Expert: D. Norkus - 6/19/2009

Question
Hi Dottie, I'm currently doing thurough research for obtaining a pilots liscense and am learning alot reading previous Q&A by you, you are very helpful, so thank you for that.

My situation is I'm currently in the Army Reserve, just off my first OIF tour, been in for 7 years another 5 to go and I'm trying to figure out if going through the army or one of the other branches would be more cost effective and learning wise more beneficial then to go to flight school or through a university?  Do you know if my flight hours in the military would count towards the civilian sector when I tried to get a job or the proper certification(I'm not sure what I would have and what would be needed to fly commercial/charter planes)?  Is there a difference between a commercial pilot liscense and a private pilot liscense?  What I'd really like to fly is more so charter planes for private companies and people, then Major airlines would be my second choice.  Do you know of the best low cost flight school in the US or the few/options you would recommend?  I do already have an AA in liberal arts and about 30-48 credits away from a Bachelors in Business.  Flying doesn't have to be my only job/career choice but its something I'm definately passionate about getting and securing a pilots liscense.  I'm considering schooling in Los Angeles/San Diego CA; NYC, NY; Charlotte, NC; Anywhere, FL, Cleveland, OH; and Pittsburgh, PA in that order for making the best decision for me based on the things and jobs I want to accomplish if you have any information what's best for those areas, not sure where you went to school at?  I didn't know universities offered flight training/classes, I'm still a little confused on how all that works but it might help with the GI Bill to go through that way.  Or you've suggested a local flight school, not sure exactly what counts as that, and how long it would take and the average-to-lowest cost but any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your time and safe travels.

Answer

1)[What] would be more cost effective and learning wise more beneficial then to go to flight school or through a university?

Since you almost have a bachelors degree, there really is no point in enrolling in a university flight school program. It would be faster, likely more economical and to the point to go to a school or academy program.

2) Do you know if my flight hours in the military would count towards the civilian sector when I tried to get a job or the proper certification?

Yes, your flight experience counts. The military doesn't log time spend during taxi, while civilian time is from engine start to stop, so most employers give you a bit of extra credit for that factor. A military pilot certificate is different form a civilian one though. To get a civilian pilot certificate (yes, it is technically NOT a "license") you would need to go through some flight tests for a military to civilian conversion.

3) Is there a difference between a commercial pilot [license] and a private pilot [license]?

Absolutely. In order to fly for compensation or hire in any size aircraft doing any type of flying, the pilot must posses a FAA Commercial Pilot certificate. Private pilots are not allowed to do that type of flying per FAA regulations.

4) Do you know of the best low cost flight school in the US or the few/options you would recommend?

I can't recommend a flight school. I chose to go via the flying club route as they are generally less expensive than flight schools or academys and never attended a school. There are also literally thousands to chose from in the USA, so narrowing it down to a few in the nation is no small task. Since it seems you can get a GI Bill, I would focus on a school that they will fund. Not all schools are acceptable under that program. Having no military experience, I can't comment on the topic further other than what I have read or been told. A news clip:

"The provision for using GI Bill benefits to pay for flight training has been approved and will be a permanent part of the educational benefits for the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Montgomery GI Bill, and the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill (RMGIB).

Flight training, including solo flight hours, is authorized for individuals who have a private pilots license and who meet the medical requirements for a commercial pilot's license.

Flight school courses must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and the state approving agency. Specific information may be obtained by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs at (800) 827-1000."

It also seems you must already have your Private Pilot certificate and at least a second class medical to use the GI Bill to fund further training.

http://www.atpflightschool.com/va/
http://www.skywalkinc.com/VeteransProgram.html
http://www.americanflighttrainingsource.com/?page_id=199

This guy seems to be on the same track, so check out his blog on getting certificated with the GI Bill-
http://www.adventuresinflying.blogspot.com/2009/05/post-911-gi-bill-and-flight-t...

5) how long it would take and the average-to-lowest cost  

The time will depend on you, your learning curve and your schedule. If done full time, you can get all the necessary certificates and ratings in 12-18 months. The cost will vary depending on where you go but expect to pay at least $30,000 at the bare minimum if not double that as the GI Bill allows you to attend only certain approved schools.

Of course, once you have a brand new commercial pilot certificate, you are not going to be competitive for a flying job. To get hired to fly corporate, you need about ten times the amount of flight experience a new commercial pilot has- especially now as there are so many pilots out of work.

I suggest reading over these pilot message board & web links as they will help you get more background info you need to know-
http://www.flightinfo.com
http://www.pilotcareer.info
http://www.corporatepilotcentral.com/

Hope this helps,
Dottie