Well, where do i begin....

C

ClipperPilot

New Member
So, like others around here, i was ready to start a program when i needed the cash. Key Bank didnt come through, of course, i have no credit being right out of high school, and to apply without cosigner, you must have 2 yrs. of established credit. So, parents werent much of a help etheir, they werent approved.
So i had no choice but to withdraw from the pilot program, and i decided to do airport ops. as a degree. I went to class about 3 times, and i hated it. Oh, By the way, i didnt give up after key bank, i checked into other loan options, but to no joy. I decided that going to the FBO route would be the cheapest bet, but, to expensive out of pocket for me. I couldnt find a loan program that is offered for small mom and pop places. (At least for about $17,000.) The estimated qoute i was given to fininsh up.
I dropped my classes, spoke to some contacts i have who are ATC in miami. I joined Miami Dade's 2 year A.S. program for ATC. ATC is something i would love to do as well, so im not too bummed out.
Anyway, by the time im done ill have the credit needed if i decided to attend an academy, so how about some feed back..
I know, its crazy i tell you, crazy crazy crazy.
Clipper
 
"so how about some feed back.."

Here's some feedback...don't go to some big, expensive, academy.

Doing the two year degree in ATC is a great move. Forget about flying until you can pay for it. Get a job. Save up some money. Try a school approved by www.pilotfinance.com (they don't do big academies)
 
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...Forget about flying until you can pay for it. Get a job. Save up some money....

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I wish more people would heed this advice. Think about it people, it's much cheaper to pay for flight training without interest payments tacked on top. For the life of me I can't figure out how people manage to stay off wellfare when working for CFI wages and are required to pay back one of those big 'ol loans. Much better to take a few years longer to reach your goals, and get there debt free in my opinion.
 
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"so how about some feed back.."

Here's some feedback...don't go to some big, expensive, academy.

[/ QUOTE ]

Apparently don't go to a small mom and pop local FBO either... The size and expense of the school wasn't the issue here. How can you make such a statement based on the information he just shared??

Clipper, good luck to you with the ATC route.
 
i think he's just talking cost wise....that's all..

if you can stay debt free and do your flight training - your on the right track... but it does take longer to achieve the end result...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Apparently don't go to a small mom and pop local FBO either... The size and expense of the school wasn't the issue here. How can you make such a statement based on the information he just shared??

[/ QUOTE ]

I have to agree with Don. if money is an issue, write the big academies off first.

Go to a mom & pop FBO and you'll save money. I think that's the idea behind his post...
 
You made the right choice not going to an academy. There is more than one way to skin a cat. You also need to look at it from the age side. Say you went to DCA and it took 2 years, you still might not be old enough to qualify for your ATP written which you will need to get hired.
 
The ATP written is not much of a consideration, as I know people working at regionals now who have not taken the test. What is an issue is that at 18 with no college, you would be better off going to school and flying on the side. It is much easier to get the degree now, than try to do it later when you are older. This will also give you some time to work and establish credit. If during college you are able to get some ratings during the summer, then all the better.

I will also tell you after teaching many flight students that it is a rare 18 year old who would be a successful CFI. It really is better to spend a few years in college, in the military, or even just working somewhere first. Being on your own, having to make decisons and interact with others as an adult will make you a better student, a better pilot and a better CFI.

If you take some math, science and physics in college you will also be better able to understand aerodynamics and systems.
 
Hey,

Sorry to hear that. Check out pilotfinance.com. NS aviation just over the other side of HWO works with them and they are realitvely cheap. I almost ended up working for them. I am for DCA but if one does not have the dough than one does not have the dough.

Try to get your single commercial with an FBO like NS, then a tailwheel and get a banner tower job. There are two banner companies at HWO. One will get you in with only 300TT and a commercial single. That is not too much money. You can get the rest of the ratings and be a CFI later.

Don't give up just yet. It took me 3 years to finish all the training due to the lack of $$.
 
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