OK I took the general campus tour as well as the aviation department tour today. Impressions, I like the campus. I like the atmosphere, the students, the people, and it looks like the academics are top notch. Saw the simulators, the aviation departjment etc. I am digesting what everybody is saying here. Well- almost everybody. Even the tour guide guy (student) said that he would go rent planes from the local airpark who rents the 1970's planes instead of the 2001 riddle planes cause its cheaper.
I also met with the advisor/counselor/admissions person. She told me that alot of my existing credits would transfer, and I could be done thru Commercial MultiEngine in 5 semesters. I'd still have to take some the gen ed like meteorology, physics 2 and of course all the airplane related courses.
But those of you guys who have graduated riddle and say it wasnt worth the cost etc are really making me think twice. How did you guys do academically? I've heard 2 sides of the fence when it comes to GPA. That 1) Companies dont care about the GPA, cause being a good student doesnt mean you're a good pilot and vice versa. But also 2) GPA is one of the most important considerations when it comes to hiring, promotions, etc.
So you guys are also saying that the companies dont care that if I went to riddle, you get all those classes on how the airplanes/engines work, aerodynamics, physics, the advanced simulators etc really have no bearing on getting a job then someone who just went to the local FBO and just flew planes without learning how the engines work, aerodynamics classes etc.
As much as I think it would be great to come down here and go to school next to the beach I already did that before.
A few things still- wouldnt going to a place like this have an upper hand in getting the "foot in the door" with internships etc? Then again, I suppose I have a better chance getting a foot in the door as a flight instructor from the local FBO back home if I got all my ratings up to CFI thru them.
So more and more I'm thinking- finish business degree from local public state school + flight instruction from local FBO = cheaper then 1 year at riddle.
Oh yeah- another thing I forgot to mention/think about is back when I was 19 (3 years ago) I was charged with alcohol possession. I went to court, plead guilty, and the judge put me on probation. Im no lawyer but I understand that probation is a finding of guilt. however, I clearly remember the judge saying that he put me on probation so it wouldnt hurt my chances of getting a job. Otherwise, aside from a couple of speeding tickets my record is clean. I've NEVER used drugs and I'm certainly no alcoholic. Now- I'm wondering what this would have on any airline career. Who should I check with to see how this charge affects my chances? Police dept? Courthouse? Lawyer?
Thats all for now, I'm sure i'll come up with something else.
