Students and freshly minted commercial pilots II

[mcjohn]

Metro752, know one cares if you don't feel sorry for anyone or think they made a stupid mistake. Hell, anonimo states very clearly "I made a big mistake." Many, many people have made this "stupid mistake" and it's very unfortunate. I can't stand to see these flight academies get away with lying to folks and profit on their dreams only to financially destroy a LARGE portion of their lives. We need to help inform, not smear their face in the "stupid mistake."

 

[anonimo]

Raise the Awareness

8.69% or so - estimated at 5.56% when I signed. Even though I didn't have problems with training/checkrides, I still had to pull out more money than advertised for increased hourly rates and for a cumulative 4 months of waiting around for an airworthy airplane (while paying rent/utilities). This has happened to so many of the students at this school that some max out their loan (of course some of these students are blowing their money on things they don't need), and are unable to finish the program. The school didn't really show much concern, it's purpose is to keep recruiting.

Metro, you have already given a justification: people do not do adequate research. Then add to the fact that many are blinded by an illusion, and then they get all pumped up and motivated by these salespeople to sign up. It is still happening all the time.

Mcjohn, I do like the idea, a 1-page ad in flying/aviation magazines - something to break up the illusions that these schools/academies portray. It is all about awareness.

Well at least my rage has paid off somewhat - some of my ventures into real estate with my wife (in central america) are yielding a passive monthly income that more or less covers my loan payments. I have made a big mistake, and I'm going to fix it.

 

[mcjohn]

You're involved in Central American Real Estate?! Now that's a nitch. Good luck to you. Are you flying? Any chance we can convince you to reveal the school's name for the cause?

 

[anonimo]

Yeah there is some good real estate down there - plus all the legalities are not as stringent as in the U.S, so it is a simpler process.
As for work, I am flying now.
I guess I could mention the school I attended - not to say I did not meet some good people there, and had some good training. I did keep up a positive attitude and worked hard. Still, I give my absolute supreme recommendation to anyone not to sign up for the complete program, even if you have the money to fork out. In fact, don't sign up for any of the training. Give your support to your local FBO/mom & pop operation if you can - well, that is what I think. I have observed that it doesn't really matter whether you go part 141 or 61. Just be focused, know what you want, have fun.

As for the school I attended, it was raa.

On a side note, JSKY26 mentioned earlier FAR 141.23 - false advertisement. I almost pulled that one out on the CEO when I was at raa because 141.23 was being violated, and I had/have the proof...for a while I was getting other students' consent to sign a letter to the CEO identifying the need for change at the academy, but I decided not to submit it, because I figured I would get screwed.

 

[JSky26]

Anonimo,

Seriously dude, you should have done it. I don't know why people bring up this reg more often...

Sorry on the luck man, but what comes around goes around though ...you'll get your time

 

[Goose Egg]

...going into debt 80k to 100+k be part of it.

At first I thought I was reading a windshear PIREP. That's the kind of day I'm having. I guess this is nature's way of paying me back for never taking an AIRMET-T seriously. Welcome to New England.

Anyway, I think this is a good thread. I fortunately kept myself down to about $20K of debt from school, flying and degree included. I accomplished this through going to a state school with a flight program and living at home. It worked out great for me. At first, I worried a bit that I didn't have "connections" at regional airlines, but then I realized that you don't actually need "connections" to get a regional job. What you do need is a pulse and multi time. All the other stuff, such as a degree, intelligence, a "normal" disposition, etc., is icing on the cake.

Don't sell yourselves out, guys. Mom and pop FBOs and local colleges will do you just fine.

-Goose

 

[mcjohn]

As for work, I am flying now.

As for the school I attended, it was raa.

Thanks anonimo. You're helping folks tremendously and it's probably just a matter of time before that CEO reads something like this. These internet forums have been leveling the playing field more and more each year. I know this one saved my ass a couple of times.

Are you flying for a regional? Just a yes or no question there. No interest in the company.

 

[WhatsUpNow?]

Anonimo, sounds like you went to RAA, hey PM me if you were at the AZ facility.

 

[anonimo]

Thanks anonimo. You're helping folks tremendously and it's probably just a matter of time before that CEO reads something like this. These internet forums have been leveling the playing field more and more each year. I know this one saved my ass a couple of times.

Are you flying for a regional? Just a yes or no question there. No interest in the company.

Yes I fly with a regional now. I got what was advertised, although ironically I didn't get the interview through the raa connection, it was on my own initiative.