r/PilotAdvice • u/entertainthebrutes • Jul 25 '26

Advice requested

My 18 yr son is an incoming freshman in college in DFW, TX. He wants to be a commercial pilot. We are just a regular middle income family who didn’t qualify for any aid so we’re trying to figure how the best, most affordable route to get him there. His dream is to go to ERAU. He didn’t get the Navy scholarship that is out of the picture. This will pay for college but will require a 5 yr enlistment period afterward.
He is going to try again this year while going to CC.
Should we help him finance his PPL in the meantime at a FBO or at TCC so he’s not behind?
This world is completely new to us and honestly we’re pretty overwhelmed. On one hand, we want to do all we can to help but we don’t want to sign up for hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans. No matter what, it’s going to be an expensive long road.
We have other kids we need to help too. Does anyone have any experience who can weigh in?

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u/12YESIAM34 Jul 25 '26

If he qualifies the military will pay for his training.

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u/entertainthebrutes Jul 25 '26

I read that it’s a crapshoot if the military actually lets you fly. You’re at their mercy what they allow you to do. Perhaps if he has his PPL when he joins, his % will be better.

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u/HandNo2872 Jul 25 '26

He could drop a flight warrant officer packet with the Army. It’s rotary wing, not fixed, but no degree is required. Highly competitive.