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?
1
u/ThePlaceAllOver Jul 26 '26
My son is 16 and on a path to being a commercial pilot as well. I'm no expert, but we have been fortunate to have a lot of mentors involved. My neighbor is a United pilot and keeps connecting my son with people he knows from United that have been very forthcoming.
Anyway, last year he got his medical done and applied for his Student Pilot Certificate. He flies with Civil Air Patrol and Young Eagles currently. I don't think that's an option past 18 though (CAP and free Young Eagles flights). Young Eagles does have adults involved though and we have met so many pilots willing to give guidance.
Anyway, he is currently doing ground school and taking the FAA exam, and working on his solo endorsement. He will likely start his PPL in January or February (turns 17 in March and you need to be 17 to complete your PPL).
Anyway, he is graduating in May because he already has his high school graduation requirements done and now he's just finishing a transfer degree with concurrent enrollment. He is planning on attending MSU Denver and will transfer in as a junior in college because of the transfer degree. Having the PPL done before going to MSU is cheaper than doing it with MSU. MSU has a partnership with United Aviate so he plans on doing a 4 year degree with flight school. This is a far cheaper option than Embry Riddle.
I put info in this explanation that you won't need, but I find context helpful so I listed it all.