What to do after the private?

[J.C.Airborne]

UND may be cheap as far as getting a degree.........but when it comes to aviation costs, it aint cheap. Yah, I was there for 4 years..........the flying part was good, as long as you had the right instructor. Not much in the way of standardization though. If you were doing a phase check, one guy would bust you for not having the beacon on while another would basically let you crash the plane and you would still pass.

Overall, you would be better off doing your ratings with a good instructor at an FBO somewhere and you will save some money. Get a degree in something that you can fall back on though.

If you do everything you are supposed to do then they have no reason to bust you....thats my philosophy.

 

[Guitar rocker]

If you do everything you are supposed to do then they have no reason to bust you....thats my philosophy.

Yah, that would be the realistic approach...............but, it wasnt that way.

 

[Alex429595]

UND is significantly cheaper due to the fact that it is a public school...especially if you live in a state that reciprocity or Western Undergraduate Exchange programs applies to. I agree with you that ERAU is a considerable waste of money due to the fact that UND is just as good as ERAU and sooooo much less than ERAU.

I wouldnt go trashing on ERAU....they ARE just as good as UND, and they really dont cost that much more......and they give much better financial aid. Plus, its a lot warmer down there!

 

[J.C.Airborne]

I wouldnt go trashing on ERAU....they ARE just as good as UND, and they really dont cost that much more......and they give much better financial aid. Plus, its a lot warmer down there!

No one is trashing ERAU...i am just saying that its a waste of money since UND is so much cheaper and just as good if not better, and i dont know what you got...but i wasnt offered nearly as much financial aide as i was at UND. Even if your statement is true, they would need to offer more financial aide anyway because they cost so much more. And its not warm...its HOT...HOT AS HELL!

 

[Alex429595]

No one is trashing ERAU...i am just saying that its a waste of money

"Not that theres anything wrong with it, its just a complete waste of money."

Many of the people who go to, and have graduated from one of the finest aviation academies in the world might disagree with your immature labeling of it as a "waste of money."

 

[Slice121]

The University of North Dakota =is= a real college. Its just your average state university, plus a flight dept. Less than 10 % of the student body (13,000 total) are in aviation. I would also say that the vast majority of our aviation students (myself included) are double majoring in something non aviation.

You're right I was speaking more to the ERAU side of things. That beign said, I would have tried for ASU or FSU if I had to do it over...

 

[J.C.Airborne]

"Not that theres anything wrong with it, its just a complete waste of money."

Many of the people who go to, and have graduated from one of the finest aviation academies in the world might disagree with your immature labeling of it as a "waste of money."

Thanks for misquoting me...if your going to qoute me...do it right. We have a name for what you have done...its called libel. As for my immature labeling...well its not immature if its true...which it is. Immature is misquoting someone. As i said...there is nothing wrong with ERAU...its a great school...but they are overpriced plain and simple...even the students their can attest to that. Dont give me this attitude that im an ERAU hater...im not...im just facing facts...and if you go to ERAU...more power to you...its a great school...im sure ill fly with one of their graduates some day...i have many friends who attend ERAU...however...the fact of the matter is...they are wasting money. For some people its worth it to waste the money just because of the prestige of the university...or they just like the campus...who knows why people go to erau...the reasons are endless... but they are still wasting money if you can get the exact same education somewhere else for cheaper.

 

[Alex429595]

We have a name for what you have done...its called libel.

No, it isn't.

Libel: 2 a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression

And you.....sure like to....use this.....a lot.....huh?

You need to take a grammer class, and maybe a spelling class too. Where is Tony C when you need him?

 

[Alex429595]

You're right I was speaking more to the ERAU side of things. That beign said, I would have tried for ASU or FSU if I had to do it over...

In reality I was just nitpicking, I know what you are talking about. You go to an aviation college, and everyone is just bursting with excitement about aviation. Aviation this, Aviation that. You eat, sleep, and play with other male pilots. I can't personally say that its not the college experience, but I am glad I go to UND. I am happy for friends that are in other fields besides aviation. I am happy that we actually have some women to hang out with too! That being said, I do have a lot of friends who came out of ERAU, loved it, claim it was worth every penny spent, and attribute their success partly to it. Its not for everyone. Then again, neither is the local FBO and a degree in Economics. What is a "waste of money" to someone may well be worth every penny to someone else.

<rant>One thing that really does piss me off (and I GO to UND) are the few folks here that think that they are better than all the other pilots. There are people here that think they are higher quality pilot material than someone who trained at their local part 61 FBO. I really resent that. Being from UND doesnt make you a better pilot than anyone else out there. These ass clowns need to wake up and realize they arent God's gift to aviation just because they go to a big name school. <rant/>

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Many of the people who go to, and have graduated from one of the finest aviation academies in the world might disagree with your immature labeling of it as a "waste of money."

I haven't met any. The only Riddle grads I know (and I know quite a few) who are content with their education there are the ones that had mommy and daddy paying for it. Those who had to put themselves into such a ridiculous amount of debt at such an early stage of life just to get a job flying RJ's for $20k a year actually seem to have very bitter feelings towards the place. I don't blame them, I would too. Keep in mind, these are people in their late 20's to early 30's who are trying to start families while still working for peanuts and trying to pay off a neverending trail of school loans. Obviously your newly graduated Riddle buds who just got a job flying their shiney new RJ's are going to have a different opinion, but give them about 4 or 5 years and it will change. My roommate is a Riddle grad, he has nothing good to say about it.

 

[G2T]

What is a "waste of money" to someone may well be worth every penny to someone else.

That should just about sum up this argument. Regardless of where you go, your certs. are not labeled UND, ERAU, WMU, or FBO. Everyone has reasons for what they decide. Now can't we all just get along and start arguing about something that really matters, like the "the race to the bottom", or "lowering the bar"? Ha, jk.:beer:

 

[J.C.Airborne]

No, it isn't.

Libel: 2 a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression

And you.....sure like to....use this.....a lot.....huh?

You need to take a grammer class, and maybe a spelling class too. Where is Tony C when you need him?

thank you for proving my point. an "unfavorable impression" could that be like making a statement and then putting them in quotes like i said them? I dont believe i need a grammer class or a spelling class...but you do need to grow up a little.

 

[J.C.Airborne]

<rant>One thing that really does piss me off (and I GO to UND) are the few folks here that think that they are better than all the other pilots. There are people here that think they are higher quality pilot material than someone who trained at their local part 61 FBO. I really resent that. Being from UND doesnt make you a better pilot than anyone else out there. These ass clowns need to wake up and realize they arent God's gift to aviation just because they go to a big name school. <rant/>

This is a rant i can agree with in most part, however from what i have seen the professionals trained at these name brand schools are great pilots whom i respect deeply, i harbor no ill feelings to people who get their ratings part 61, but honestly the structure isnt there like it is in part 141. Not saying bad pilots dont come out of 141 schools...because they do...but personally im a part 141 guy. The structure proves far more efficient in making sure all of the students who go through are excellent pilots.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

What is a "waste of money" to someone may well be worth every penny to someone else.

What this really means is: If your mommy and daddy have money flowing out of their arses, go to ERAU and get your "prized education". If they don't, and you have the slightest bit of common sense, then go somewhere else where you can get the same thing for half the price. The end.

 

[skycaptain11]

What this really means is: If your mommy and daddy have money flowing out of their arses, go to ERAU and get your "prized education". If they don't, and you have the slightest bit of common sense, then go somewhere else where you can get the same thing for half the price. The end.

Exactly... at least some people get it. You do not have to go to a "name brand" school to network in the industry. There are plenty of ways to build hours and connections even if you go through your local FBO. Best of Luck to you all.

 

[Alex429595]

What this really means is: If your mommy and daddy have money flowing out of their arses, go to ERAU and get your "prized education". If they don't, and you have the slightest bit of common sense, then go somewhere else where you can get the same thing for half the price. The end.

If someone wants to immerse themselves in a subject that they love during their college years, and they have the funds to support it, thats none of your business. Remember, the vast majority of folks dont end up working in the field that they majored in. Why study something other than what you love? A few extra thousand (and in the case of UND, it really is not that big a difference) to study something in college that you love is worth it to a lot of people (which would explain why these school are still in business). People who are bitter grapes about these schools just because "they cant afford them" piss me off. Plenty of people pay their own way through these schools.

 

[Alex429595]

This is a rant i can agree with in most part, however from what i have seen the professionals trained at these name brand schools are great pilots whom i respect deeply, i harbor no ill feelings to people who get their ratings part 61, but the honestly the structure isnt there like it is in part 141. Not saying bad pilots dont come out of 141 schools...because they do...but personally im a part 141 guy. The structure proves far more efficient in making sure all of the students who go through are excellent pilots.

I have no clue what you are trying to say. Learn how to put a sentence together.

"The structure proves far more efficient in making sure all of the students who go through are excellent pilots."

No, it doesn't.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

If someone wants to immerse themselves in a subject that they love during their college years, and they have the funds to support it, thats none of your business. Remember, the vast majority of folks dont end up working in the field that they majored in. Why study something other than what you love? A few extra thousand (and in the case of UND, it really is not that big a difference) to study something in college that you love is worth it to a lot of people (which would explain why these school are still in business). People who are bitter grapes about these schools just because "they cant afford them" piss me off. Plenty of people pay their own way through these schools.

If "immersing yourself in aviation" (i.e. getting drunk and partying with a bunch of Top Gun wannabees) every day is your idea of money well spent, then go right ahead. I find it interesting that this argument is coming from some 18 year old kid who doesn't have a clue what its like to have real bills to pay.

 

[gkrangers]

ERAU is a private university, hence its expensive just like any other private university. So, in theory, all private universities suck. They aren't trying to rip people off...its just the way private universities are.

Riddle is what you make of it...and IMO, can be worth the money if you persue one of the more useful degree programs. (Engineering, Safety, Human Factors, Business, etc)

 

[gkrangers]

If "immersing yourself in aviation" (i.e. getting drunk and partying with a bunch of Top Gun wannabees) every day is your idea of money well spent, then go right ahead. I find it interesting that this argument is coming from some 18 year old kid who doesn't have a clue what its like to have real bills to pay.

Come on down tonight and come to our party...not gonna find any top gun wannabes amongst us. The whole softball team of a local college is supposed to come too!!!!!:beer:

 

[gkrangers]

This is a rant i can agree with in most part, however from what i have seen the professionals trained at these name brand schools are great pilots whom i respect deeply, i harbor no ill feelings to people who get their ratings part 61, but the honestly the structure isnt there like it is in part 141. Not saying bad pilots dont come out of 141 schools...because they do...but personally im a part 141 guy. The structure proves far more efficient in making sure all of the students who go through are excellent pilots.

I resent this post. But I'm sure this has been beaten to death.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Riddle does have an excellent Engineering program, I will give them that much. At least that is an occupation where you can expect for the money that you invested into your education to pay off within a reasonable amount of time, unlike flying airplanes for a living.

 

[Alex429595]

If "immersing yourself in aviation" (i.e. getting drunk and partying with a bunch of Top Gun wannabees) every day is your idea of money well spent, then go right ahead. I find it interesting that this argument is coming from some 18 year old kid who doesn't have a clue what its like to have real bills to pay.

Most of my friends rarely drink, and I cant stand that movie myself. Sorry you have a false impression of the university. And guess what? They are MY bills, MY student loans, MY signature on the promissary note. So $#% off!

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Most of my friends rarely drink, and I cant stand that movie myself. Sorry you have a false impression of the university. And guess what? They are MY bills, MY student loans, MY signature on the promissary note. So $#% off!

Fair enough. So come back in 10 years when you're trying to pay them off while raising 2 kids on a crappy paycheck while your buds in the Engineering program are living in 3 story mansions in Southern California. Then tell us if it was worth spending over 100 grand to become a pilot.

 

[Alex429595]

Fair enough. So come back in 10 years when you're trying to pay them off while raising 2 kids on a crappy paycheck while your buds in the Engineering program are living in 3 story mansions in Southern California. Then tell us if it was worth spending over 100 grand to become a pilot.

No- not 100 grand to be a pilot. Numbers have already been quoted on the thread, and they aren't 100 grand, and its not just to get your ratings. Its also for your college degree.

But I get it, I get what you are saying. Its a risk that I am willing to take. I am happy being here, happy with what I am learning, and happy with my life. Life goes where it does, and I don't know exactly what I am going to do or what kind of financial situation I will be in. Both my parents are CPAs, one with an MBA, and neither is happy with accounting. It just doesn't satisy them. Im not going to pick a career just for the money. Im also not some idiot who is going to take a job flying a crappy regional penis extender for minimum wage, just because "I love to fly." I will find a balance. It won't be easy, but is anything worthwhile really easy?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

No- not 100 grand to be a pilot. Numbers have already been quoted on the thread, and they aren't 100 grand, and its not just to get your ratings. Its also for your college degree.

But I get it, I get what you are saying. Its a risk that I am willing to take. I am happy being here, happy with what I am learning, and happy with my life. Life goes where it does, and I don't know exactly what I am going to do or what kind of financial situation I will be in. Both my parents are CPAs, one with an MBA, and neither is happy with accounting. It just doesn't satisy them. Im not going to pick a career just for the money. Im also not some idiot who is going to take a job flying a crappy regional penis extender for minimum wage, just because "I love to fly." I will find a balance. It won't be easy, but is anything worthwhile really easy?

Riddle is well over 100 grand. That is where all of my negative posts were directed. I retracted all of my comments about UND in a previous post if their costs are indeed significantly lower.

As for the rest, its really a difference in age, maturity, and experience. One day the glamour of flying will wear off and you will be in the same boat with the rest of us. Enjoy the fun while it lasts, thats the only thing I can really tell you.

 

[Slice121]

Come on down tonight and come to our party...not gonna find any top gun wannabes amongst us. The whole softball team of a local college is supposed to come too!!!!!:beer:

Sweet! So you guys get to party with lesbians too! Rock on! imp:

 

[gt2]

degree

get a degree in accounting, and fly on the side.

 

[SpyFlysDOTs]

If your folks can afford an aviation university, go for it.
If you can get a full ride at one, go for it.
If your paying yourself, fly on the side and go to a local or state university.

One thing that none has mentioned, is that getting involved, ie long term relationship, married, kids can derail your future plans, so stay celibate!
Wait till you are in your ideal job, if that means majors, then wait till then to get married.
As others have said, get a degree in a field that:
1. You love!
2. You can make a decent living in, if your health goes South and you can no longer pass a physical.

 

[gkrangers]

Sweet! So you guys get to party with lesbians too! Rock on! imp:

We aren't picky over here.