MONEY for the flying training

[Chris Rhee]

hi,

i have few questions about the problem that almost everybody worries about, the money

i'm planning to go to University of Oklahoma(major in aircraft pilot) and its estimated annual tuition (with required fees, books, etc.) is about $4000-5000

and i THINK i can get about $10000 each year from the financial aids, scholarships, etc.

so i have no problem with paying the tuition for the college, but i heard that i have to pay extra money for the flying training

i couldn't find how much flying traning costs

if anybody went through the similar way as i planned or knows about this, your reply will be really helpful for me and i'll greatly appreciate it

thank you

 

[huncowboy]

I really don't know about the university you have mentioned, but flight training, as they call it , can cost anywhere from $25000 to 50000+ depending which way you go. That would include from zero to CFII, MEI in most cases.

You can search this forum for "FBO route" and you will see examples, arguments for both. You can also search for "PFT" and most of those threads will include some related info as well.

As far as financing goes, lots of us seem to pay it out of pocket, and so most of us had to work full time or at least marry a wife who works full time This may be hard to do (working I mean) while studying and training full time, although many have done it before!

The rest gets it either from parents, or take out a loan. There are several aviation loans that finance pilot training programs, and universities. I am sure your school has a loan officer or a financial help department or something similar that can help you. Until then, you can plug in "aviation loans" into Google and a bunch of institutions pop up that finance flight training with very reasonable rates… if you can secure the loan.

Good luck!

 

[Big Duke Six]

Your mileage may vary

I am not familiar with Oklahoma's program in particular, but realize there can be huge differences between the schools that offer Atmosheric Penetration Specialist degrees. In some you are free to seek out the flight training on your own while at others you must use the established in-house flight training program. Costs can vary widely here depending on the school's requirements. In any case, your costs will further depend on which licenses/ratings are required to graduate from that program. Some may require Commercial/Instrument only, while some may require Multi or Instructor ratings. Back in my day, just the Commercial/Instrument was required and so most of us were able to work during college to finance that training. Many went further than that though and got their Instructor tickets in order to build time and earn a little money while still in college. You have four years to spread the costs over, so it is not as if you need the whole wad up front.

The point of all this is to ask that you research both their graduation requirements and where you can go to get that training a little further. That will best way to get the most accurate estimate of what your costs will be.

Hope that helps and good luck, and have fun!!

 

[Ailerongirl]

(major in aircraft pilot)

Ahhhh....that's what I missed out on, during my college experience

 

[jarhead]

My son was in an aviation degree major at UND in the early 90's. He had his PPL in while in high school, having flown out of a local FBO. We had thought that would negate the need to take the course for the private license in college, since he had that license since his junior year in high school. We were wrong. UND (a part 141 school) required him to take a three credit course, and the associated 10 hours of flight time at UND for those who already had their PPL, as they had not taken the course at UND required for credit towards the B.S. in Airway Science.

From 1990 through 1994, the "lab fees" (translation:flight time costs) for PPL, Comm/Inst, CFI, CFII, multi, and MEI ran over and above the college tuition, room and board, by about $45,000 in the four years he was there.

 

[350DRIVER]

The University of Oklahoma has a pretty impressive flight program from what I have seen over the years. Years back when I did my CFI/CFII at Airman Flight School in OUN I talked to a few in the program and they seemed quite pleased with the way the program was set up, etc. I have heard nothing but good things all around regarding the program/college so I think you will probably be in good hands should you choose to go this route. You can also expect to pay a handsome price tag that comes with the "big name" of U of O, only downside in my opinion. If I were you I would obtain your private through Airman right there at OUN prior to entering the flight program since you can probably save a substantial amount of money if you have it prior to enrolling.


The "annual tuition" will be pocket change compared to what you can expect to dish out for the flight training costs. I would assume you will be looking at anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000 just for flight costs alone although I do not know the specifics. I would suggest calling them and requesting the appropriate information relating to total and anticipated costs that you can expect to pay. You can usually finance the entire costs through Sallie Mae, they will provide you will all the information.


Norman is a great college town. Make sure you check out the female oil wrastlin' at the Ramada's bar on thursday evening's, truly a "unique" experience to say the least.

3 5 0

ps>> The BBQ is also out of this world there....

 

[pilotman2105]

I really don't know about the university you have mentioned, but flight training, as they call it , can cost anywhere from $25000 to 50000+ depending which way you go.

I just saw some numbers that put the upper end of the cost more around $70,000 for the schools who really think that they are the sh!t.

Shop around for the best price. What I've found to be fairly economical is to go with an FBO that has a university affiliation. Good training, but you don't pay for as bad in the wallet.

 

[DoinTime]

One positive to taking the "in house" flight courses is that they usually have no problem in qualifying for financial aid. There are private institutions that will loan you a considerable amount of money if you can qualify your expenses. I took out loans from the government and Key Bank to finance the $65,000 I needed to cover my room, board, flight training, and expenses while I was in college with no cosigner or collateral on any of the money.

I was shocked and almost quit before I started when I found out the real costs associated with flying but it was the best thing I have ever done. Don't lose hope, you'll find the money. Just be sure to work your tail off to take advantage of your newfound skills and establish yourself in this profession.

 

[starvingcfi]

Ahhhh....that's what I missed out on, during my college experience

you know, there's still time. it just so happens i'm a pilot