NTT5418

Hi all,

First of all, I would like to express what an interesting forum site this is! I have been browsing APC anonymously for about a year, and have to say it is one of the best places for information on anything aviation.

I am a senior in high school, and got accepted to The University of Oklahoma this past week. I have visited the campus and the aviation department and thought they looked pretty good.

Is there anyone out there that could shed some light on the quality of the aviation program? Maybe some former/current students?
The OU aviation advisors say everyone enjoys it and the quality is great, but I have a feeling that's what there told to say...

I look forward to hearing from some of you!

Thank you,

Thomas Pooler
KDWH

FlyBoyd

Hooks!?!?! ....and you want to go to OU?

Tom,

If you have been here a year you know what is said about an avaition degree. Stay in state and go to Texas or A&M and get a degree in something other than Aviation. Sooners? Really? The Sooners? For a dead end aviation degree?!?!

I should be at Hooks around 1200 Tuesday for lunch. Look for the orange and white T-44 (BE-90). I'll be the old dude in the group of flight suits. I cut my hair short to hide the grays Check back here Monday night to confirm. Meet me if you can so I can talk some sense into you.

Hook 'em,
Boyd

NTT5418

Flyboyd,

In regards to the aviation degree; I was either planning on majoring in something like finance, and minoring in aviation, or double majoring in both. Do you really think that after a year of browsing this site, that I would be naïve enough to just get an aviation degree?

I am one of only a few wearing crimson and cream in a sea of burnt orange and maroon...just how I like it...

Thank you for the invitation, but I am currently in Colorado visiting relatives, although I would love to see some pictures of that T-44, love those birds!
(Navy I take it?)

Saw 'Em Off!!

Thomas
KDWH

snippercr

I would think that after a year of browsing this site, you would still CHOOSE to commit so much time and money to this dead end career in the first place as being naive.

Alright, I'm kidding...well, to a certain extent. It's good that you are still pursuing it. Best of luck with their program. As many people have advised, it sounds like getting a degree in something else is desired.

Oh and congrats on getting accepted.

Best of luck! Welcome to the Jungle.

NWA320pilot

I attended OU and Spartan, shoot me a PM and I would be happy to answer any questions that I can.

AmericanEagleFO

I went to OU and got all my ratings there. I actually was the VP of the AER Aviation Fraternity and the Aviation Club. I can tell you I honestly loved the school. They were very helpful, understanding, and skilled. The warriors are brand new (I flew both the old ones and the new ones) and the curriculum has been re-evaluated recently. The cost seemed to be fair, plus you get college credit. I am from Texas but it was still cheaper for me to go there than stay in state. Texas schools ain't cheap!

If you got any questions just let me know.

NTT5418

Thanks for all your responses guys!! I would PM you guys but APC forums tells me I must have 25 posts before I can access this feature. (?)

I take it you work for American Eagle?

I heard they have a bridge program and some internship opportunities with certain regional carriers. Did you do that when you were there?

Has anyone else had any experience with these programs?
What about flight instruction there? Anyone do it? How hard is it to get hired by them? I heard the pay is minimal at best...

Thanks!

Thomas

pkunzip66

I am an Alumni from OU myself and went through the aviation program. I ended up double majoring in aviation and business. The thoughts that you have with getting a fiance degree and aviation, is probably a super smart idea just in case something goes TU in the aviation world and you are stuck w/out a flying job.

I wouldn't get too hyped up about the CFI jobs at OU, cause at this moment in time there is no movement anywhere but in 3, 4, 5 years, when you get your CFI, it could be a totally different story.

The bridge program at AE is definitely a good thing to experience and at least get your feet wet in the airline industry. However, I wouldn't put all your hopes and dreams into getting a job there. Not that you will not get hired but their upgrade time is ridiculous at the moment. No offense to the AE guys cause I have a few friends there at the moment.

I worked at XJT and unfortunately I am furloughed but hoping that my recall letter is coming in the mail soon. Maybe when this industry starts going full steam again that movement within the regionals will begin to happen again.

Overall, I don't think you will find a better school for the price. I had a few friends that went to some of the Florida schools and are in some serious 6 figure debt and I managed to get out w/ half of that. They now have a new fleet of warriors, which i didn't get to experience . The school is great and you will definitely get a top rated education. If you want to talk or ask any other questions about the program just ask. I still have a handful of friends in the aviation department.

AmericanEagleFO

Yeah, the bridge program was great (i heard). It was basically the ground school with basic office duties after that from what I understand. I wouldn't count on teaching there. Super underpaid like all CFI i guess and you don't get any discount on tuition for working for the University. They really do help you with placement opprotunities and stuff like that. They may not be able to get you an interview but they know the directions to point you in. I'd bet most major flight schools would though. Flying is flying, if you choose OU make it for the price or other education. DEFINITELY double major. Business or finance or something like that would accentuate your aviation degree but still open doors outside of the industry if it goes sould again. "Thanks alot Bin Laden" <----Name the movie!!! I will say the senior instructors there like Jignesh Patel and Dave McClurkin really know their stuff, they wont lead you astray.

NTT5418

The Hangover! Good movie.


What are some of the companies that OU grads have gotten into right out of school? Some regional airlines... other companies?

Also, how many hours of flight time does the average OU grad come out with assuming he/she completed every flying course available?

Thanks guys, your a real help!

Thomas