Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Why Veterans Should Choose a State College for Their Pilot Training

By Nate Budd


Did you know that the GI Bill can help you pay for both flight training and college tuition? If you're a veteran and want to attend a state college in your area, your tuition is already paid for. Post-9/11 veterans can receive even more funding.

The United States government understands that many veterans have a passion for flying and would love to get the training necessary to make commercial pilot flying their new career path. As part of the post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act, training to become a pilot is now much easier and more affordable. Instead of trying to take out loans and come up with the money on your own, nearly all of your pilot training will be covered by VA benefits.

A career can be scary to start, but if you were in the military, then you have what it takes to be a good pilot. If you have dreamed of a new career after your service to the US, then as a veteran you likely fit what they are looking for. Many commercial pilots are former pilots and the GI bill covers most of your training as a pilot.

Being a veteran, it will be wise to obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility, to begin with, for ascertaining the extent you can receive for helping with the cost involved in flight training. It is better to understand that all the expenses are not likely to get covered by the VA. For the Practical Tests and FAA Knowledge Tests majority of the veterans pay for themselves. These expenses add up to minimum $2500 in case you opt for taking all of the ratings you are eligible for, over the full program. Going by the number of hours or cost involved in a course, you should get reimbursement from the VA for the additional hours (with certain limitations) but payment for those expenses is first to be made by yourself. Time taken for reimbursement could be 90 days or more. The extra expenses get spread over the entire two year period for the course. In just the flight training fees, you will be eligible to access through your Post 9/11 GT Bills up to $60,000 or even more.

Aviation is flourishing, and anyone who finishes a pilot training platform will be able to benefit. New studies suggest that over 69,000 new pilots will be needed in the United States in the next 20 years. The US market is merely a small part of the worldwide aviation scene, with 460,000 new pilots expected in the same time period. Aviation is competitive, and a college degree is recommended alongside a commercial pilot's license. The minimum number of flight hours will increase during this time. Military trainees will have an easier time finding employment. In the future, flight instructors will be more in demand, and training to become one will help you get ahead in the aviation business. Flight instructors earn $15 to $25 per hour, and salaries average around $20,000 a year. Wages grow with longevity, and being part of a major airline is also a factor.

Try contacting someone at our dept for veteran affairs if you are in need of more info.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment