Expert: David A. NewMyer - 6/6/2007

Question
Dear David,

I have read few of your ans and I need some more question for you. Well, I am 27 years old, a Mechanical engineer and working for the past 2ys 8 mths now. I am thinking of leaving this job and make new career as a commercial pilot. My career dream is Pilot but due to financial issue I end up as Engineer but I see that I still got chance to become a pilot.

Well, I wanted to know website/name of good school which has minimum fee. I am a poor guy so I cannot go costly school. Most importantly, I am from India and I am not sure how to get admission there in US also I wanted to know if I can earn while study in flying school (part time job) and after as a pilot?

Answer
Hi,

Most US Schools will cost from $80,000 US to $140,000 US for a four year degree that includes flight training.  There are some scholarships available for such training directly from the schools that offer such training.

Check this website for ordering a copy of THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE AND ALSO THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP LISTING:  www.uaa.aero

Also, check this website for more information on aviation-related financial aid and scholarships:  www.avscholars.com

There are private flight schools that provide just the flight training that charge less than that....and, it takes less than four years, too.  Check these websites for private flight schools:

Flight Safety Academy:  www.flightsaftyacademy.com

Gulfstream Academy:  www.gulfstreamacademy.com

Delta Connection Academy: www.deltaconnectionacademy.com

ATP flight school:  www.ATPflightschool.com

They will all provide you with their cost sheets but I would recommend either ATP or Flight Safety with Flight Safety being the more expensive of the two but very highly respected.  ATP is highly rated but not as expensive.

You will have to ask each school about working while in school and how to earn money.

I hope that this answer is of help to you.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
www.aviation.siu.edu