Workin'Stiff
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University of North Dakota
- Thread starter Lilbirny21
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Here's a few things that I forgot to add about my comments...
First off, understand that UND (and every other major aviation college out there) is a business. As such, they are going to try and "sell" you on a lot of things when you look at them. Shiny new planes are great (and most university programs have them). But look beyond the equipment... somethings to consider: what qualifications do the instructors have? What do you want to do after college- Fly? Build/design airplanes? Be an Air Traffic Controller? Fix planes? Manage an airport? Some university programs are better suited than others.
Consider the reputation that each school has, and the attitudes of the graduates, as well as the attitudes that other people in the profession have towards a certain school's grads.
From my experience UND and ERAU both put out decent pilots. Typically I have found (as well as have been told) that ERAU pilots generally have better knowledge (AKA systems, aerodynamics, theory) while UND pilots are better stick and rudder pilots (IE they tend to be able to fly better, given the same amount of flight time). It makes sense to me- ERAU is by all rights an engineering school. UND is not. ERAU for the most part has their campuses in relatively decent climates. UND doesn't.
I've heard stories about flight schools in FL (not just ERAU) grounding the fleet for winds at around 10-15kts or having strict limits on what conditions students can fly in... At UND in the wintertime, 15kts is a relatively calm day. One thing is for certain, when it comes to flight experience in various weather conditions, UND is the school where you will get more for your money. Snow and wind in the winter (as well as perfectly clear 100mile vis), and Thunderstorms in the summer, and everything else in between (during my time there I flew in or around snow, rain, low overcast, fog, dodged thunderstorms, saw a few tornadoes, did 20kt+ CROSSWIND landings and 30kt operations.
The decision is up to you... Personally after being out in the industry for a while, I've realized that a degree is a degree and a checkride is a checkride. Once you get out to the airlines and get through training, most people dont really care about where you came from or how you got your ratings. I know some fine pilots from all of the schools out there, and I know some blockheads from each as well.
First off, understand that UND (and every other major aviation college out there) is a business. As such, they are going to try and "sell" you on a lot of things when you look at them. Shiny new planes are great (and most university programs have them). But look beyond the equipment... somethings to consider: what qualifications do the instructors have? What do you want to do after college- Fly? Build/design airplanes? Be an Air Traffic Controller? Fix planes? Manage an airport? Some university programs are better suited than others.
Consider the reputation that each school has, and the attitudes of the graduates, as well as the attitudes that other people in the profession have towards a certain school's grads.
From my experience UND and ERAU both put out decent pilots. Typically I have found (as well as have been told) that ERAU pilots generally have better knowledge (AKA systems, aerodynamics, theory) while UND pilots are better stick and rudder pilots (IE they tend to be able to fly better, given the same amount of flight time). It makes sense to me- ERAU is by all rights an engineering school. UND is not. ERAU for the most part has their campuses in relatively decent climates. UND doesn't.
I've heard stories about flight schools in FL (not just ERAU) grounding the fleet for winds at around 10-15kts or having strict limits on what conditions students can fly in... At UND in the wintertime, 15kts is a relatively calm day. One thing is for certain, when it comes to flight experience in various weather conditions, UND is the school where you will get more for your money. Snow and wind in the winter (as well as perfectly clear 100mile vis), and Thunderstorms in the summer, and everything else in between (during my time there I flew in or around snow, rain, low overcast, fog, dodged thunderstorms, saw a few tornadoes, did 20kt+ CROSSWIND landings and 30kt operations.
The decision is up to you... Personally after being out in the industry for a while, I've realized that a degree is a degree and a checkride is a checkride. Once you get out to the airlines and get through training, most people dont really care about where you came from or how you got your ratings. I know some fine pilots from all of the schools out there, and I know some blockheads from each as well.
FlyingToIST
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Lilbirny,
aviation training rules of thumbs:
1. Don't shell out $$$$ to aviation colleges.
2. Don't pre-pay more than 10-20 hrs of time
3. Get it through your local flight schools.
4. Get a degree in other than aviation.
5. Don't believe in guaranteed anything..
I have 2 UND grads and 1 ERAU grad as an instructor. I didn't hire them according where they came from, i hired them according to their experience and personality.
Overall, if you are attracted to the big school lower hiring minimums, don't forget that it's rush rush and wait wait game that is played.
Finally, where are you located?
aviation training rules of thumbs:
1. Don't shell out $$$$ to aviation colleges.
2. Don't pre-pay more than 10-20 hrs of time
3. Get it through your local flight schools.
4. Get a degree in other than aviation.
5. Don't believe in guaranteed anything..
I have 2 UND grads and 1 ERAU grad as an instructor. I didn't hire them according where they came from, i hired them according to their experience and personality.
Overall, if you are attracted to the big school lower hiring minimums, don't forget that it's rush rush and wait wait game that is played.
Finally, where are you located?
AAflyer
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2001
- Posts
- 1,493
Flyerjosh said:
Thanks!! Will have to have some sent my way! Now, if I can only find Keystone Light beer the memories would be complete.
Another option! I didn't take the flying there. I had been flying since I was 13, had most of my tickets before I went. Did a couple at the local flying club. However I flew on the flying team.
Might consider a degree in Aviation Administration or Meteorology, enjoy all the benefits of UND; SAMA, the Flying TEAM, Alpha Eta Rho, but fly cheaply on the side at the local flying club. More than likely your instructors would have gone to UND, and would use the same syllabus as UND. You training is only as good as your instructor and the effort YOU put forth.
Just another option.
AAflyer
THE Flying Ace
I'm freaking out man
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thatpilotguy
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- Jan 21, 2005
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I did the UND thing. Great program, great aircraft, good instructors, and colder than you can possibly imagine.
I like the suggestion to get a degree in something other than the "Aeronautical Sciences" degree. As a soon to unemployed corporate pilot I wish that I had an aviation management degree or something more to fall back on.
I would suggest if you have the opportunity to visit as many schools as possible. I looked at ERAU, Purdue and UND. The facilities, aircraft and overall presentation at UND was the most impressive. But that was years ago now. I'm sure things have changed.
I would suggest it to anyone who is interested. I had a great experience and would do it all over again in a minute.
I would love to have a Ferocious Roast at Bonzer's and a tall Scooner!
I like the suggestion to get a degree in something other than the "Aeronautical Sciences" degree. As a soon to unemployed corporate pilot I wish that I had an aviation management degree or something more to fall back on.
I would suggest if you have the opportunity to visit as many schools as possible. I looked at ERAU, Purdue and UND. The facilities, aircraft and overall presentation at UND was the most impressive. But that was years ago now. I'm sure things have changed.
I would suggest it to anyone who is interested. I had a great experience and would do it all over again in a minute.
I would love to have a Ferocious Roast at Bonzer's and a tall Scooner!
MarineGrunt
Will kill for peace.
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- Sep 18, 2002
- Posts
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UND grad - 2003, Pi Kappa Phi, Parrot's Cay regular (get the 15's or you're a pu$$y), buck-50 pitchers, seeing Firehouse at Sensations, working at Menards sucks, hot chicks (found my wife there), tubing at Red Lake Falls (ALWAYS stop on the island), Larimore beach, Red Pepper, Plain Brown Wrapper, sneaking booze into hockey games, busted by cops wearing nothing but tighty whities, speaking of whities.. WHITEYS, love the smell of Lagoon, oh yeah, Simplot too... oh yeah, memories....
MarineGrunt
Will kill for peace.
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2002
- Posts
- 1,854
Oh yeah, DON'T major in "Commercial Aviation." Go either Av Mgmt or ATC and get your ratings either somewhere else, or UND if you want.
The only thing I can think the Comm. Avit. degree can do for you is lower some hiring mins (not by much) and that will still apply to you if you get the above degrees.
The only thing I can think the Comm. Avit. degree can do for you is lower some hiring mins (not by much) and that will still apply to you if you get the above degrees.
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