New GI Bill and Flight Training
- Thread starter FightingFalconInstructor
- Start date
USRaven
Well-Known Member
Wow. I am in that boat right now, and had NO IDEA about the new POST 9/11 changes.
My plan now is to take 3 months off from Avionics tech work, go to ATP to get the cert's out of the way, come back and work part time instructor- part time avionics.
My wife has roots in Tampa as an attorney. I can't up and go to college to finish my ERAU degree (60 credits in).
BUT GOD HOW AWESOME FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN!!!! Jeez...
My plan now is to take 3 months off from Avionics tech work, go to ATP to get the cert's out of the way, come back and work part time instructor- part time avionics.
My wife has roots in Tampa as an attorney. I can't up and go to college to finish my ERAU degree (60 credits in).
BUT GOD HOW AWESOME FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN!!!! Jeez...
That is correct. UVU has not figured it out yet. I called the school's Veterans office at (801)863-6457 and aviation department at (801)-863-7830 to inquire about both programs, in residence and Global. UVU seems confused about this Post 9/11 GI Bill and is still talking about the 60/40 program.
subpilot
Squawking 7600
It is going to take awhile for the word to get out and then for all the programs to get the approval through the VA. I know in Central California, the College of the Sequoias is putting together a program for the post 9/11 GI Bill but said it would not be ready until Jan 2010 at the earliest (and that was optimistic).
Just an update from me. I'm currently flying to Bend, Oregon (Inflight wireless rocks!). Im currently active duty so instead of the $16K single engine commercial, I am opting for a Multi and single engine $37K course.
The max fees allowed per term for Oregon is $22190. BUT...since I'm active duty those maximums DO NOT APPLY.
What does that mean? Technically I can fly the nicest a/c they have (2008 Cirrus SR20) and the 2002 Seminole and the GI BILL is going to pay for it.
AMAZING...
My biggest advice to everyone is
- First, If you have decided on Ch 33 then get your application into the VA ASAP. There processing time has gone from 4 weeks to possible 10 weeks. The College will not usually certify your enrollment until they have the Letter or Eligibility (LOE). Depending on the college's arrangement with the flight school, this means that you can not start flying until the College knows that the VA is going to pick up the tab (even if it takes them another 4 weeks to process the payment app).
- Second, if you have decided to transfer from Ch 30 to Ch 33 there is a provision to be able to use you CH 33 for Part 141 flight trng (aka 60/40)
- Lastly, be patient with the Veterans Advisors at the financial aid offices. If you have found some information online that they don't know about then you can always politely ask them to refer to their WAVE handbook (available to you at the GI BILL VA website, see link belew) or ask them to call their Education Liaison Officer (ELR) who works directly for the VA.
As I just said, Tons of good info is available on the VA GI Bill website. http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/school_resources.htm JACKPOT!
Also check out IAVA website www.newgibill.org. more info and calculators. And join IAVA, they are fellow veterans looking out for us in washington.
God Speed
The max fees allowed per term for Oregon is $22190. BUT...since I'm active duty those maximums DO NOT APPLY.
What does that mean? Technically I can fly the nicest a/c they have (2008 Cirrus SR20) and the 2002 Seminole and the GI BILL is going to pay for it.
AMAZING...
My biggest advice to everyone is
- First, If you have decided on Ch 33 then get your application into the VA ASAP. There processing time has gone from 4 weeks to possible 10 weeks. The College will not usually certify your enrollment until they have the Letter or Eligibility (LOE). Depending on the college's arrangement with the flight school, this means that you can not start flying until the College knows that the VA is going to pick up the tab (even if it takes them another 4 weeks to process the payment app).
- Second, if you have decided to transfer from Ch 30 to Ch 33 there is a provision to be able to use you CH 33 for Part 141 flight trng (aka 60/40)
- Lastly, be patient with the Veterans Advisors at the financial aid offices. If you have found some information online that they don't know about then you can always politely ask them to refer to their WAVE handbook (available to you at the GI BILL VA website, see link belew) or ask them to call their Education Liaison Officer (ELR) who works directly for the VA.
As I just said, Tons of good info is available on the VA GI Bill website. http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/school_resources.htm JACKPOT!
Also check out IAVA website www.newgibill.org. more info and calculators. And join IAVA, they are fellow veterans looking out for us in washington.
God Speed
Graviator,
I am Army Warrant Officer just about to finish my BS in Pro Aeronautics from ERAU. I use TA for those classes. I applied for Chapter 33 and I am transferring 18 months benefits to my daughter so that she can go to graduate school. So...what you are saying is that even though I switched from Ch. 30 to 33, I can still use the 60/40 benefit at a VA approved flight school? (I used 3 months of Chapter 30 several years ago while I was in the civilian world.)
If this is the case, can you provide a reference or contact person who can validate this. I am having a hard time getting a straight answer. Thanks.
I am Army Warrant Officer just about to finish my BS in Pro Aeronautics from ERAU. I use TA for those classes. I applied for Chapter 33 and I am transferring 18 months benefits to my daughter so that she can go to graduate school. So...what you are saying is that even though I switched from Ch. 30 to 33, I can still use the 60/40 benefit at a VA approved flight school? (I used 3 months of Chapter 30 several years ago while I was in the civilian world.)
If this is the case, can you provide a reference or contact person who can validate this. I am having a hard time getting a straight answer. Thanks.
subpilot
Squawking 7600
1.) There may not be a college in your area with a flight program, yet there is a VA approved FBO.
2.) You want to pay for a type rating.
If you don't have 24 months of benefits remaining on your GI Bill, you may run out before you have finished a college flight program. College flight programs take about four semesters to finish their flight training through commercial certificate and even longer for CFI. The VA won't drop $40K for all your flight training all at once; you have to be registered for the corresponding course in conjuction with your flight training (I.E. Private Pilot Ground School for Private Pilot flight training). So one semester they may give you $10,000 for private pilot training and the next semester $15,000 for Instrument rating. The 60/40 program might get you farther along if you have used most of your benefits. To some who may already hold a college degree, two years is too long and would rather just go to a regular part 141 school not associated with a college.
Aviator flight school just created a new collge called Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology in Fort Pierce, FL. This is the same school that offers accelerated all Multi-engine training.
Looks like it has been accredited by the ACCST which might make them eligible for IHL status with the VA. The degree itself would be completely useless becasue it's not regionally accredited but, is good for someone who already has a bachelors degree and wants 200 hours of multi-engine training.
Looks like it has been accredited by the ACCST which might make them eligible for IHL status with the VA. The degree itself would be completely useless becasue it's not regionally accredited but, is good for someone who already has a bachelors degree and wants 200 hours of multi-engine training.
ozziecat35
4 out of 5 great lakes prefer Michigan.
Any word on, or has anyone heard if UVU will adopt the flying costs as part of the their "lab fees" for their extended campus programs they have with all the flight schools in the land? Westwind Aviation is partnered with UVU at DVT, so if they covered that I'm in like flint, I can't afford to drive to IWA to go the Chandler Gilbert CC program.
starboundphoenix
New Member
It sure as hell isn't easy finding a school anywhere close to me that offers the 100% coverage with the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I'm in South Jersey. There's a perfect set up with plenty of local schools that offer aviation degrees and plenty of good local flight schools that would love the business. Alas, no one has a clue how the program works. Bravo to the few schools/FBOs that jumped on this right away. They'll be the ones making all the money with a flood of new veteran students.
subpilot
Squawking 7600
I have the same problem in Bakersfield, CA. I transfered my benefits to my spouse and so far no schools in the area, or even the entire state, have a university aviation program that is covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. We have to consider the closest colleges in either Arizona or Oregon and that ain't going to happen anytime soon.
Cessna Driver
New Member
Graviator,
What if I've already used up my Chapter 30 - will Chapter 33 then act as Chapter 30 in regards to flight training? I'm not sure if that could be considered "transferring" to Chapter 33 or not...I'm guessing probably not
Seems like you're farther down this road than I am, but I'm in hot pursuit!
Cessna Driver
New Member
Here's the email I sent the VA asking for clarification. No response as of yet, 1 week later.
My main question is can I use Chapter 33 as if it were Chapter 30 since I previously qualified for Chap. 30? Or can you only do that if you still have benefits remaining under chapter 30 and elect to transfer to Chap. 33?
We'll see!
_________________________________________________________
"Dear Sir/Madam:
I understand that officially Chapter 33 will not cover flight training. However, I was previously eligible for Chapter 30 Benefits, which I have recently used up. According to this phamplet,
http://www.gibill.va.gov/documents/Post-911_General_Info.pdf
it seems that I should be able to use Chapter 33 benefits for flight training, since I was previously eligible for Chapter 30 benefits. Am I understanding this correctly? Here's the information I'm specifically referencing on page 2 of the above phamplet:
"NOTE: If an individual is eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill as well as other GI Bill benefits, s/he will be required to make an irrevocable choice of which benefit to receive. Individuals who were previously eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606), or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, Chapter 1607) may continue to receive benefits for approved programs not offered by degree-granting institutions. These programs include flight, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, preparatory courses, and national tests. Individuals in these programs will be paid as if they are still receiving benefits under Chapters 30, 1606, and 1607."
As you can see, I'm drawing the conclusion that I should be able to use Chapter 33 for flight training, seeing that I was previously eligible for Chapter 30 benefits which are now exhausted."
My main question is can I use Chapter 33 as if it were Chapter 30 since I previously qualified for Chap. 30? Or can you only do that if you still have benefits remaining under chapter 30 and elect to transfer to Chap. 33?
We'll see!
_________________________________________________________
"Dear Sir/Madam:
I understand that officially Chapter 33 will not cover flight training. However, I was previously eligible for Chapter 30 Benefits, which I have recently used up. According to this phamplet,
http://www.gibill.va.gov/documents/Post-911_General_Info.pdf
it seems that I should be able to use Chapter 33 benefits for flight training, since I was previously eligible for Chapter 30 benefits. Am I understanding this correctly? Here's the information I'm specifically referencing on page 2 of the above phamplet:
"NOTE: If an individual is eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill as well as other GI Bill benefits, s/he will be required to make an irrevocable choice of which benefit to receive. Individuals who were previously eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606), or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, Chapter 1607) may continue to receive benefits for approved programs not offered by degree-granting institutions. These programs include flight, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, preparatory courses, and national tests. Individuals in these programs will be paid as if they are still receiving benefits under Chapters 30, 1606, and 1607."
As you can see, I'm drawing the conclusion that I should be able to use Chapter 33 for flight training, seeing that I was previously eligible for Chapter 30 benefits which are now exhausted."
Hi all,
New to forum. I have spent about 4 days looking for institutions in southern California that will accept chapter 33 (Post 9/11) benefits and have not been able to get anywhere.
Embry Riddle has a satelite school in Long Beach but it does not offer flight training there, Costa mesa has a comunity college that offers an Aviation A.S. degree but you have to have your private licence in order to get accepted, San Diego, Palomar, you name it....... NOTHING! Has any one heard of any leads.... Any one have any guidance...... I'll do the research, I'm just out of ideas. This would be "ther dream job" and after 12 years in the infantry its nice to know that our country is giving back to service men with such an oportunity as the post 9/11 benefits deal, and I just want to make sure that if I opt not to follow this dream that its because it isn't possible in this state and not because I left a stone unturned.
Thanks in advance and best regards!
Miranda
New to forum. I have spent about 4 days looking for institutions in southern California that will accept chapter 33 (Post 9/11) benefits and have not been able to get anywhere.
Embry Riddle has a satelite school in Long Beach but it does not offer flight training there, Costa mesa has a comunity college that offers an Aviation A.S. degree but you have to have your private licence in order to get accepted, San Diego, Palomar, you name it....... NOTHING! Has any one heard of any leads.... Any one have any guidance...... I'll do the research, I'm just out of ideas. This would be "ther dream job" and after 12 years in the infantry its nice to know that our country is giving back to service men with such an oportunity as the post 9/11 benefits deal, and I just want to make sure that if I opt not to follow this dream that its because it isn't possible in this state and not because I left a stone unturned.
Thanks in advance and best regards!
Miranda