GI bill at pt 61 school

[LivestockTony]

Hi,

Is it possible to get the VA to pay the 60% for flight training at a primarily pt 61 school, or do I need to go to a 141 school?

(I live on the bouge banks of nc.. the school at EWN seems to meet my needs but doesn't mention being VA approved, the school at OAJ hasn't updated their website recently, but mentions being VA approved (but is further away), and AFAIK there is no school at MRH)

In case it matters, ultimately my goal is to be a fish spotter.
thanks,
-TF

 

[Doozer]

I don't think VA benefits can be used at a Part 61 only school; however, I'm not sure on this.

It is possible, however, to train at a 141 school & “step out of the syllabus” to test under Part 61 (assuming you’ve met the Part 61 training & experience requirements).

If you’re a fast learner or have previous flight time, this is a way to use the VA benefits for training & get your certificates or ratings without completing the entire syllabus. After the practical test, you can then reenroll in the 141 school for the next phase of your training. I used my VA benefits to add some ratings in this way at a school in San Diego, and it worked out pretty well.

One caution, though; I’m not sure all 141 schools will allow this. Therefore, if you think you may be a candidate for this strategy, verify before enrolling that the school will permit this. If they say they will and you are 100% certain you meet the PTS and your instructor or the chief pilot balks at endorsing you for a practical exam, their credibility is shot, and you need to find another 141 school ASAP; they don't deserve your money.

In addition, I'd be suspicious of any school that won't discuss how they will allow you to do this. Those training dollars are more yours than theirs.

Assuming you've met Part 61 requirements, if a Part 141 school won't endorse you under Part 61 to take the practical, I'd consider that proof that either they're incompetent in the VA benefits arena or they're looking out more for their profits than their responsibility to serve you, the customer. In either case, you stand to lose more than them -- and I'd find another 141 school.

Good luck.

 

[Tonala2k]

Excelent point

I can't speak myself about VA monies, only that I've been told by lots of people who should know. They agree that VA monies have to be used a part 141 school. I never knew about the part 61 contengency.

But most importantly, look for a school of thinkers that will help you understand how to best use your money. As service providers we have an obligtion to educate our clients. I've watched a small number of students walk to another airport for several little reasons. It's not my place to tell them I'm the best because when it comes down to it you've got dedicated CFI's and 'Regional or Bust' CFI's.

Ooooo I hate the latter

 

[JimNtexas]

I can't speak myself about VA monies, only that I've been told by lots of people who should know. They agree that VA monies have to be used a part 141 school. I never knew about the part 61 contengency.

...

That's what I did for my commerical rating under the GI bill, trained under 141 but took the test as a part 61 checkride.

 

[Lazy8]

The school has to be part 141 approved and then the school must apply and be approved for VA from the government. Part 61 only schools are ineligible.

g

 

[LivestockTony]

Thank you

Thank you all for the very quick replies.
-TF

 

[RipCurl]

I *believe* there is a little bit in there that allows it to pay for training at part 61 schools if they have some sort of association with a college (i.e. they run/oversee a ground school course at the local community college). Don't quote me on that, but it may be something to look in to.