Is This Realistic?

Question

Ok, so I want to become an Airline Pilot, Im very deep into that and have done much research on it. I am going to go to collage, and get my degree (in Anything) My parents have not told me anything, but I suspect they have around 50,000 dollars saved for my school. A large amount of that will be spent on collage, Its is resonable for me to presure my dream, without the kind of money?? (Total to get all the way to Commercial certificate)

Like with Loans?

Answer 1

You're looking at probably 35k minimum for your ratings... and probably 45k is more realistic (going the cheap route).  That would be FBO... not a large academy.  College, going to a public school with in-state tuition will probably run you 45-55k nowadays.  you're looking at right around 100k total.  Private universities or going out of state will be more expensive, so if money is a concern I'd probably stay in state public.  

If I were in your shoes I would get all your ratings as quick as possible straight out of high school.  You're going to find that you'll get a lot better loans through your school then you will through any flight training center.  Also, if you do manage to go 0-commercial during the summer, and hopefully tack on a CFI somewhere in that first year... you'll set yourself up well.  Hopefully you would be able to find a part-time CFI job (ideally) that would help you build hours, make money for school, and also give you a conversation topic in the dorm.  

Honestly though, if you do have 50k to put towards education, you're 50k better off than the majority of people getting their degree and flight ratings.  I'm glad to see you want to go to college... that will help you out big time.  Also, you could probably hit up a community college if you really want to save money-- but I'd recommend just going to college.  The experience you'll have in college is something you'll never forget- don't short change yourself there.

Answer 2

If your parents have that much, then pursue your dream.

Good luck with your training!  Flying is tremendous!!

Answer 3

1st, talk to your parents, and see how much they really have to help you with. 2nd, many airline pilots have military flight experience, so you might consider that. It would also be a less expensive way to get that training.

Answer 4

If I had to do it all over again, I probably would have done the embry riddle route. Based on what it cost me out of pocket to get my ratings, I sure wish I would have been able to take out a student loan to pay for it

Answer 5

You can easily do it with that kind of money.  

Stay away from Embry-Riddle.  There is a stigma about E-R grads.  Generally, you will find companies are either heavy with them, or there are virtually none in the company.  It often depends upon the management/ownership of the company.

The bottom line is that there are several colleges that offer aviation training through commercial flight instructor rating.  They might not be in sunny Florida, but you are going to have to learn to fly in other meteorological conditions as well.

Answer 6

Just go for it and get your ratings as well as a degree.  Try to major in something useful that you could use if you ever lose your FAA medical and need to find work.

also 65 percent of commercial pilots were NOT in the military

Answer 7

You can get a degree in anything, say underwater BB stacking, or basket weaving, anything cheap from a public college, just have a degree in something. Use the money you have to get all your  pilot ratings, you should come close to finishing within budget. You may have to take out some student loans towards the end. Try to stay away from degree programs where the flight time is incorprated into the degree. You can easily pay 100K+ for a degree and finish with only 250 hours of flight time (i.e. Riddle) Hope it helps, it is worth it.

Answer 8

No the majority of airline pilots DO NOT have military experience. Jeez.