Federal/State Aid for Retraining...

[Xanadu72]

Would anyone out there be able to point me in the right direction. As a furloughed pilot, I have "heard" there are 'programs' which are funded federally or through the state. These programs allow monies to be utilized for retraining/upgrade training so that individuals like myself have a better chance (increased marketability) of finding new employment in the same career field. Is this grant money? Who to contact? Has anyone heard of such a thing? Info PLZ. Thanx.

 

[72Longhorn]

WIA

Yea, it's called the WIA fund. It is government funded money provided for training in a specific field in which you were furloughed from. In your case, airline pilot. Go to your local State Employment Commision Office and ask the person at the front desk for the WIA application, and it goes from there. If you're lucky you can get a fully paid type rating in an aircraft of your choice. Good Luck!

72Longhorn

 

[Xanadu72]

Thanx for the info! Will investigate ASAP.

 

[bobbysamd]

WIA

Just to give you an idea of how it can help pilots, try going here to see how WIA works in Colorado.

I've read of at least a couple of people who've received type ratings funded at least in part by Uncle Sam under this program.

Good luck with your plans.

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

WIA funding

Try the net "WIA - your state"

It should lead you in the right direction. Then look for the approved schools. Most of the flight schools (FSI, Hire Power, etc.) are already approved, if you are looking for type ratings.

You can also contact the school directly and they will also help you through the process. I emailed Pan Am Academy and received some information that way, but they can't start the paper work until you have been furloughed.

I'll see you in class after 11-1-2002!

Jeff

 

[PilotoHalcon]

When I was furloughed from ABX I applied for WIA with the state of OH. Unemloyement agency.(since that is where I was working) and managed to get a LR35 type. (course no job yet) It helps to show jobs that are available for the kind of AC you want a type in. Also I used Simuflite since Flight Safety was cost-prohibitive. Good luck

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

wia and flight schools

I talked to FSI in Wilmington, DE about the WIA funding and they did not want anything to do with it. They have had some problems with receiving the funds after providing the training and want the ca$h up front. Plus the G-4 type was 33.5K. I think I would go some where else for the B737 and the A320 for less!!!

Pan Am Academy in FLA was more helpful, but you have to be furloughed before you can start the process.

Jeff

 

[PilotoHalcon]

I used Simuflite, Dallas. LR 35 was $13,600. That type lets you fly the 20 and 30 series plus the 55. But no job yet.
j

 

[Xanadu72]

All info posted so far has been extremely helpful. I am in the loop. My particular state is up to speed with the Act and so far I qualify. Must go through the process before recieveing any grants. Thanx again everyone.

 

[72Longhorn]

WIA

A little bit of advice.

The WIA is funded by the Federal Government, so you are not limited to your state or county. Some counties are not honoring the pilot training; so if I were you just go to another state, or county that is honoring pilot training.

If you are trying to get the B-737 type rating, attack this from both ends. Go to the employment office and call the school that you plan on getting your rating. The school will help you through the process, they want your business as much as you want that type rating.

Higher Power in Dallas is an approved school for the WIA progam. Call Sany Sirkel at (972) 641-4661 and she will help you get that ball rolling.

Good luck fellow furloughies!!

72Longhorn