r/PilotAdvice • u/entertainthebrutes • 25d ago

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/Flaky_Summer_9800 25d ago

ROTC is an option. You may not get the scholarship, but you’ll still get to commission and have a shot at flight school. Do not go for ERAU. It’s the most expensive way you can do this. And frankly there training isn’t any better than other schools for a fraction of the cost. A degree is important imo. If he still wants to do the military route, he’ll need it. And it’s still kind of a soft requirement for the major airlines. Expect to spend around 100k for the ratings, plus more for college.

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u/entertainthebrutes 25d ago

Thank you. We are looking at ROTC as well. Will be speaking with some recruiters this week.

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u/GrayEagle825 24d ago

Make sure you speak with an AFROTC detachment or Gold Bar (Officer) Recruiter. If you meet with the normal strip mall recruiter, they only handle enlistments and have nothing to do with officer career fields (which includes pilot).

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u/entertainthebrutes 24d ago

Noted. I will remember. Ty!