newbie starting aviation career

[94touring]

I'm pretty sure this is the right forum for my introduction. I've been searching around trying to find a good source of info from current pilots and looks like I have found it.
I will be attending Spartan school of aeronautics in August. From the searches I have done, looks like my decision was good to choose spartan. I currently live in Wilington NC but will be making the move to Tulsa in a few weeks. Any members of the forum currently attend spartan or live in the Tulsa area? It would be nice to meet some new faces when I arrive.

 

[morph]

spartan

I guess it depends on what you want. I have three transfers from spartan at my university now and they are extremely happy with the move. Put it this way 2 of the 3 guys from spartan were close to finishing their privates and when they got to LeTourneau they had to almost redue all their training. Again I guess it depends on what you want. Besides those three fella's I haven't heard anything terrible about the school but again I stress it all depends on what you want. Just make sure whatever you do try to get your ratings under part 141 and not 61! Training is better and usually faster. What about equipment? I'm not sure how new spartans planes are. I think they train in 152's. Most 141 schools use 172R's but again it depends on the school. Good luck and I hope everything works out.

God Bless

 

[sjflyer]

Check out jetcareers.com

 

[wil]

Congrats on your decision!! I went there zero time to CFII. I also instructed there and I have to tell you that it is an awesome program. You will hear negative experiences but I think it comes down to the individual. Most of my classmates who had problems (financial, etc) would the same problems no matter where they went. My First Officer this month is a Spartan grad as well! We have a pretty good representation at DFW! One word of warning- Tulsa is a trap!! Most of my buddies that moved to fly for other companies have all come back to Tulsa! And, I met my wife there so you know I'm done for!! T-Town is a great town, I think you will like it. PM me and maybe we can meet for a beer- Wil

 

[94touring]

Good to hear that Wil!! After all i've read and after talking with the school numerous times, it really does seem like a solid program. I have been highly impressed since they have looked at several difference locations I chose to live, and not only did they send me a list of jobs to apply for but they also sent a list for my girlfriend/wife to apply for also. Just helps make it that less stressfull. I start in August, but i'll be moving there June 16th to settle in. We will defenitly have to get together for a beer. I understand OK beer is only 3.2%?

 

[wil]

Unfortunately you are moving to the buckle of the bible belt! Domestic beer bought at a convenience store is 3.2. Beer sold at a package store (must be sold room temp) is full force- microbrews, import, etc. Actually, I do like the 3.2 beer. I remember drinking at a Bennigans and thinking something was wrong as I was putting them down and not feeling anything- the bartender explaned about domestic draft being 1/2! But, as I've gotten older I like having a few beers without the buzz. And, if need be you can always have a shot, ha,ha!

Terry Vissar is the new Chief Pilot. He is a great guy and has been instructing there since I was a student back in 96. Craig Lindholm is an Assistant Chief pilot and is a walking FAR/AIM!!!!
And, lastly, you must get to know John Abcynski!! He is awesome! I can't begin to tell you how influencial he has (and is) been to my career progression. In fact, I went to him for advice last month when I was getting close to the 120 day limitation on my certificate. "ABC" is a former Polish fighter pilot who flew Mig's in the 70's. Using a stolen chopper he and his family defected! Incredible story, really!

If you are interested in banking I have some contacts. It was flexible for me and I made better than average wage. The true key to success is being able to fly often! I know work can get in the way so try to find a job that is flexible and pays well. I worked in a grocery store bank that was open till 8pm. I worked mon-fri 3pm to 8pm and Sat 10am to 6pm. I made my availability to schedule flights a lot easier. Also, and I can't stress this enough, put money in your flight account every paycheck starting as soon as possible!! I don't care if it's 20.00 put something in that account! There will be times that you are in between loans and your "Red X" which means no flying!! But, they let me fly because they saw that I was putting money in every 2 weeks. You will find that while Spartan has certain policies they are willing to work with those who put forth the effort!

Lastly, and I don't want to be negative but the numbers to complete the program are not the best. I know of one person who is still there who started with me (7/96)!! This program takes a lot of focus and dedication. I came to Spartan at 29 with my Bachelors Degree and it was demanding! Most relationships that I know of did not last the first year. Everybody says "they know" and "they are prepared" but I'm telling you this industry especially in training is murder on relationships!!

Now, enough of the "scared straight" you've been warned! You are embarking on an incredible adventure! I went from zero time to CRJ Captain in 6 1/2 years. On my days off, I still go to the pavillion at RVS with my dog to watch the planes land and I can't believe how my career has progressed! It seems like yesterday I was bouncing around the patch working on my "soft field" landings!! Don't pay attention to the zig/zags of the industry, focus on each certificate/rating at a time! BTW, I flew freight out of Asheville, N.C and I love your state!! Take care- Wil

 

[mattfish42]

I got my A&P at Spartan, but didn't do any flight training there. My advice:
#1 You will have a LOT of Saudi Arabian classmates. Decide ahead of time how tolerant you will be.

#2 Do not rely on the school's help finding employment. The list of potential jobs they sent you is the same list sent to at least several dozen other new students all job-hunting at the same time.

#3 Under absolutley no circumstances rely on Spartan's housing assistance program. I never talked to a single student who was happy or even satisfied with that program.

#4 Spartan attracts a lot of kids who aren't really ready to be separated from Mom and Dad yet, let alone seriously apply themselves to an education. Try not to get sucked into partying every night. Instructors are mercilessly cruel when they detect hangovers.

I was fortunate in that I had family in Tulsa who helped find a job and an apartment for me. I recommend West Corp. as a good job for a student. (Sorry, I don't have contact info right now, I'm sure they're in the phonebook.) Talking to strangers on the phone gets old pretty soon, but the hours are as flexible as you can want and the pay is better than just about any other non-skilled position in Tulsa. Unfortunately, aviation related jobs are extremely hard to come by anywhere in the surrounding area.

I just read my post and realized that I sound much more negative than I intended. I enjoyed studying at Spartan. I hope you do great there!

 

[94touring]

Well as a matter of fact I have some saudi friends here where I live now.

I don't plan on relying on the schools list of jobs, i've already done job searching on my own. As a matter of fact they school showed me some good websites to look at classifieds.

I didn't want any part of their housing program, but the school offered to look at apartments or houses I was planning to rent. I took the offer and was pleased by the effort on their part.

I've been out on my own for several years making a sucessfull living working for a civil engineering firm. As much as I like to drink, beer or anything else has never gotten in the way of my sucess.


Thanks for the input, no negativity taken.