JDean3204
Well-Known Member
I decided to start this thread in general topics in order to get the most exposure, feel free to move it if needed.
I was notified this week about some changes that are happening to the funding from the VA for flight training. These changes are in effect due to certain programs taking advantage of the "open checkbook" that their veteran students had for the last five years. Apparently certain schools were charging over 200,000 dollars for veterans trying to earn their rotary wing tickets, starting them right in turbine equipment. I will leave this program and others nameless, as it is already a done deal. However, these changes will be detrimental to those who are deciding to use their benefits for an approved 2 or 4 year flight program under the Post 9-11 GI Bill.
For example, I attended Portland Community College for the 2 year degree which included all tickets through MEI. At the time this was covered 100 percent, and covered at the rate of the "average" students pace as far as funding was concerned. Most terms I had more than enough to finish the course, only one term did I need to supplement the funds with my own savings. I was able to complete most of the program (without the CFI option) with about 3K out of pocket in total.
With the changes that are taking place next semester, this will not be the case for a prospective student. These are the big changes that will take place at least at PCC..
-Private Pilot will not be funded (Hillsboro Aero Academy quotes PPL at about $13,000)
-Instrument rating will be covered only at the bare mins for the FAA (35hours), there willnot be a buffer there for the "average" pace of a student. So either learn everything very quickly or be prepared to pay out of pocket to finish up.
-Commercial training will be the same as instrument, enough for the 120 hours in course needed to complete the syllabus requirements (this should not be an issue).
-CFI/CFII/MEI is still under construction by the school as far as coverage is concerned.
I am choosing to write about this because I know the stress that is involved in getting out of a stable career and putting all your eggs in one basket. I honestly cannot say that I would use the "new" benefits to enroll in an approved course, you would be better off going to a four year school and getting a real degree. While attending that university, save up and work on the ratings on the side. It is honestly not worth jumping through all of the hoops these programs include in order to complete their program if you are now funding 30-40 percent of it yourself. That percentage sounds low, but remember these programs usually have jacked up prices. You will find instruction that is just as good at other locations for a much cheaper price.
I am saddened to hear about these changes, at the same time I am very grateful that I was able to take advantage of the GI Bill when I did. If you really want something, you WILL find a way to get it done, just remember to be smart about it financially. The more money in loans you rack up, the more you will pay back. I can tell you if I had to pay a 500-600 dollar loan a month on my current FO pay scale I would be in a very bad financial situation.
I was notified this week about some changes that are happening to the funding from the VA for flight training. These changes are in effect due to certain programs taking advantage of the "open checkbook" that their veteran students had for the last five years. Apparently certain schools were charging over 200,000 dollars for veterans trying to earn their rotary wing tickets, starting them right in turbine equipment. I will leave this program and others nameless, as it is already a done deal. However, these changes will be detrimental to those who are deciding to use their benefits for an approved 2 or 4 year flight program under the Post 9-11 GI Bill.
For example, I attended Portland Community College for the 2 year degree which included all tickets through MEI. At the time this was covered 100 percent, and covered at the rate of the "average" students pace as far as funding was concerned. Most terms I had more than enough to finish the course, only one term did I need to supplement the funds with my own savings. I was able to complete most of the program (without the CFI option) with about 3K out of pocket in total.
With the changes that are taking place next semester, this will not be the case for a prospective student. These are the big changes that will take place at least at PCC..
-Private Pilot will not be funded (Hillsboro Aero Academy quotes PPL at about $13,000)
-Instrument rating will be covered only at the bare mins for the FAA (35hours), there willnot be a buffer there for the "average" pace of a student. So either learn everything very quickly or be prepared to pay out of pocket to finish up.
-Commercial training will be the same as instrument, enough for the 120 hours in course needed to complete the syllabus requirements (this should not be an issue).
-CFI/CFII/MEI is still under construction by the school as far as coverage is concerned.
I am choosing to write about this because I know the stress that is involved in getting out of a stable career and putting all your eggs in one basket. I honestly cannot say that I would use the "new" benefits to enroll in an approved course, you would be better off going to a four year school and getting a real degree. While attending that university, save up and work on the ratings on the side. It is honestly not worth jumping through all of the hoops these programs include in order to complete their program if you are now funding 30-40 percent of it yourself. That percentage sounds low, but remember these programs usually have jacked up prices. You will find instruction that is just as good at other locations for a much cheaper price.
I am saddened to hear about these changes, at the same time I am very grateful that I was able to take advantage of the GI Bill when I did. If you really want something, you WILL find a way to get it done, just remember to be smart about it financially. The more money in loans you rack up, the more you will pay back. I can tell you if I had to pay a 500-600 dollar loan a month on my current FO pay scale I would be in a very bad financial situation.
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