Go to an academy part 141 or finishing up at an FBO?

Question

My goal is to become an airline pilot. I have 150 total time. I have all of my hours for my instrument rating but have not flown for 5 months. Even 5 months ago with about 20 hours of instrument instruction I didn't feel confident in my IFR flying ability. I am thinking about going to an academy that is paired up with my college in order to finish up my certificate. The only bad thing is that I would have to start from scratch. I know it would be stupid because of the money that will be spent, but I feel that I need the structure of the college flight training to become a proficient instrument pilot ( I do have confidence problems). I think I could and should finish at the FBO, but since I am over 100 hours shy to get my commercial ticket, and student loans with better terms are more available with the college I feel like it could be an option. What do you all think?

Answer 1

In your particular situation I would recommend going to the 141 school and getting your instrument ticket there.  The structure is extremely important for the instrument checkride in particular and financing can also be very attractive.

However after that I would suggest getting your commercial under a part 91 school.  The 141 environment will probably contain a lot of meaningless time-building flights that you will probably not require (because you will already have approximately 200 hours of total time) and will just cost you extra money,  For instance, your dual cross-country flights and your solo cross-country time.  Those could be done more cheaply under part 91 than under a part 141 school's training course.  you might even have more fun flying them without an academy breathing down your neck all the time.

The commercial course is generally completed in about 2 hours of actual training, and is not particularly difficult.  Its more about books than airplanes to be honest.

So: sign up for the instrument course.  Take the financing, for it.  After you have your instrument rating, withdraw and go get your commercial over at Joe Bob's flight school.  You will save money in the long run, and if you pick a good instructor the quality of your training will not suffer.

Answer 2

First off... I can't say how good your instrument flying really is, but I will say- seldom is a pilot 'comfortable' flying instruments with a wet ticket.  Just like your private, your instrument teaches you how to be safe... but for feeling comfort, it'll take time and experience flying in the system... and doing it alone.  I wouldn't recommend going out with 1/2 mile vis with a fresh instrument ticket... but get out there and get some actual at altitude with higher ceilings once you get it... if you get out there and fly your confidence will get better.  You may, however, be struggling... I don't know... or you may want to switch instructors.  I will say this:  you don't need to go 141.

Part 141 is great if you're former military so you can use your GI bill.  There are some reduced hour requirements for some 141 schools out there, but seldom will a pilot get their private in 40 hours (61 private)... let alone 35 hours (141 private).... so seldom is this a real benefit.  I realize you do have your private, but that is one example.  An FBO will be much cheaper vs. a large pilot factory.  And, most FBO's do offer financing now... usually sallie mae... and it's usually the same that most 141 schools offer.  And, even if you do get a better interest rate... would you rather have a good interest rate on a 60k loan or a mediocre interest rate on a 40k loan?  You'll have to do the math on that.  When it comes down to it, they all produce the exact same piece of plastic.  My pilot's certs don't specify I went 61... and to be honest, nobody cares.  As for finding jobs... there may be better resources at some of the 141 schools.  My question?  Is it worth the extra 20k-40k to end up with an airline job 6 months quicker than someone who went pt. 61?  You're spending that extra money to get a job that'll start paying you 20k.  It doesn't make much sense.  Also, airline mins are not high at the moment for the regionals.  Unfortunately, many are hiring less now... but you can still get jobs flying rj's at less than 500tt today.  Granted, they may not be the best jobs... but they are out there.

If you need the structure, I still recommend looking into different fbo's... they'll be as structured as you need them to be... you are the customer.  A good instructor will use a good syllabus and stick with it... and if you want, you can probably come up with a 141 syllabus and make your fbo instructor closely follow it.  

You've got too much money invested in your current route to switch in my opinion.  Good luck.

Answer 3

I did the same thing - got my SEL PVT at an FBO style school, then went to a part 141 school for the rest. The benefits are numerous: for one, the schools have a much better connection with the outside world, job-wise. They also have loan deals, housing deals, and tend to pay more if you choose to be a CFI for them. The downfall is that they tend to be more expensive when you factor in living expenses, assuming that you go to a school far from home and can't stay with your parents/friends during the course of your training.

Hope this helps =)