RDU vs. JAX?

L

linb59

New Member
Hi guys. I'm new to the forum. I am currently a student pilot in a local FBO getting my private license considering getting into ATP to get the rest of my ratings. I have a few questions for you guys that's been through the process. Two locations that i'm currently considering is JAX and RDU. JAX because i'm a vet and i would get gibill benefit. Only problem is that i only have 13 months of gibill left. which doesn't amount to much of a payback considering i would only get 60% of that. But every little bit helps. I also visited the JAX location and i very much so like the city and the environment around it. RDU because of personal reason. Durham doesn't appeal to me much but i like how busy RDU is. Another thing is, RDU currently have 2 CFI's vs. JAX's 30.

Any of you guys been to any of these two locations and can comment a bit on the pros and cons of each. Also, infos such as student - CFI ratio, living conditions, quality of training would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
 
linb59 said:
Hi guys. I'm new to the forum. I am currently a student pilot in a local FBO getting my private license considering getting into ATP to get the rest of my ratings. I have a few questions for you guys that's been through the process. Two locations that i'm currently considering is JAX and RDU. JAX because i'm a vet and i would get gibill benefit. Only problem is that i only have 13 months of gibill left. which doesn't amount to much of a payback considering i would only get 60% of that. But every little bit helps. I also visited the JAX location and i very much so like the city and the environment around it. RDU because of personal reason. Durham doesn't appeal to me much but i like how busy RDU is. Another thing is, RDU currently have 2 CFI's vs. JAX's 30.
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Can only speak in general terms, having no experience whatsoever with any ATP location. How busy the airspace is? Less busy is a better deal for you, unless you like paying for 45 minute taxis, or waiting in 45 minute hold for sequence into an ILS that you will fly at 140kts... In other words, not an ideal classroom environment.

Number of CFIs matters not at all, as long as one is available when needed ;) I assume that you are looking to do a C-MEL/C-ASEL part 141, correct?

<begin soapbox>
You also may find it more cost effective to use the GI bill money toward completing a degree if you haven't done so already, since you'll need it anyway at some point. Getting the rest of the ratings part 61 will be substantially cheaper, enough so that it may well end up costing you about the same out of pocket, even without the GI Bill.
The route I would go now if I had to do it all over again? PPL & IFR in cheapest 150/piper cub/champ I could find. Find glider port and log next 100 hours in gliders/towing gliders. Next 50 hours, tow & instruct in gliders. @300 hours, C-ASEL/C-MEL. This is not far off from what I actually did BTW. May take two or three years part time, but then again, you can have another job too.
<end soapbox>
 
@drunkenbeagle

Ya, Ive used up most of my GIBILL to get my degree, which i should've mentioned on my first post. So that's pretty much covered. I was thinking that a busier airport means that i get increased exposures to ATC as well as the big airport feel if my goal is to become a professional pilot. But you are absolutely correct. Busier airport means longer wait time. Thanks for the insight!
 
I would vote RDU. Although I am kinda biased because I instruct there. It is a moderately busy class C but It is rare that we have to wait in line (maybe wait for an arrival or one departing aircraft). ATC does a great job and they are very accommodating to training. It is really a great training environment, you get to interact with ATC on every flight and there are enough local airports you can do touch and goes if RDU gets busy. I Flew down to JAX last Friday actually. It seemed like a decent place. As far as training goes, it seems like it is way busier than RDU.

As for living around RDU, there is a lot to pick from. The triangle area is growing all of the time. It would probably be very easy to find an area you like. Durham is actually a pretty cool place. Sometimes it gets a bad wrap but there is a lot to do. If you have any other questions about the RDU area, let me know.
 
Yeah, I read your post again and thought that might be the case. Beautiful country you guys have down there.
 
Keep in mind at busier airports you may waste a little time holding short, waiting for approaches, vectors for sequence, etc. In my opinion if I had a choice I would always train at the less busy airport. I've flown a lot out of RDU and Raleigh is a lot nicer town than JAX though.
 
I would vote for RDU for one reason: the ability to network while in training. At JAX (which is really CRG) there isn't much, if any, opportunity to network with people outside of ATP. Don't get me wrong, networking within ATP is great, but you never know who you may luck into a job with just by striking up a conversation with the pilots in the FBO. The RDU office is located inside the FBO, whereas ATP has there own building/hangar at CRG.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
I went to ATP RDU last year and Loved it. I tried to get back there to instruct but never worked out. The one examiner out of RDU Zenda Leiss is awesome. I will go back to her for my ATP ride when it comes time for it. I never had to wait to get out. RDU controllers are great and working us into the system. Raleigh is a great place lots to do. (side note outside the apartment complex in the outdoor mall is a restaurant Baha Grill highly Recommend it) if you have a specific questions feel free to pm me.
 
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