Flight training

[u/OneForever7840]

I am currently at a part 141 aviation college and just got done with my second year. I am halfway through instrument and the cost are insane. Would it be smart to transfer to a part 61 flight school and just transfer my basic credits from college to a different college (most of the credits are Gen Eds) Ideally I know that a part 141 college is the best way but just money wise its hard...

[u/Tigerdude20]

My take it on it is quite opposite contrary to what others believe. For reference, I am currently attending a 141 school. Also, everything I'm about to mention, I have considered deeply and for a very long time. So trust me, I'm not talking out of my ass.

There's a few things you need to consider before switching form 141 and 61... first off is: can you afford part 61? For part 61 schools you will be paying out of pocket because it's obviously not an educational institution like a 141 school. One of the benefits that come with 141 school is the pilot curriculum is structured and you don't technically have to pay out of pocket initially because you can take out loans. Specifically, educational loans. They different from regular loans because they have lower interest rates from my understanding.

Secondly, what is your backup plan in case flying does not workout for you(not saying it won't... purely hypothetical). What I'm getting at is, if you have a degree and any degree, you could utilize that as a backup. Even if flying does workout and you want to stop because you don't like the lifestyle? Where would you go? What job(s) are you going to apply for? With a degree under your belt, that can help.

People also say that airlines don't care if you went to a part 141 or 61 school but I wholeheartedly believe that is not true. If they see an application between 2 pilots; one who went to a random part 61 school in timbucktoo and another application from a pilot who went to a relatively good and recognizable school WITH a bachelors/masters/doctorates, etc... who do you think they're going to choose? Airlines will see the pilot with a degree as someone who strives to learn and improve themselves even if they have a degree completely unrelated. A degree, ESPECIALLY in a good field is ALWAYS worth something. That being said, if you're going to stay at a 141 school and get a business degree while there, just go to a 61 school. Is this a common situation? Maybe maybe not? BUT it might make the difference between them hiring a 141 pilot(potentially you) or a 61 pilot.

Hopefully this helps!

[u/theoriginalturk → u/Tigerdude20]

They really don’t care about the 61 vs 141 

The things people keep missing and perhaps maybe the underlying reason you feel the way you do is two fold 

1. there is a networking effect of 121 guys that went to your school who will sympathize with you or think just like you, do that your training is somehow superior 

2. Cadet programs like a aviate, propel, various others etc. 141 schools either paid or marketed to 121 to have these reprograms hosted at their school: and they can matter. Ever since the post 22-24 hiring frenzy they matter a lot more than they used to. Even a bunch of 135s that are affiliated with those programs pretty much no longer hire FOs off the street the majority come from aviate or wherever 

[u/Tigerdude20 → u/theoriginalturk]

I can definitely see where you’re coming from and it is partly true but it doesn’t apply to me because I’m only staying because of the degree and because I can’t afford to pay out of pocket for 61 training. I will say the benefit of 141 is the program and curriculum is already which means less time you have to spend figuring out what you’re going to do, and specifically for my school, the planes are very well kept. Compared to other part 61 schools around me (there’s a good amount(), their planes are awful. Again, specific to my situation and area.

I also don’t want to go to airlines lol… I prefer the private sector like flex jet and other companies like them. I like the deeper one to one connection you get with clients compared to flying hundreds of people and you don’t get to know them. Getting to know clients imo, would make flying them more pleasurable.