This program being allied with a State Supported College should (fingers crossed) a professional program with good oversight of the operation. One would be wise to do an assessment prior to committing any money to the operation.
College of Sequoias Launches Helicopter Flight Training Program in Visalia and Paso Robles, California
Friday, April 10, 2009 - College of Sequoias
The College of the Sequoias is proud to announce the addition of a new helicopter flight training program. The college is partnering with Blue Sky Aviation of Tulare, California to bring this unique training program to Central California. Blue Sky Aviation has a reputation for integrity and quality instruction that made them a natural partner in this venture.
The new program will offer a certificate and associate of science degree as a professional pilot – helicopter. All courses and training are FAA Part 141 approved. This program was designed as a fast-paced academy format. The total completion time is 9 1/2 months to earn all pilot ratings up to certified flight instructor – instrument. Students complete both flight and ground instruction through the college. After completing the helicopter pilot courses, students may then complete their general education courses to earn an associate degree. It is important to get students the helicopter flying skills first, so the students can work as flight instructors to build experience while completing their general education requirements.
To insure that all students have access to acceptable weather, the college will operate concurrently in Paso Robles and Visalia, California. Tule fog settles in the central San Joaquin Valley during the winter months, making training unpredictable at the Visalia campus. As a result, classes have been structured to avoid training during the months of December, January and February in Visalia.
Housing is available for students in the Paso Robles campus, so students can relocate easily. Paso Robles is located within 30 miles of the Pacific Ocean, but protected from coastal fog affecting most of California's coastline. With over 340 days of sunshine, students in Paso Robles essentially do not have weather restrictions and make it an ideal flight training location.
The school has significant financial aid resources available to help keep the training costs low for students. In addition to federal grants and scholarships, the school has access to several lending institutions that are still willing to support accredited college programs. While students still have access to the SallieMae career training loan, there are other lending options available to flight training students at the College of the Sequoias.
Veterans may use their benefits at the College of the Sequoias program to save 60% on all training costs beyond the private pilot certificate. This savings, coupled with other financial aid, make the out of pocket cost for veterans significantly lower than non GI Bill eligible students.
International students are welcome to train under the College's F-1 Visa program. Students may stay for up to 4 years while they are enrolled in courses leading to a degree. During this time, students may work in their degree field to build experience. The school is currently working on work-study programs for qualified foriegn nationals that participate in the training program allowing non U.S. citizens to build experience as part of the training program. It is expected this training component will be available in 2010.
Classes start June 8th, 2009 at both Paso Robles and Visalia.
College of Sequoias Launches Helicopter Flight Training Program in Visalia and Paso Robles, California