New GI Bill and Flight Training

Speaking of GI bill stuff...has anyone have any intel on Aviator College down in Florida? They are advertising Chapter 33 "friendly" so this is a bonus.

Also, any other intel on Central Oregon Community College? I have dropped an IM to DME, but curious if anyone else has info on the program...specifically if the VA will actually pay for airplane AND helicopter?!?
 
I suppose it all depends on how you setup your classes. Remember that every class needs to lead to a degree, so bearing that in mind, it's plausible to setup a program if the college in flexible.

Speaking of...The October 1'st deadline has come and gone, anyone have any success stories aside from those already posted. Anyone doing the private 10K capped 141/FBO programs? The more active we make this thread, the more chance of helping a fellow Vet. out.
 
ozziecat35 said:
I suppose it all depends on how you setup your classes. Remember that every class needs to lead to a degree, so bearing that in mind, it's plausible to setup a program if the college in flexible.

Speaking of...The October 1'st deadline has come and gone, anyone have any success stories aside from those already posted. Anyone doing the private 10K capped 141/FBO programs? The more active we make this thread, the more chance of helping a fellow Vet. out.
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I haven't heard about anyone applying for this (10K deal). I asked the flight school that is associated with the IHL here in town and they were "all over it". They wanted me to bring in my log book to go over times and build a program for me. I am not even sure if it's been funded or not, I think that is the big question. I am holding off right now to figure out how to maximize the benefit. If I can hook up the fixed wing AND helo stuff up at COCC like was eluded to earlier, I will be all over that. Then again, I think I should jump all over it before the good deal goes the way of the Greek goverment. Decisions, decisions!

Hey Ozzie, did you convert your MGIB to post 9/11? If so, did you do that through the education office or you do it through the VA online application deal?
 
I'm also interested in hearing from someone who has actually began or about to begin the 10K VA approved 141 option. I have my PPL and currently seeking my instrument, commercial and CFI tickets but since I live in Montgomery, AL it seems as if I'm going to have to temporarily move to Elgin AFB or some other 100+mile location just to take advantage of the10k/yr plan. At that rate it will take 3 years to complete my CFI rating. There's got to be a better way. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
I read thru the new stuff fast but doesn't it say that you can be in any vocational flight training and get the in state tuition OR 10k a year cap. Meaning you would fall under the 10K /yr cap for a non college. It didn't mention 141 vs 61. I sent a question in thru the VA website asking so I will post their response. I have used my Ch. 30 Benefits for my Instrument/Commerical ratings single/multi. at a 141 school but switched for my CFI to a pt 61 due to crappy instructor. The CFI rides are a big deal so paying out of my pocket for better instruction is worth it to me.

Nick
 
HeyEng said:
Hey Ozzie, did you convert your MGIB to post 9/11? If so, did you do that through the education office or you do it through the VA online application deal?
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If I recall correctly it was all online. I converted when I started back towards my Bachelors to become a high school history teacher almost 2 years ago...It may have been the VA office at my Community College who did it though too...don't remember, I just know it was more money!

dayt005 said:
I'm also interested in hearing from someone who has actually began or about to begin the 10K VA approved 141 option. I have my PPL and currently seeking my instrument, commercial and CFI tickets but since I live in Montgomery, AL it seems as if I'm going to have to temporarily move to Elgin AFB or some other 100+mile location just to take advantage of the10k/yr plan. At that rate it will take 3 years to complete my CFI rating. There's got to be a better way. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Nick2024 said:
I read thru the new stuff fast but doesn't it say that you can be in any vocational flight training and get the in state tuition OR 10k a year cap. Meaning you would fall under the 10K /yr cap for a non college. It didn't mention 141 vs 61. I sent a question in thru the VA website asking so I will post their response. I have used my Ch. 30 Benefits for my Instrument/Commerical ratings single/multi. at a 141 school but switched for my CFI to a pt 61 due to crappy instructor. The CFI rides are a big deal so paying out of my pocket for better instruction is worth it to me.

Nick
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Here are my thoughts on the FBO/141 $10K cap deal. It sounds great at first, but when you do the math, even being conservative with costs, say $120/hour wet, that still only gets you 83 flight hours, not to mention instructor costs / fees. I feel that's an uber waste of benefits, and I'm working my ass off trying to get a program that understands that. I'm still talking to MSU/ATP regarding their partnership, right now that's my best bet. If that goes through, the next hurdle will be convincing Uncle Sugar that there's a ground component to the "online degree" and getting my $1,500/month BAH for Chicago the area.

Another way to go is go and get a degree in something else (which you should anyways!) and use the BAH to fly...nothing wrong with that at all.

@dayt005, the VA website shows 2 schools somewhat nearby, Vinemont and Enterprise...might be worth looking into.
 
Man..this is getting annoying. There is a community college here in town that is approved for the Chapter 33 benefits...it's a state school, so all tuition and FEES are "in theory" paid directly to the school. I sent out an e-mail to the FBO that does the training to find out about CFI/II/MEI and/or multiengine stuff and this is what I got back:

We are a VA approved facility and I wish that I had more concrete information for you but so far we have been told by our reps to treat the Post 911 students just like the GI Bill students. This means that we will have to require them to pay up front for their training and then wait to see if the reimbursement goes to the student or to us. If we are reimbursed directly, then we can discuss future billings.
So far all we have been told is that the max benefits will be $ 10,000 per year. Not all members will receive 100% reimbursement.


So what the hell?!? This isn't anything that new, it's been law for while now yet this is the buffonery we have to deal with! Granted, I'm not in any hurry to get this going, but I hate hearing two things. Adding insult to injury is that I have a copy of the letter from the VA to the school stating that they are able to offer flight training IAW Chapter 33.

Man...I'm glad the VA has nothing to do with me when I retire...oh wait...
 
I would chalk that one up to the school not being educated in the process. Sounds retarded that they wouldn't become experts in this subject since it would have a major impact on their enrollment numbers. Call the school coordinator and try to educate or motivate him to research the truth.
 
subpilot said:
I would chalk that one up to the school not being educated in the process. Sounds retarded that they wouldn't become experts in this subject since it would have a major impact on their enrollment numbers. Call the school coordinator and try to educate or motivate him to research the truth.
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I may have jumped the gun on this one...the FBO was under the assumption that I was doing the flight portion ONLY and not going through the IHL for it...she mentioned that it would be much easier. The rock and hard place is this:

The program I can start RIGHT NOW will cover the CSEL/IR/CFI and I *think* CMEL. No CFII or MEI. So this is not "maximizing" my benefits. There are other schools that offer just about enough certifications to be in the running with Martha King and with LOTS of multi-time. The decision I have to make is if I get what I can NOW or wait for at LEAST a year (after military retirement) to get the 'better deal'? On one hand, I would rather wait, but on the other hand, I have a sneaking suspicion that the Post 9/11 version 2.0 will become version 3.0 with the massive cuts that are going on in the government.

I am also thinking that if I do the IHL here and NOW, I will only use a year, maybe 1.5 years of my entitlement, so I could theoretically use the 10K a year for a year or two for the additional certificates.

So...what do you fine folks think?
 
Very true possibility with the 3.0 happening in the future. I would recommend starting now if you are ready and able.
 
subpilot said:
Very true possibility with the 3.0 happening in the future. I would recommend starting now if you are ready and able.
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Yep, I think that is my plan. I had a meeting with the VA counselor, the IHL and FBO today and I am ready to rock and roll. Bad thing is I am going to be on the road for quite a bit, so I won't be able to sign up for the next term...but summer term is looking like a go. There are some odd things with the program, but that's a whole 'nother discussion. And, as suspected, they do no ME work and the program only goes through the IR,CSEL and CFI...so then I would have to figure out the CFII/CMEL/MEI...but I think I could then just use the 10K year deal for that...if the money is still there!
 
ozziecat35 said:
If I recall correctly it was all online. I converted when I started back towards my Bachelors to become a high school history teacher almost 2 years ago...It may have been the VA office at my Community College who did it though too...don't remember, I just know it was more money!

Here are my thoughts on the FBO/141 $10K cap deal. It sounds great at first, but when you do the math, even being conservative with costs, say $120/hour wet, that still only gets you 83 flight hours, not to mention instructor costs / fees. I feel that's an uber waste of benefits, and I'm working my ass off trying to get a program that understands that. I'm still talking to MSU/ATP regarding their partnership, right now that's my best bet. If that goes through, the next hurdle will be convincing Uncle Sugar that there's a ground component to the "online degree" and getting my $1,500/month BAH for Chicago the area.

Another way to go is go and get a degree in something else (which you should anyways!) and use the BAH to fly...nothing wrong with that at all.

@dayt005, the VA website shows 2 schools somewhat nearby, Vine
mont and Enterprise...might be worth looking into.
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Thanks for the info. I pray that Auburn University gets their 141 certification back soon. The other option is to keep my MGIB, sell my soul to a lender and 60/40 my way through a fast track program.
 
Hello everyone,
I am an AT3 currently deployed. I will be getting out in April and moving back to my home of record in Oregon. The new GI Bill seems like a dream to good to be true. That I can go to college AND flight school virtually cost free. I am looking into the Portland Community College / Hillsboro Aviation program. Seems like a great community and a very well maintained flight school. Is there anyone that is currently attending PCC (or a similar public IHL) that could give me some info on the program? maybe some do's and don'ts, pro's and con's? I have already taken a tour and have made the decision to start up hopefully next summer. Also if you have any advice for me with regards to flight training and the transition into civilian life in general, I would be all ears. I am not going to lie, I still feel nervous about getting out of the military even though this great opportunity exposes itself. As the Navy is all I really know and have done since high school (5 yrs). My wife supports my decision to get out and go for my dream, which i am grateful for. I just hope that everything will mesh and I can finally start doing something that makes me happy on a daily basis. Having read through this thread about 30 times, it seems as alot of you take this decision as serious as myself, and educating yourselves and networking anyway possible seems to be the trend throughout. Knowing that there are many others out there who have the same questions an concerns, I will try to minimize the dreaded repeat questions. Any advice and/or info about the Post 9-11 GI Bill and it's effective changes will be much appreciated.
 
JDean3204 said:
Hello everyone,
I am an AT3 currently deployed. I will be getting out in April and moving back to my home of record in Oregon. The new GI Bill seems like a dream to good to be true. That I can go to college AND flight school virtually cost free. I am looking into the Portland Community College / Hillsboro Aviation program. Seems like a great community and a very well maintained flight school. Is there anyone that is currently attending PCC (or a similar public IHL) that could give me some info on the program? maybe some do's and don'ts, pro's and con's? I have already taken a tour and have made the decision to start up hopefully next summer. Also if you have any advice for me with regards to flight training and the transition into civilian life in general, I would be all ears. I am not going to lie, I still feel nervous about getting out of the military even though this great opportunity exposes itself. As the Navy is all I really know and have done since high school (5 yrs). My wife supports my decision to get out and go for my dream, which i am grateful for. I just hope that everything will mesh and I can finally start doing something that makes me happy on a daily basis. Having read through this thread about 30 times, it seems as alot of you take this decision as serious as myself, and educating yourselves and networking anyway possible seems to be the trend throughout. Knowing that there are many others out there who have the same questions an concerns, I will try to minimize the dreaded repeat questions. Any advice and/or info about the Post 9-11 GI Bill and it's effective changes will be much appreciated.
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First off, welcome to JC, this is an amazing community full of people from all aspects of aviation, even folks who don't fly, but just love the industry in general. I know the thread is long, but it is so far the most complete source of info on the Post 9-11 GI Bill as it relates to flight training. Grab a beer, take a stroll through it, then let us know if you have any questions. We're all in the same boat in one way or another, so I'm sure your question is on someone else's mind as well.

As far as getting out of the military, I based my decision on getting out of the Army (4 years Active Duty Intel) on the fact that I was engaged and didn't want my wife to be a military spouse. I saw too many marriages get broken up because of the military life in general. I'll be honest though, I miss putting on the uniform every single day...I've seriously considered going Nat'l Guard.
 
I think I'm about ready to "write off" this whole ATP/MSU program. It's not currently available at the Long Beach ATP campus and to be honest, I've been less than impressed with the customer service at both institutions.

How is it that they are not ready, and waiting to accept students into the MSU/ATP program? Is the economy so good that they can shrug their shoulders at $52,500 per student...?

Oh well... Any other options in the L.A. area? Any of the Jr Colleges...? ...CSUs...?
 
Flush! said:
I think I'm about ready to "write off" this whole ATP/MSU program. It's not currently available at the Long Beach ATP campus and to be honest, I've been less than impressed with the customer service at both institutions.

How is it that they are not ready, and waiting to accept students into the MSU/ATP program? Is the economy so good that they can shrug their shoulders at $52,500 per student...?

Oh well... Any other options in the L.A. area? Any of the Jr Colleges...? ...CSUs...?
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From my understanding it's the issue of MSU reimbursing ATP for the flight training. I understand that it's "in work" and to the credit of ATP and MSU, the program has been revamped by the VA and like everything else with the government, things tend to move slowly.

Have you considered Aviation.edu? You get the same ratings, similar hours and a degree and the program is in full swing.

Just a thought.
 
HeyEng said:
From my understanding it's the issue of MSU reimbursing ATP for the flight training. I understand that it's "in work" and to the credit of ATP and MSU, the program has been revamped by the VA and like everything else with the government, things tend to move slowly.
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Sux for them if I find something else! They'll be out $52,000...

Have you considered Aviation.edu? You get the same ratings, similar hours and a degree and the program is in full swing.

Just a thought.
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I'll look into it. Never heard of it, until now. How does it work? Online degree and you pick your FBO?

What about Utah Valley? Anyone using/heard of "Utah Valley"...?
 
Flush! said:
Sux for them if I find something else! They'll be out $52,000...



I'll look into it. Never heard of it, until now. How does it work? Online degree and you pick your FBO?

What about Utah Valley? Anyone using/heard of "Utah Valley"...?
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Nope, it's what used to be known as "Ari Ben" down in Florida. It's now a full fledged "College" and although they are a private IHL, they are a yellow ribbon participant, so ALL costs are covered. One word of caution, I have looked at the VA website and it looks like they do 10 yellow ribbon deals a year...but not sure if that's the most current info or not. There is some stuff here in the forum about it all, so do a search...specifically for Ari Ben. As for Utah, I don't know too much about that.

One other school that has a good program is Central Oregon Community College. One of the posters here have mentioned that there are a few students doing the airplane AND helo tracks and ALL of it is being covered by the VA. I have been in talk with the VA rep up there are he told me there is 3 students doing that. If I had a choice, I would be ALL OVER THAT. The value of BOTH tracks is somewhere in the range of $130,000 not including the BAH you get!
 
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