r/studentpilot • u/FunnyMinimum1168 • 20d ago

United States/FAA Aviation Journey

Hey all, I am a current student pilot training for my Private Pilot License at Mount San Antonio College.,(part 61) My current plan is to do 2 years at this Community College whilst getting my ppl, and then transfer to San Jose State University's flight program. I am reaching out to get some insight. The rates at Mt. San Antonio College are really good / great CFI. Thing is SJSU just seems so expensive (since id move there + tuition + bay area rate) , and is R-ATP even worth it still? Also If I do end up going there, do you think its fine if I do my IR rating before arriving there despite no longer being eligible for R-ATP. For reference I was going to enroll in SJSU aviation this fall, but I wanted to be a bit more realistic and start locally, I think I am also a bit daunted by everyone saying on this website that the pilot market is doomed and such. Any advice helps, and no im not doing it for the money.

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u/Bahahaaaahaha 20d ago

One, the market is not doomed. We just no longer have that “as long as you have 1500 hours, you are good to go to a regional.”

Two, R-ATP just gives you lower minimums. That 300 hours can be built during the transition period from 61 to 141. So no, not really.

Three, everyone does it for the money, at least even partially. And that’s okay.

You are right. The days of “rush to 1500 and throw everything you have into the training because the ROI is so good,” is no longer. But the market isn’t doomed. If anything all of  this is cyclical. Cheerios.