Jet University with no college?

Question

I'm 17 years old and have always wanted to become a pilot. I'm not really considering going to a four year college because I don't want to be in such large debt at a young age. Instead I was thinking of joining the Army for four years, and once I get out I can use the money I earned to attend a Flight School called Jet University. I heard really good things about it. And it looks like a decent place to get trained. They also have a written guarantee that I WILL get a job at a regional jet airline. Sounds good to me. Another reason why I don't want to go to a University is because of my grades in high school. To be honest, school really isn't for me. I might attend a community college though. But I'm not sure yet. What do you guys think? Does this sound like a good plan or what?

PS:

I know that some BIG airline companies require a four year degree to get hired, that's why I was thinking of getting a cheap online degree or something....I don't know.

Answer 1

I know a bit about jet U.  It's hated by many people in the industry.  I personally don't hate it... but I really question why people go there.  A few issues with Jet U:  The cost is about twice as much as any FBO (you can get all of your ratings at the FBO at many local airports).  Part of that cost is the CRJ program they have.  The issue with the CRJ program is spending 15k on a program that you really can't log (it's not a full motion approved level D sim).  People like it because it 'guarantees' them a spot at an airline.  Guess what?  The airlines they guarantee you spots at like pinnacle, mesa, and Trans States are literally the w***e airlines of the industry.  Those places (trans states and pinnacle especially-- mesa's in a world of hurt at the moment) will hire you at 300 hours straight from the the ma and pa flight school down the road just as quick.  Why spend 100k on flight training that will guarantee you a job making 18k the first year?  At least go FBO and get the cost down to 50K or less.

If you do decide to go into the military cost shouldn't mean as much as long as they're approved 141.  I don't know if Jet U is.  But, definitely find a place that you can use those GI benies.. that's a great deal.  Still, GI will only get you so far-- pick a place that's as inexpensive as possible (but still safe) where you can get all of your ratings.  You won't regret it.

As for school:  I hate to break it to you, but there's a lot of studying involved with flying.  If you can't focus well in school you're going to have a difficult time learning to fly.  I can tell by your writing that you're not stupid (most people that ask questions on here can't spell or write for c**p)... you just need to buckle down and try and do well in school.  You may be surprised to know that many airlines (not just the majors) ask for your high school GPA on their applications and it is factored into their decisions.  I've sent my high school and college transcripts to more than one airline interested in interviewing or hiring me.  

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Answer 2

If you are going into the service, why not try the Air Force, Navy, or Marines?

At least there you'd stand a shot at becoming a pilot with them.  And it's a lot of fun flying any military aircraft, even those where the wing moves...

Answer 3

I did the same thing 35 yrs ago except I joined the Navy. (I didn't want the debt either)When I got out I already had the Pvt about complete and then used the GI Benefits up to Flight Instructor. Congress stopped the benefits for flight training half way through,(a whole other story) but it helped out a lot. Just something to think about, there is NOTHING guaranteed in life, well except you know what.

Now I fly for a major airline.(23yrs in Sept.) Have been a captain for the last ten yrs. and have 10-15 left. Things have changed a lot since I got my certificates so I don't know about Jet U. but I do know that the trend is at least in other countries to start training pilots  from zero time all the way up to the big boys in one program. The US is probably next.  Who knows what the requirements will be when you are through with your training.

By the way I know you said school is not for you, well in the military it is all about learning(read school) all the time as well as learning(again school) to fly so you might as well get use to making school your thing. Good luck in what ever you do decide to do.

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/s...

I think you will find the above article interesting.

Answer 4

How much does that Jet University cost from start to finish?  If it's the same as a four year degree, I would go the degree route.  There are other places you can go like Embry Riddle that will let you get a degree in Aviation.  It's not that the degree is a requirement as much as it puts you closer to the front of the line than someone who doesn't have one.

I wasn't much into school either, until I started taking classes that were aviation related.  I'd also be willing to bet that after four years in the military you will be much more mature and disciplined, not saying that you aren't now, just thinking the military does a lot for that aspect of a young person's life.

You might also go to the FAA web site and check out what to look for in a flight school, and some of the many options you have for flight schools across the country.

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/

Good luck and have fun.