Got the GI Bill and not afraid to use it

[kaufhaus]

Hello All,

Been lurking for a while, and now seeking some advice. As the subject line says I've got the GI Bill, and I'm looking to use it. I also have an odd collection of ratings that I want to round out. What I've got is an ATP-MEL and PP-SEL that I want to turn into CFII, ideally both SEL and MEL. I'm trying to figure out the most time effective way to do this, so an accellerated program would be of greatest interest.

Any suggestions from the brain trust here on where to start looking ?

Thanks,

kk

 

[52vincent]

Is'nt this an ironic twist? All the hours you have and seeking a CFI while the low timers with the cfi seeking more time. I would be willing to barter some time for some license .( Hmm is that possible?)
Quite funny when you think about it!!
Any way to answer your question. If time is not much of an option then an accelerated way is ok, if you run searches on the board there is a lot of mixed feelings on accelerated schools.
I don't believe it will take you to long to get the cert's you desire therefore accelerated may be the way to go, you probably posess most of the basic knowledge, with the experience you have.
I personally would prefer a VA approved part 141 school (FBO).
Since you are VA, I suggest you look into an Aero Club at one of your local military bases, rates are cheaper typically.

 

[bobbysamd]

CFI training

I understand that to use your GI bill benies that you must train at a Part 141 school. That should narrow your search a little.

You will need your Commercial SE before you can get your CFI-A. You might have to do your Commercial SE rating under Part 61, which, I'm sure, would be ineligible for your GI bill.

Any one of the major commercial flight schools can or should be able to work with you for your SE rating and all of your CFI ratings. For openers, I'll suggest FlightSafety Academy in Vero Beach. I worked there 10 1/2 years ago and trained a few CFI students. The place is known primarily for its 141 Commercial-Multi-Instrument course but also has a good CFI program. Also, the Center Director, some of the top officials and many of the students are former military, so you should feel comfortable. I'd bet the place isn't terribly busy these days, so you could finish all your ratings in a couple of months max.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your plans.

 

[kaufhaus]

Thanks to both of you, I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.

Originally posted by 52vincent
Is'nt this an ironic twist? All the hours you have and seeking a CFI while the low timers with the cfi seeking more time. I would be willing to barter some time for some license

I hadn't thought of the irony, but you've got a real good point there. I'd love to trade you some time, but I'm afraid some of it may be a little stale. I'm coming out of the AF having spent the last two years flying only a desk...no matter how much I time I spend thinking about flying while making airplane noises, it doesn't do anything for currency or recency, it just annoys the other people around me. Oh well, I may not be able to log it, and it may make the rest of the world worry about me, but it helps me remember what's important.

Thanks again,

kk