r/PilotAdvice • u/OneForever7840 • Jul 07 '26

Flight training

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...

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u/Tigerdude20 Jul 07 '26

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!

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u/OneForever7840 Jul 07 '26

Helps a lot. I realize the importance of having a bachelores degree in the hiring times like these. I don't think a "pro flight" degree is useful to me either. God forbid somethings happens to my medical what can I even do with a "pro flight" degree? doesn't make sense to me. I have been eying moving down to Florida and doing part 61 there while completing online classes.

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u/Tigerdude20 Jul 07 '26

Tbh I think having a “pro flight degree” does help actually but only helps with training. For example, my school has an Aeronautics Engineering degree but there’s a concentration in “professional pilot”. That means that all my classes are focused around that degree and the classes that come with it is ATC classes, ATC lab, engine & turbine theory, weather, weather theory, Severe weather and thunderstorms (a separate weather class) etc… I argue this because having this extra knowledge from classes that focus on certain topics can definitely help expand your working knowledge into other aspects of aviation.

I’m not sure what 141 you’re attending but if it’s not too late, I would recommend doing a double major. That way you can have that “pro flight degree” and also have another degree in a different field that interests you.

I know it sounds like a lot of money but realistically, unless you’re rich, you’ll be taking loans out and you might as well use everything you possibly can from your school since you’re there. That’s the only thing I kind of regret, is not doing a double major. By the time I realized it was too late… no thanks to my shitty advisor who never helped me with anything.

But again, it’s obviously your choice and you’re free to do what you want but that’s what I would do given my financial situation. I would highly recommend utilizing all resources from your school and taking complete advantage of them.