Grumble

Jesus dude, you get a sugar rush from that kool-aid?

Riddle is a waste of money. There are better schools out there, that provide a better education, for less money. I speak from experience. Why do you think ERAU can barely muster 2% of their alumni to donate? I send my request card back every year with a big "F*CK OFF" on it. You're a number there, not a student.

Climbto450

I am sorry you had such a bad experience. Not everyone I know enjoyed it either. However, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am sorry you didn't get your money's worth from ERAU. Every pilot takes different experience from his/her education at Riddle, some people get the most out of it (which in my opinion is alot) and some people get by with the bare minimum. I personally got the most from my education it sounds like you didn't. I also realize there are lot more quality choices in flight universities now. In the early 90s there where only three quality choices Perdue, ERAU and UND. I chose to go to ERAU because everyone I repected in aviation said it was a great program and it was in Daytona Beach (at the time it was spring break capitol of the Southeast). I also went to UCLA for a year before I went to Riddle, sometimes I wish I would have stayed and had alot more fun but then I wouldn't be where I am today. Good Luck

Grumble

My point is that you're throwing money at a degree, for classes that are totally pointless to a new pilot. Sure you come out knowing what an FMS is and how to navigate across the Atlantic. Know what? No one cares. By the time you get to that point in your career your employer is going to teach you that stuff anyway, and pay for the training. I spent three years as an undergrad at ERAU working as a CFI. We provided the exact same instruction you can get at any 141 school in the country, the students just paid twice as much for it. Your commercial ticket doesn't say where you got it from, just that you met the PTS. Did I have fun in Daytona? Yes. Would I do it again? Not a snow balls chance in hell. The Aero Sci degree program is nothing more than a $150K commerical multi. The education prepares you for exactly crap. $15K for the B1900 and 737 sim courses? Waste of money. You're going to be sitting in the right seat of a C-172 for several years after graduation. Especially now that you're going to need 1500 hours to get a 121 job anyway. Would you rather be paying student loans for the next 20 years while earning CFI/135 pay, or have that money for rent/food/fun. Trust fund babies need not consider this.

Purpleanga

I completely agree with you. I was really shocked at the stuff they're learning over there when I talked to a pretty recent grad, who by the way regretted the schoool. You don't need any of that, go and get a real education. I guess people go there because they think it will be Aviation camp for 4 years but in reality you're all competitors for the same job and living and breathing aviation everyday with 90%guys must get old really really quickly. No wonder ERAU grads get bad flack for being avia nerds.

Grumble

There's nothing wrong with being an aviation nerd, I'm def one. And ERAU does have some outstanding programs. I personally know half a dozen people that graduated from the Engineering and Physics programs and went straight to work for NASA, Raytheon, Lockheed, etc. However for an aspiring career pilot, 4 years of studying, partying, and REAL college like University of Florida, and flying on the side at your local FBO will 1. get you the same ratings as Riddle 2. give you a degree to fall back on if you bail on aviation, lose your medical, etc., 3. have much MUCH more fun in college 4. not bankrupt you 5. give you a football team to hang your hat on for the rest of your life, and on and on.

Spending 150K or more at ERAU gives you absolutely NO advantage over any other dude off the street when walking into an interview at a potential employer. You either know the stuff asked in the interview or you don't.

Climbto450

Last time I was in ERAU DAB it was not 90% guys anymore the ratio has come way down to 2.5 to 1. It may not be like a big state school but it is a hell of alot better then the 7/6 to 1 ratio from when I was there. And yes you are right Embry-Riddle way over prepares there students for the early stages of there career. Just like I am sure that Harvard law way over prepares their students for the early stages of there careers.

Pitts S2B

As it was stated earlier, go to ERAU for an engineering or IT based degree. Fly a little off campus if you want. When you graduate, go to ATP schools, or some similar school that uses muli-engine aircraft. Get your CFI and start instructing. Multi-engine time is gold. Get as much as possible. While you are doing that, start talking to national guard units and get yourself a fighter slot. More fun and WAY less hassle than being full time in the military.

Minus the military, this is the road I took. AND the degree gives you something to fall back on WHEN (yes WHEN) you get layed off.... You get all the contacts from Riddle for half the price. And, if you choose, you can become a test pilot too...

Purpleanga

HAHAHAHA! Wow.. Thanks for a good laugh. Do they have lounge sleeping 101? Or airport reserve 202?

Grumble

Oh my God. Do you work for Riddle? Are you the marketing man now? If your comparison to Harvard Law held any water, you'd walk off the stage with your degree and into a right seat of a 777 at United. Get real man.

billinaz

Quote:
Originally Posted by Climbto450
And yes you are right Embry-Riddle way over prepares there students for the early stages of there career. Just like I am sure that Harvard law way over prepares their students for the early stages of there careers.


Yea, I think he does. BTW, I believe it should be THEIR and not THERE.

Getting those cards and letters begging for money actually makes me laugh. Tell ya what, Ill donate to the university when I pay off my student loans and make a profit flying that exceeds my Air Sci course tuition.

Dont hold your breath.