Future pilot, need advice.

Jtbenz

Jtbenz

Well-Known Member
I'll start off with a little back ground. I'm a 32 year old, Army Veteran, father of 3, who is looking to finally, after years of dreaming, start my pilot career. I know it's a bit of a late start, but like nearly everyone on here, it's what I've always wanted to do.
I will most likely choose UND, it just seems to be the best choice for me given all my personal circumstances, family, GI Bill, etc. I have 0 hours, training, etc. A clean slate. I won't be able to start for a number of months. We are still in the planning stages of relocating.
Since I have time, I'm looking for any and all advice that one wants to share, particularly those that have chosen, like me, to start their careers late, or know someone that has. Also from those that have gone through while having kids. Folks that have used the GI Bill/Post 911. But all advice is appreciated. Thanks!
 
Maybe ATPs? Do they still use the GI Bill? UND is horrendously expensive, also, having been to Grand Forks, I can honestly say that there aren't a lot of reasons I'd want to live there. The only reason I can think of is to go to school...
 
ppragman said:
UND is horrendously expensive.
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I wouldn't classify UND has "horrendously expensive". That would be more along the lines of ERAU. Within one year, an out-of-state student can achieve in-state tuition. Flight fees are about the same as another other flight school that is associated with a four year degree.

Welcome to Jetcareers btw! Alot of great information is located on these boards. While I cannot personally respond to your questions since I do not have any experience with GI-Bills and later starters, but if you have any questions about the program or the university, I would be glad to answer.
 
I went to a smaller community college that had partnerships with other universities you could concurrently attend on campus. The aircraft were state owned so they were nearly $50 cheaper than UND or ERAU. Total cost for all my training was $40,000 including school. www.bigbendaviation.com If you have questions let me know.
 
ppragman said:
Maybe ATPs? Do they still use the GI Bill? UND is horrendously expensive, also, having been to Grand Forks, I can honestly say that there aren't a lot of reasons I'd want to live there. The only reason I can think of is to go to school...
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My wife is from ND and nearly all of her close family is there. I'm pretty well aware of the winters, tho I will say I have not lived there for an extended period. But seeing as how I can tolerate cold better than my wife, who grew up there I should be fine. Thanks tho!
 
You may or may not already know, but as an Army Veteran, you are entitled to in-state tuition for your entire education at UND. It's something that a lot of people don't know about, but contact Veteran/Military Services at UND and they'll give you all the info.

As far as UND, it's a great program, and well-regarded by most airlines. I highly recommend taking flight courses in the summer also. Great flying weather and you can knock them out very quickly. Where are you from? Grand Forks is a culture shock for some. It is very isolated, but has pretty much everything you need in town - movie theaters, mall, plenty of restaurants, all the big stores, a few decent bars. The winter is brutal. I came from a warm climate (North Carolina) but got fairly well adjusted to it after one winter. If you like hockey, go to a UND/Sioux game. If you don't like hockey, go to a UND/Sioux game. Best ticket in town.
 
middies10 said:
I wouldn't classify UND has "horrendously expensive". That would be more along the lines of ERAU. Within one year, an out-of-state student can achieve in-state tuition. Flight fees are about the same as another other flight school that is associated with a four year degree.

Welcome to Jetcareers btw! Alot of great information is located on these boards. While I cannot personally respond to your questions since I do not have any experience with GI-Bills and later starters, but if you have any questions about the program or the university, I would be glad to answer.
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Thanks for the welcome! I've only been checking it out for the last day or so and it seems to be full of great info... and opinions. Is there anything I would be wise to do before I started the program to prepare?
 
Jtbenz said:
Thanks for the welcome! I've only been checking it out for the last day or so and it seems to be full of great info... and opinions. Is there anything I would be wise to do before I started the program to prepare?
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Nothing really. If you wanted to start reading/studying, that would not hurt at all. The Airplane Flying Handbook and Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge are all available on faa.gov for free.
 
Firstly... I would like to respond to the cost issue raised in some of the other posts on here. Cost is a non-issue at UND when using the GI Bill. It's all covered. You pay nothing except for purchasing your headset, flight supplies, parking permit, and a few other miscellaneous things. Therefore, the cost of UND tuition and flight training is (fortunately) irrelevant to your situation.

You will receive up to up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies.

You will also be paid a housing allowance, as I am sure you probably know. Since the cost of living is not very high here, it is only a modest $951 per month. (Based on a 30 day month.) This allowance is pro-rated. You will be paid less in months when there are scheduled off-days in the academic calendar. (Spring Break, etc.) This is important to know, since your payment will not always be the full $951.

The university has family housing located across the street from the aerospace buildings so it would be incredibly convenient if you decide to live there. Being single, I live in different student apartments that are a few hundred feet farther away. Either way, it has been great being able to walk 5 minutes to class and not have to drive in adverse conditions. If you are interested in living there, keep in mind that the student apartments tend to fill up rather quickly and there is often a waiting list. Even if you are still debating going to UND, I would submit an application to the school immediately. Once accepted, submit an application for housing.

Do you have a degree? Either way, it sounds to me like UND would be the best option for you. l just started at UND today with the GI Bill. (Also a late starter, at 27.) If you enroll in summers and take appropriate course loads, you can be out of here in 3 years. Of course, you would be here longer if you decided to stay and instruct.
 
ppragman said:
Maybe ATPs? Do they still use the GI Bill? UND is horrendously expensive, also, having been to Grand Forks, I can honestly say that there aren't a lot of reasons I'd want to live there. The only reason I can think of is to go to school...
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ATP (when not in conjunction with the ASU flight program) doesn't take the GI Bill.

Meanwhile, UND is essentially free under the current benefits. If someone can cope with the cold weather and relatively boring surroundings, it's an easy choice.
 
Cessnaflyer said:
I went to a smaller community college that had partnerships with other universities you could concurrently attend on campus. The aircraft were state owned so they were nearly $50 cheaper than UND or ERAU. Total cost for all my training was $40,000 including school. www.bigbendaviation.com If you have questions let me know.
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Unfortunately I don't think WA is in the cards for me. Plus I looked and Big Bend Aviation is not a VA approved School, which for me is a must. Plus with my wife having most of her family in ND its a good fit. Thanks again though, it's appreciated.
 
FAYEV said:
You may or may not already know, but as an Army Veteran, you are entitled to in-state tuition for your entire education at UND. It's something that a lot of people don't know about, but contact Veteran/Military Services at UND and they'll give you all the info.

As far as UND, it's a great program, and well-regarded by most airlines. I highly recommend taking flight courses in the summer also. Great flying weather and you can knock them out very quickly. Where are you from? Grand Forks is a culture shock for some. It is very isolated, but has pretty much everything you need in town - movie theaters, mall, plenty of restaurants, all the big stores, a few decent bars. The winter is brutal. I came from a warm climate (North Carolina) but got fairly well adjusted to it after one winter. If you like hockey, go to a UND/Sioux game. If you don't like hockey, go to a UND/Sioux game. Best ticket in town.
Click to expand...

I myself am from Colorado ( living in VA now), but my wife is a ND native. I've been to ND many times including GF a couple times. I've never lived for an extended period there but am familiar with how brutal the winters are. Love Hockey, btw. My bro-in-law has season tix for the Sioux, so if this works out, there will def be some Sioux games in the cards. Thanks also, for the info on tuition!
 
Zidac said:
Firstly... I would like to respond to the cost issue raised in some of the other posts on here. Cost is a non-issue at UND when using the GI Bill. It's all covered. You pay nothing except for purchasing your headset, flight supplies, parking permit, and a few other miscellaneous things. Therefore, the cost of UND tuition and flight training is (fortunately) irrelevant to your situation.

You will receive up to up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies.

You will also be paid a housing allowance, as I am sure you probably know. Since the cost of living is not very high here, it is only a modest $951 per month. (Based on a 30 day month.) This allowance is pro-rated. You will be paid less in months when there are scheduled off-days in the academic calendar. (Spring Break, etc.) This is important to know, since your payment will not always be the full $951.

The university has family housing located across the street from the aerospace buildings so it would be incredibly convenient if you decide to live there. Being single, I live in different student apartments that are a few hundred feet farther away. Either way, it has been great being able to walk 5 minutes to class and not have to drive in adverse conditions. If you are interested in living there, keep in mind that the student apartments tend to fill up rather quickly and there is often a waiting list. Even if you are still debating going to UND, I would submit an application to the school immediately. Once accepted, submit an application for housing.

Do you have a degree? Either way, it sounds to me like UND would be the best option for you. l just started at UND today with the GI Bill. (Also a late starter, at 27.) If you enroll in summers and take appropriate course loads, you can be out of here in 3 years. Of course, you would be here longer if you decided to stay and instruct.
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Great info, thanks! With the GI bill I only qualify for 80%, since i was in for only 25 months after 9/11, but it's still a great deal. Did not know about the housing, so will def look into that. I do not have a degree, and not too worried about living in GF, my wife is from Nodak and family is very close by, which will be helpful, and at 32 w/ 3 kids my partying days are long gone.
 
Jtbenz said:
Great info, thanks! With the GI bill I only qualify for 80%, since i was in for only 25 months after 9/11, but it's still a great deal. Did not know about the housing, so will def look into that. I do not have a degree, and not too worried about living in GF, my wife is from Nodak and family is very close by, which will be helpful, and at 32 w/ 3 kids my partying days are long gone.
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In that case, you would be eligible for 80% of the housing allowance and 80% of the $1,000 annual allowance. That 20% cost to you can be at least partially offset if you apply and qualify for some financial aid.

Either way, it will be a good deal for you. Since you want to fly and will need a degree anyway, you might as well go for it.
 
Jtbenz said:
I'll start off with a little back ground. I'm a 32 year old, Army Veteran, father of 3, who is looking to finally, after years of dreaming, start my pilot career. I know it's a bit of a late start, but like nearly everyone on here, it's what I've always wanted to do.
I will most likely choose UND, it just seems to be the best choice for me given all my personal circumstances, family, GI Bill, etc. I have 0 hours, training, etc. A clean slate. I won't be able to start for a number of months. We are still in the planning stages of relocating.
Since I have time, I'm looking for any and all advice that one wants to share, particularly those that have chosen, like me, to start their careers late, or know someone that has. Also from those that have gone through while having kids. Folks that have used the GI Bill/Post 911. But all advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...


As I do not yet have kids, I cannot offer any advice in that area. I started flight training back in April using the post 9-11 GI Bill, it is a great opportunity to pursue your goal of becoming a pilot. As long as you plan in advance and take care of all appropriate paperwork when needed, the VA literally sends the school all funds needed for the entire class. I am not sure how UND works and if I am wrong someone please correct me, but at most schools that utilize the GI Bill in their flight program they cover the expensive flight fees as "lab fees". So enrollment in a flight class will be a must to receive that money, being 80% covered, I would come up with a good plan to cover the rest of the expenses as soon as possible. I am in school with a gentleman right now who exhausted all of his bennies (60% coverage I believe...) and is now in a pinch while trying to finish his PPL. I have 100% coverage but still have a good amount of money just in case the benefits fall short of what is required for a certain certificate or rating at any time.

Welcome to JC and hope all works out for you and your family!
 
JDean3204 said:
As I do not yet have kids, I cannot offer any advice in that area. I started flight training back in April using the post 9-11 GI Bill, it is a great opportunity to pursue your goal of becoming a pilot. As long as you plan in advance and take care of all appropriate paperwork when needed, the VA literally sends the school all funds needed for the entire class. I am not sure how UND works and if I am wrong someone please correct me, but at most schools that utilize the GI Bill in their flight program they cover the expensive flight fees as "lab fees". So enrollment in a flight class will be a must to receive that money, being 80% covered, I would come up with a good plan to cover the rest of the expenses as soon as possible. I am in school with a gentleman right now who exhausted all of his bennies (60% coverage I believe...) and is now in a pinch while trying to finish his PPL. I have 100% coverage but still have a good amount of money just in case the benefits fall short of what is required for a certain certificate or rating at any time.

Welcome to JC and hope all works out for you and your family!
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Thanks so much for the info, it's really appreciated! How was it dealing with the VA as far as timeliness after getting the paperwork finished? I have heard stories from other buddies about how long it took for the VA to start paying benefits, but that was years ago under the old GIB. Has it improved? This other gentleman you speak of, did he previously use some of his ed benefits? Is that why they ran out? I have used none myself, so I should be covered for 36 academic months, like everyone else, right?
 
Jtbenz said:
Thanks so much for the info, it's really appreciated! How was it dealing with the VA as far as timeliness after getting the paperwork finished? I have heard stories from other buddies about how long it took for the VA to start paying benefits, but that was years ago under the old GIB. Has it improved? This other gentleman you speak of, did he previously use some of his ed benefits? Is that why they ran out? I have used none myself, so I should be covered for 36 academic months, like everyone else, right?
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You are correct about being covered for a full 36 month period. Here is where you have to be able to crunch numbers to figure out the 80% coverage. For example, say your first flight class is private pilot with a 100% coverage of 10,000. Since you are entitled to 80%, the VA will only cover 8,000, which means you may need to cover the difference if you go over that 80% each term. The VA rep at UND should be able to tell you by now what the VA coverage is per term for each class ( they do vary). Then just take 20% of each term or if not the whole program and that will be what you will need to cover.

At the school I am attending, they have a very thorough breakdown of the coverage that is provided by the VA on a class by class basis for the Aviation Science Degree. Maybe that is something you can ask a VA rep next time you are talking to them. My buddy was entitled to 60% coverage, he is covered for 36 months, just not in full each term, only 60% of the total tuition each term. He did not previously use any other benefits that I know of, but I may not be correct as we did not talk in detail about his benefits other than what he is currently entitled to.

You should have a letter from the VA that states what your entitlements are for the 36 month basis, I am guessing that is where you got the 80% from.

http://www.studentservices.aero.und.edu/pdfs/Individualflightcoursecosts.pdf

The above link is a program cost for UND, this should give you an idea of what you will need to cover the difference if the VA does in fact cover 100% at UND for those entitled to full benefits. Hope that clears is up some for ya.
 
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