Which training program to chose?

R

Richmond454

Well-Known Member
I am an Army helicopter guy with a bit over 2000 total time. I just got out and will be pursuing a flying career hopefully in the airline industry. So doing a lot of research the last few months I've narrowed my choice to 2 directions. First one is use the GI bill and go to a community college and get all my ratings up to AMEL paid for fully.

The second option is to take advantage of some of the money being offered by the regional and paying for the rest of my ratings.

From a financial standpoint the first option will not cost me any money but will take longer. Some of the accelerated programs I can finish in about 1 year. The second option will cost me about 20-25K but I will be able to finish in about 6 months but I will have a working contract of about 2 years.

Is it worth it to pay out of pocket to be done 6 months earlier and get in the industry sooner? From what I've read it seems like the market for pilots is hot right now and should I rush to strike while the iron is hot? You see the hiring demand change by the end of 2017? From a financial standpoint I have the 20-25K money to pay for the training but unless its benefits outweigh the cost I rather not pay for it out of pocket.

Thanks for the advice
 
Do you have a degree?

Seniority is everything* (mostly) However in your case, have the VA pick up the bill. Keep that 25K for a bonafide rainy day.
 
Go to school, get the degree, and use that GI bill.

Don't stress about airline hiring. In 4 years I bet it'll be even better getting into the industry than it is today. Also, if the music were to ever stop for some reason you at least have a college degree. While it's only gonna be in aviation you're still eligible and qualified for a lot more jobs than without anything. Also, flight training for free? Heck yes.

I had some guys at my school back from the military using the GI bill...I was always super jealous.

Also...$20k will probably only get you half way through.
 
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Nark and TCCO thanks for your input. I already have a degree and just looking to weight the pros and cons. I like path that requires no money from me but I also was talking to a recruiter from one of the regionals that was offering 23K for training for military helo guys to get their fix wing rating. So between that and my VA benefits I would have to pay out of pocket about 20K maybe a bit more depending on how fast I get through with training. The positive about taking the 23K from the regional would be a guaranteed job when I finish training. However ever I would be required to work for them for 2 years before I can leave. I have some friends in that program already and they can finish between 4-6 months from start to finish. However the majority of the studying would be on you. The community college route for me would be one year and I assume I would learn a lot more since I'll be attending classes.

TCCO94 you mention that hiring will continue to be good, but it seems from what I've read seniority is everything in the airline business. Eventually I would like to fly for the majors like everyone else so do you think a delay of 6-12 months won't hurt too much?

Thanks everyone for the input
 
I mean getting ahead 12 months of course helps...but I think where you are right now it won't be a huge difference.

Also, be cautious to accepting a regionals 23k for training. Sounds great and all but that regional could be absolute crap when your time to shine comes. If you want to to to someone else you'll have to buy out that contract. If I were you, I'd stay far away from joining any regional right now. Pay and QOL seems to change every quarter putting new guys on top and new guys on bottom. When I did my interview last month, a new regional THAT WEEK had announced huge pay increases and sign on bonuses. Things change fast here and I wouldn't commit to anything because you're really gonna hurt yourself in the long run.

Seniority is everything but you still should make a smart decision for you and your life when that time arrives because committing to airline A sounds great right now....and it could be nothing but a total disaster later on. (Could be a total success too) I mean if you really want that 23k then do what you gotta do. I'm just one of those people that don't wanna sign anything early. I joined some programs airlines had as a CFI (like Skywest Cadet program) but never committed to anything. I don't think in your case that the 6-12 months of seniority will be anything drastic...probably nothing more than a blessing. 6-12 months longer for me made FO pay from bad to livable.
 
Thanks TCCO. I kinda was thinking against signing a contract for two years right now with one airline. I'll be attending a community college and try to get my ratings through them and have the VA pay for everything. The only thing now is to pick the school that allows me to finish the quickest.

TCCO so where did you end up with after your interviews? I hope things are as good when I get ready to interview.
 
Richmond454 said:
Thanks TCCO. I kinda was thinking against signing a contract for two years right now with one airline. I'll be attending a community college and try to get my ratings through them and have the VA pay for everything. The only thing now is to pick the school that allows me to finish the quickest.

TCCO so where did you end up with after your interviews? I hope things are as good when I get ready to interview.
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Sounds like a smart plan.. I picked Skywest
 
Richmond454 said:
Thanks TCCO. I kinda was thinking against signing a contract for two years right now with one airline. I'll be attending a community college and try to get my ratings through them and have the VA pay for everything. The only thing now is to pick the school that allows me to finish the quickest.

TCCO so where did you end up with after your interviews? I hope things are as good when I get ready to interview.
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You have to go to a cc for the GI bill?

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The VA program will pay for flight training in one of two ways. The first is just pure flight training like with a part 61 operation. This option the VA will only pay $12,500 per year and I don't think you can apply it to a PPL. This doesn't get you very far as we all know. The second option is a part 141 flight school with a degree awarding program. These programs are done through a community college or a 4 year university depending on whether it's an associates program or a bachelors program. While attending these schools you take college courses towards a degree as well as you take flight labs which will get you all your ratings. Some schools will even include MEI and ATP as part of the program. As long as these ratings are part of the flight program then the VA will pay for them fully. In addition this program gives you a book stipend per year and BAH for a married E5 at the location of the school.

Hope this clarifies up what the VA will pay for. If you have any additional questions let me know. Feel free to send me a private message if you want.
 
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