majority of the flight training is done with multi engine a/c. I don't think it is worth paying almost 60 grand to get what they offer, but what would lure me in, is the chance at becoming an instructor there and flying mostly muti time. That is a huge bonus and would surely be a fast track to the regionals. Again my goal is to remain relatively debt free here. The only way I can do this is to find a good and relatively cheap 141 school.
If anyone else can offer any advice please do! I really apperciate everyones time.
Mike
Last edited by MikeDD; 03-24-2006 at 07:15 PM.
03-25-2006, 07:17 AM
#7
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Position: Student Pilot
Posts: 2,277
Originally Posted by MikeDD
Thanks for the help everyone!
I am looking to train full time. I live in Hawaii and am eager to get going to the mainland around May. The large schools I have looked into and talked with are RAA, Delta Academy, Pan Am, ATP and a few others. I can sum them all up as too expensive. My goal here is not to be 40,000 in debt when I finish. The 40,000 I have should be enough to get me through all the ratings. I would be most interested in finding a nice flight school in the Midwest or anywhere that has a cheap cost of living, lower fuel prices and knowledgeable instructors.
Mike
I am looking to train full time. I live in Hawaii and am eager to get going to the mainland around May. The large schools I have looked into and talked with are RAA, Delta Academy, Pan Am, ATP and a few others. I can sum them all up as too expensive. My goal here is not to be 40,000 in debt when I finish. The 40,000 I have should be enough to get me through all the ratings. I would be most interested in finding a nice flight school in the Midwest or anywhere that has a cheap cost of living, lower fuel prices and knowledgeable instructors.
Mike
I, too, am in the same shoes as you are. The research that I have done is as follows:
Local FBO
PPL to Comm w/I - 20K-25K; transfer to flight academy-CFI to MEI, another 30K. You've spent approx 50K to 55K at that point...w/o housing.
My plans are to do the flight academy up to CFII/MEI @ about 42K to 50K--which includes housing
. Schools such as ATP and DCA, I believe, may fall into this category. Shoot, get FS if you can
. The less you have to pay for outta pocket expenses the better off you will be.
Last edited by atpwannabe; 03-25-2006 at 07:21 AM.
03-28-2006, 12:15 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by atpwannabe
Mike:
I, too, am in the same shoes as you are. The research that I have done is as follows:
Local FBO
PPL to Comm w/I - 20K-25K; transfer to flight academy-CFI to MEI, another 30K. You've spent approx 50K to 55K at that point...w/o housing.
My plans are to do the flight academy up to CFII/MEI @ about 42K to 50K--which includes housing. Schools such as ATP and DCA, I believe, may fall into this category. Shoot, get FS if you can. The less you have to pay for outta pocket expenses the better off you will be.
I, too, am in the same shoes as you are. The research that I have done is as follows:
Local FBO
PPL to Comm w/I - 20K-25K; transfer to flight academy-CFI to MEI, another 30K. You've spent approx 50K to 55K at that point...w/o housing.
My plans are to do the flight academy up to CFII/MEI @ about 42K to 50K--which includes housing
. Schools such as ATP and DCA, I believe, may fall into this category. Shoot, get FS if you can. The less you have to pay for outta pocket expenses the better off you will be.Atpwannabe - I agree with the PPL to Comm/I at 20-25k, that sounds like a good price. But 30k for instructor ratings is way too much. If I recall right, ATP's instructor program is 6k and it gives you 15 hours multi time too. Deffinately look around. My goal is similar to yours, get up to comm/I done, then look for larger school to get CFI/MEI. It will save a lot of money.
03-28-2006, 12:23 AM
#9
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Can anyone tell me anything about this school? http://www.aribenaviator.com/ It looks to be very reasonably priced and mostly multi engine time. My only gripe is if you use your GI bill there the cost is 200 dollars per flight hour. The regular program (same ratings) flight hour cost without using GI Bill funds is 140 an hour. Sounds like some gouging going on there, but maybe that is to be expected. I guess it's kind of like using insurance at a doctor. The cash price is always much cheaper then the insurance cost.
Ok, make that two gripes. If you go through there CFI program and you want to become an instructor at the school it looks like you have to sign a two year contract. That sounds ridiculous to me. Does anyone really instruct for two years? Especially when regionals are hiring at sub 1000TT. How would you ever start to repay loans making 1k per month?
Ok, make that two gripes. If you go through there CFI program and you want to become an instructor at the school it looks like you have to sign a two year contract. That sounds ridiculous to me. Does anyone really instruct for two years? Especially when regionals are hiring at sub 1000TT. How would you ever start to repay loans making 1k per month?
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