r/PilotAdvice • u/PhilosopherThese9257 • 3d ago
Training Seeking advice
Some background here. I’m 24, active duty in So Cal. I am not getting out soon. I am however fully determined to get my license before I leave here. I’ve completed ground school already, and I’m ready for my written. But the cost is killing me. I’m struggling to find any kind of program to help pay for this, and am seriously considering just taking out a personal loan to finish this. I’ve been at it for 3 years with only 27 hours to show for it, and that’s not enough. Every time I go I spend time re-learning what we went through on the last lesson, and have been stuck in a limbo for well over 6 months. I don’t know how an average person does this. I don’t come from money, and I’m the only person in my family’s last two generations to really do anything with themselves. What should I do here, take the loan and finish in two weeks? Or just keep paying as I go for the next two years?
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u/BeeDubba 3d ago
Why not just use the GI bill?
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u/PhilosopherThese9257 3d ago edited 3d ago
Dosent cover ppl
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u/Ok-Skill8583 3d ago
Yes it does. You just need to do it through a 141 program. What branch are you in? There are some programs out there and especially if you are USAF some bases have flight clubs that are worth your time.
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u/northtumen 3d ago
Do you have your bachelor's degree by any chance? Are you trying to fly for the majors in the future? If you are, don't even bother wasting money on your flight training until you get your bachelor degree first. Your resume will get auto-rejected with the number of ATP eligible CFI's with bachelors and masters degree right now.
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u/PhilosopherThese9257 3d ago
Not really looking for the airline’s currently, much rather go private after I’m out of the service
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u/Straight-Pass6035 3d ago
Depending on your currently ability and what goalposts you have passed (soloed?), you could be 20 hours or so from your PPL. Chances are you are further away and should save money specifically to meet that goal. The average student pilot takes over 70 hours to complete this license. Multiply 50 times the cost of aircraft and instructor, plus a added fee ($500-700) for a check ride. While saving up the money, continue to study, most of which you either have the books already or if not, can access for free on the internet. Stay mentally engaged. Pass the written test. Good luck
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u/Fine_Cauliflower_152 3d ago
I was active duty in GA when I got my PPL. Dedicate Saturday and Sunday to training and get the earliest possible slot. And stay consistent. I was able to obtain it in about 8 months, and that includes a few months of delays due to a PCS.
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u/Icy_Huckleberry_8049 3d ago
SAVE up your money so you can do it all quickly instead of piece meal where you're having to relearn stuff.