G.I. Bill/College fund

[be76pilot]

Does the military G.I. Bill/College fund only pay for 60% of flight training costs after you get you Private Pilots Liscence? Is how much the G.I Bill covers dependant on the particular flight school? This 60% coverage was posted on this website, by someone using the G.I. Bill, and I just wanted to confirm if it was true. Thanks guys.

 

[weekendwarrior]

Yes, you are correct in that it only covers ratings after your private. Also, you are required to attend a Part 141 school that is VA approved. Part 141 schools have a syllabus that is more structured than a Part 61 school.

The amount the school charges doesn't matter. You get a certain amount of money total for your GI bill. When you use it, it's gone. There is enough in there to get your instrument, commercial and multi though.

It is a great deal though. I used it for my instrument and multi. If you already have the 250 hours TT it is not worth doing 141 for the commercial, because a large portion of the cost is building time.

One tip. I applied with Sallie Mae to pay for the rest. Because of the lag time, you have to pay up front before you get your checks from the VA. I would have paid for the flight training with Sallie Mae, then the check would come in from the VA, and I didn't send it to Sallie Mae. So, the VA paid for 60%, but I still have loans for most of it.

 

[be76pilot]

Thanks for the info W. Warrior. How do you like flying around in the Apache? Sounds like fun to me. I have been considering the Army as a way to get my degree, and would also like to fly helicopters. Do you have any friends who went through the warrant officer flight training program? Anyone who can give some feedback on the aspects of this program, please PM me. Thanks.

 

[weekendwarrior]

Yes, I do have friends who went through it...Me!

It's absolutely the best job on Earth. Don't think about it for just college and to fly helicopters though. You will get shot at if you become a pilot in the Army (or NG for that matter) with today's war on terror. Your degree and your helicopter training will be gravy on top. I'm NG, but will be headed to the sandbox eventually, you can guarantee it!

It is a great experience, though, with great benefits. Be prepared to put up with a bunch of BS, to get through it, though. Overall it's not too bad, and completely worth it.

 

[hovermode]

GI bill... best investment

I did the GI bill for most of my F/W training. I think it is the best investment I ever did. I'm using what is left to finish my degree @ Embry-Riddle. I should have done this years ago, when I was younger.


Good Luck

 

[be76pilot]

Thanks everyone, especially weekend warrior, for taking the time to answer my questions. I will keep you guys posted on what happens with the military issue.