Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 8/22/2006

Question
I am 18 years old and will graduate highschool this year. My mother has been an only mother my whole life. She was diagnosed with alzheimers six years ago and cannot work. So we live off welfare and my income, which amounts to hardly anything. My question is do you know of any scholorship agencies who would assist me? I have looked around but have found nothing. I also wanted to know what you know about aviation schools and becoming  a pilot. Do I go to one school to go from knowing nothing to having a commercial pilots licence, or do I first have to attend a traditional four year college? Any information you could give me would be much appreciated, thankyou.

Answer
Jared
Regarding your question about scholarship, that is tough one. There is scholarships available for pilot training, howver I have not heard that there is one for complete training. Loans are available, and majority schools are considering loans, while scholarship are tough and theyt do not covering all cost.
Usually there is combined programs that guide you getting an flight training and flight licenses separetely from college education. Howver there is number of schools that actually combine those two disciplines in to orginized program that at the end of your training you are getting 2 years of college degree and commercial pilot license. I would definettly suggest start looking for the flight schools in your area and try to get some ideas about aviation collegies that they do have combine training.

Ismar