A theory

[CFI A&P]

Nothing that you haven't heard this already, but I think your order of operations was out of order. I went enlisted, got out and one way or another GI Bill paid for ALL of my education and flight training. Started with an Associates degree that included ratings up to CFI and mechanic. Then CFI'd, busted my knuckles and other low time type jobs for a few years and recently went back for the Bachelors from ERAU and ATP check rides including seaplanes with 0 student loan debt. Just a matter of putting a plan together.

If you're really hellbent on going back in the service, with a bachelors degree you'd be crazy not to consider officer. Even if it isn't a flying capacity, maybe some other position such as aviation administrative officer. You have the degree and ratings, use them to their potential.

 

[Pilot Fighter]

This is not a knock to the OP but I have no idea as to why folks get into so much debt with schools like ERAU. I think the school must do a good job at recruiting. I have a friend who went to a different school and though he didn't take a loan out, he used all of an inheritance and ran out of money before finishing. As I went through Regional training recently, so many dudes I spoke with were in big debt and about to make pennies for pay.

Good luck to you though, I hope you figure it out.

I can't get my head around the debt many young men are getting themselves into. In 2009, I ran into a kid that had an interest in flying for a living. I recommended that he not go into debt and get the most flying for his dollar. I suggested buying block time. The street-smart kid found a school in an end of month cash crunch and bought 100 hours of 152 time for $5k cash. This was $19 an hour cheaper than their normal rate. I ran into the same kid a few months ago and he had his commercial and was still debt-free. He had an associates degree, waited tables and landscaped, lived at home, and drove a 50cc scooter. No debt, no rent, no car payment, no car insurance, no car registration, no wife, no kids, no fancy clothes, eats for free, goes to dollar movies, drinks cheap beer, orders from the dollar menu - I think he has a better chance at the big time than most ERAU grads. Debt and kids can kill a self-financed aviation education.

Edit: In some ways, I'm jealous.

 

[Whatusername]

Warning semi-buzzed post. I'm more or less in the same boat. I just turned 34 and reside in cubicle hell with some debt. I'd rather be flying but that ain't feasible right now. That being said I do have a plan on paying it off.

1. Sell some of the nicer things I have on eBay. Not like I use it much. I'm doing really good so far (all phase items sold).

2. No flying for August. Yes it sucks hardcore but I'll be better for it in September.

3. No car payments so yay.

Keep in mind I'm not some SJSer. I know the risks of this industry. If through luck or strange fluke end up a CA on a 787 or flying for FedEx, Delta or today's dream major cool! If not I can be just as happy earning good money/QOL flying (insert plane here).

Edit: Although it would be really really cool flying a Starship 1 to St. Marteen. That or flying a bright Honda Civic yellow seaplane to a tropical paradise. I ain't doing it for free though.