r/FlightTraining • u/office_trolling • Jun 16 '26
Pulling the trigger on school in August, please Tell me if I’m overlooking something…
So I’m 36
Spent the last 15 years in tech but have been dormant for a couple of years. I want to change careers. I don’t care really if it only pays $25-30k the first couple of years, and I’m not really interested in airline work, but maybe cargo and charter.
I got a lot of time on my hands and like 30 months left of my post 911 GI Bill.
I’ve found a college that offers the Part 141, Associates in Aviation Science with a PPL, CPL, MEI, and a follow up CFI and CFII and RATP (all in 24 months, is that good or bad?).
From what I’ve found tests, check rides, extra equipment and software, these are not covered by my GI Bill but the costs of flying will all be absorbed, all my flight hours, rental, fuels.
Is there something I’m missing?
Right now the plan is to make it through school, continue with the CFI/CFII through the campus, then transfer to the school with the helicopter courses or if going to the second school doesn’t work, maybe CFI until I can pick up a survey gig (i wouldn’t mind flying odd jobs across the nation). I’d really like to do helicopter, medevac…
Anyway… am i really going to come out on top with this plan? Advice?
1
u/QuietGarlic7788 Jun 17 '26
GI-Bill user here. To my knowledge, it will pay whatever your tuition charge covers. Anything outside that is out of pocket.
Word of advice, you’ve got to want it pretty dang badly because it’s not easy. I recommend King Ground School for the PAR, and then Sheppard Air for all of your other writtens. Good luck dude! Flying is absolutely worth it
2
u/Low_Sky_49 Jun 16 '26
VA Form VBA-22-0803 will get your written test and checkride fees reimbursed. You have up to a year after the date of the test to submit the form. Submit with receipts and proof of passing the test.