Emery Riddle School opinions
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Nothern Italy
Thanks for your reply.
I did see also Florida institute of Technology it looked interesting. Why you say that is better than ERAU?
Why Embry Riddle is one under performing school? You mean about flight or about university?
Why you said to forget L3? You mean L3 flight academy (old name CTC)?
I did see also Florida institute of Technology it looked interesting. Why you say that is better than ERAU?
Why Embry Riddle is one under performing school? You mean about flight or about university?
Why you said to forget L3? You mean L3 flight academy (old name CTC)?
Last edited by Flightguy02; 14th March 2018 at 16:23.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
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From: N/A
Thanks for your reply.
I did see also Florida institute of Technology it looked interesting. Why you say that is better than ERAU?
Why Embry Riddle is one under performing school? You mean about flight or about university?
Why you said to forget L3? You mean L3 flight academy (old name CTC)?
I did see also Florida institute of Technology it looked interesting. Why you say that is better than ERAU?
Why Embry Riddle is one under performing school? You mean about flight or about university?
Why you said to forget L3? You mean L3 flight academy (old name CTC)?
Did your parents make it the hard way, by earning it?
If so, you have a duty to honor your parents and their hard work by spending their money wisely.
Just wasting money on a big name school, and expecting something in return is being foolish.
If you just want to be a pilot. Then pilots fly aircraft. Just go ahead and start doing it.
It’s a long road to airline pilot. The early stages, do not matter that much. There will be plenty of time later on to ‘man up’, and pay for a type rating. But you can’t do that if you spent all your money on pipe dreams spun by the big name schools.
Embry Riddle is The Pied Piper of American colleges.
Many people leave after the first semester, once they figure out it’s not called Embry Ripoff for nothing.
They have nothing extra special to offer except a name.
Everyone has their angle.
For Purdue it’s Jet time and Cirrus SR20s.
Glass cockpit, glass cockpit they repeat over and over.
I feel gimmicks like that are just another way of separating the parents from their money.
But every one does it.
Education is big business.
Places like FIT offer B737/A320 type ratings as a part of their degree.
You can do EASA training with them at the same time.
Probably the best in the world.
But it’s not cheap.
If you want a degree and a EASA (f)ATPL, and you want to spend some time in Florida with FIT.
Then look into University of London Kingston program. It’s both thru BCFT and FIT.
I have looked at a lot of American aviation colleges.
I have visited Purdue in West Lafayette Indiana.
Southern Illinois in Carbondale Illinois.
Illinois University in Champagne Illinois
Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro Tennessee.
Daniel Webster in Nashua New Hampshire.
Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach Florida.
Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne Florida.
Auburn University in Auburn Alabama.
From these colleges, there are some I would go to for aviation based programs.
There are many I have no interest in going to at all.
Like you said, even though North Dakota is one of the better universities.
Why would anyone want to go there.
I feel that a four year professional pilot degree is a waste of time, effort and money from ANY school.
When for a whole lot less of each, you can just go to a good Pt 141 school and do it all in less than a year.
That’s the good and bad of the US.
And the good isn’t just good, it’s brilliant.
Now over to the U.K. and Europe where the giant Ponzi scheme plays out over at L3 (CTC), OAA and FTE.
L3 (formally Aerosim) at Sanford Florida is mainly for Air China and Hainan Taiwan Airlines students.
There are many good schools in Europe to finish off once you have your 175 hours.
Some can be completed for around €20,000.
Others are more like £25,000.
Last edited by button push ignored; 14th March 2018 at 16:03.
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 481
Likes: 58
From: USA
Are you spending your own money, or are you spending your parents money.
Did your parents make it the hard way, by earning it?
If so, you have a duty to honor your parents and their hard work by spending their money wisely.
Just wasting money on a big name school, and expecting something in return is being foolish.
If you just want to be a pilot. Then pilots fly aircraft. Just go ahead and start doing it.
It”s a long road to airline pilot. The early stages, do not matter that much. There will be plenty of time later on to man up, and pay for a type rating. But you can’t do that if you spent all your money on pipe dreams spun by the big name schools.
Did your parents make it the hard way, by earning it?
If so, you have a duty to honor your parents and their hard work by spending their money wisely.
Just wasting money on a big name school, and expecting something in return is being foolish.
If you just want to be a pilot. Then pilots fly aircraft. Just go ahead and start doing it.
It”s a long road to airline pilot. The early stages, do not matter that much. There will be plenty of time later on to man up, and pay for a type rating. But you can’t do that if you spent all your money on pipe dreams spun by the big name schools.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
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From: Nothern Italy
Usually if you buy the best you have the best . For example I train boxing, I've tried a lot of gloves, there are gloves from 10 USD up to 300 USD, when people start think that a 300 USD pair of gloves is a waste of money. But when you are expert you can feel the difference and you would change your mind, for sure you will feel difference because training with cheap stuff will destroy your hands and wrist... this is just one example.... I'm not comparing this to education in USA.
Anyway I have no idea about how education system works in USA, I know that is a BIG business, there are a bunch of schools everywhere and all of them try to get your money especially with a wild marketing. I think is the same with also flight schools without degree.....
Getting a good education and flight training for me is fine, waste money no. Every wasting of money is for idiots, even tough if you won the lottery...
You said that many people run from Embry Riddle only after first semester?
In fact I found this site with statistics of schools. Graduation rate in Embry riddle is very low 55%: https://www.niche.com/colleges/embry...daytona-beach/
But I've seen the that in Florida institute of technology graduation rate is only 58% not so far from ERAU.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/flori...of-technology/
Why you said that Florida Tech is the best aviation school with degree and probably the best EASA training in the world?
Do you think also a Easy-jet training program from L3 or CAE is a waste of money?
Anyway I have no idea about how education system works in USA, I know that is a BIG business, there are a bunch of schools everywhere and all of them try to get your money especially with a wild marketing. I think is the same with also flight schools without degree.....
Getting a good education and flight training for me is fine, waste money no. Every wasting of money is for idiots, even tough if you won the lottery...
You said that many people run from Embry Riddle only after first semester?
In fact I found this site with statistics of schools. Graduation rate in Embry riddle is very low 55%: https://www.niche.com/colleges/embry...daytona-beach/
But I've seen the that in Florida institute of technology graduation rate is only 58% not so far from ERAU.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/flori...of-technology/
Why you said that Florida Tech is the best aviation school with degree and probably the best EASA training in the world?
Do you think also a Easy-jet training program from L3 or CAE is a waste of money?
Last edited by Flightguy02; 14th March 2018 at 16:22.
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 481
Likes: 58
From: USA
Usually if you buy the best you have the best . For example I train boxing, I've tried a lot of gloves, there are gloves from 10 USD up to 300 USD, when people start think that a 300 USD pair of gloves is a waste of money. But when you are expert you can feel the difference and you would change your mind, for sure you will feel difference because training with cheap stuff will destroy your hands and wrist... this is just one example.... I'm not comparing this to education in USA.
Anyway I have no idea about how education system works in USA, I know that is a BIG business, there are a bunch of schools everywhere and all of them try to get your money especially with a wild marketing. I think is the same with also flight schools without degree.....
Getting a good education and flight training for me is fine, waste money no. Every wasting of money is for idiots, even tough if you won the lottery...
You said that many people run from Embry Riddle only after first semester?
In fact I found this site with statistics of schools. Graduation rate in Embry riddle is very low 55%: https://www.niche.com/colleges/embry...daytona-beach/
But I've seen the that in Florida institute of technology graduation rate is only 58% not so far from ERAU.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/flori...of-technology/
Why you said that Florida Tech is the best aviation school with degree and probably the best EASA training in the world?
Do you think also a Easy-jet training program from L3 or CAE is a waste of money?
Anyway I have no idea about how education system works in USA, I know that is a BIG business, there are a bunch of schools everywhere and all of them try to get your money especially with a wild marketing. I think is the same with also flight schools without degree.....
Getting a good education and flight training for me is fine, waste money no. Every wasting of money is for idiots, even tough if you won the lottery...
You said that many people run from Embry Riddle only after first semester?
In fact I found this site with statistics of schools. Graduation rate in Embry riddle is very low 55%: https://www.niche.com/colleges/embry...daytona-beach/
But I've seen the that in Florida institute of technology graduation rate is only 58% not so far from ERAU.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/flori...of-technology/
Why you said that Florida Tech is the best aviation school with degree and probably the best EASA training in the world?
Do you think also a Easy-jet training program from L3 or CAE is a waste of money?
Do whatever you want and feel free to go ahead and burn piles of cash unnecessarily.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Nothern Italy
Seems like you are wasting both your and my time!
Seems you are just here to write something without helping.
1) I made some questions to button pushed ignored not to you -he is helping me giving info like other members do-
2) if you don't have nothing helpful to say here please do not write.
Don't need to go there at any cost, I'm just asking info about many schools, in USA Europe and Dubai too, Embry Riddle is just one of them. If you understood this probably you have understanding issues, since in the answer you quoted I was manly asking info about Florida Institue of Technology that for botton pushed ignored seems a very good school.
Since money are mine, and since responsibility is mine I can do what I want, do you have any troubles with this?
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
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From: N/A
Havick’s responce was also my initial thought.
I appreciate his and everyone else’s comment.
This is a public discussion and not private counseling.
But given time to think about it.
And change some of my previous comments.
I will dive further into exactly why you should not go into pilot programs with American or European colleges.
The best way to train to be a pilot is 24/7 365.
Immerse yourself in it.
Live it, breath it.
But what ever you do, just do it.
We are only talking 200 flying hours, not being an astronaut.
It’s not hard.
In fact it’s fun.
So relax and enjoy it.
Why stress yourself out over something that doesn’t need to be.
Stress makes bad decisions, and bad decisions make lousy pilots.
I think it’s counter productive to be in a L3 generation EasyJet program where if you fart sideways and piss somebody off, your out.
I couldn’t stand being in a class room for six months wearing a children’s junior pilot wings and epaulettes.
Then playing dressing up like an East African General just to fly a Diamond DA20.
I see kids worrying about A320 Vs B737 type ratings before they have ever flown a plane.
I’ve seen people so knotted up by all this that they throw up in the plane.
America is come as you are.
Pilot training will include mistakes.
It’s a learning curve not a trajectory.
Why have your future tied to it.
Part 141 training in the US for zero to commercial/Instrument/multi-engine is about $50,000.
Zero to private and instrument rating is about $20,000.
Hour building to EASA 175 hour minimums are $7500 - $10,000.
$7500 if you rent a generic Cessna.
But I recommend you rent the type of plane that you will be training on back in Europe.
Flying a light aircraft in the US is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
This should take no more than several months.
Six to 175 hours or nine to Comm/Inst/Multi.
Not four friggin years.
There are many Part 61 flight schools that are cheaper.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with some of them.
It’s more hit and miss, though.
But the one I use follows a Pt141 program.
They just aren’t FAA approved.
Many won’t do the TSA and paper work for foreign students.
You have to follow the minimum 250 hour requirements.
This is not a problem, because you’d need the hours anyway.
Now on to Florida Tech, and why I think it’s the top aviation university.
Like anything you have to ask yourself exactly what are your goals.
FIT, St Louis, North Dakota and Embry Riddle have the widest range of aviation courses.
In both Associate, Bacholors, Masters and Doctorate degrees.
If you only want a under graduate Bachelors degree then you can cast a wider net.
Associate degrees combined with flying are often done at local community colleges.
But combining graduate advanced college courses that I like AND a flight department that I like.
Makes FIT #1, and ND #2 and ER #3.
Is there a specific field that you would want to go into?
How about Aviation Law, or Aviation Medicine?
Or do you just want to be a pilot?
If you just want to be a pilot.
Going to this great length is a pointless waste of time, effort and money.
There are plenty of ways to get a degree that is required to get a pilot job at a US major airline.
Without spending four years for what will become just a tick of a box.
You talk about Dubai Emirates University.
It’s a sub campus of Coventry University England.
Look closely at the life of an Emirates pilot in the Middle East section of this web site.
I think you will put that idea where it belongs.
I appreciate his and everyone else’s comment.
This is a public discussion and not private counseling.
But given time to think about it.
And change some of my previous comments.
I will dive further into exactly why you should not go into pilot programs with American or European colleges.
The best way to train to be a pilot is 24/7 365.
Immerse yourself in it.
Live it, breath it.
But what ever you do, just do it.
We are only talking 200 flying hours, not being an astronaut.
It’s not hard.
In fact it’s fun.
So relax and enjoy it.
Why stress yourself out over something that doesn’t need to be.
Stress makes bad decisions, and bad decisions make lousy pilots.
I think it’s counter productive to be in a L3 generation EasyJet program where if you fart sideways and piss somebody off, your out.
I couldn’t stand being in a class room for six months wearing a children’s junior pilot wings and epaulettes.
Then playing dressing up like an East African General just to fly a Diamond DA20.
I see kids worrying about A320 Vs B737 type ratings before they have ever flown a plane.
I’ve seen people so knotted up by all this that they throw up in the plane.
America is come as you are.
Pilot training will include mistakes.
It’s a learning curve not a trajectory.
Why have your future tied to it.
Part 141 training in the US for zero to commercial/Instrument/multi-engine is about $50,000.
Zero to private and instrument rating is about $20,000.
Hour building to EASA 175 hour minimums are $7500 - $10,000.
$7500 if you rent a generic Cessna.
But I recommend you rent the type of plane that you will be training on back in Europe.
Flying a light aircraft in the US is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
This should take no more than several months.
Six to 175 hours or nine to Comm/Inst/Multi.
Not four friggin years.
There are many Part 61 flight schools that are cheaper.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with some of them.
It’s more hit and miss, though.
But the one I use follows a Pt141 program.
They just aren’t FAA approved.
Many won’t do the TSA and paper work for foreign students.
You have to follow the minimum 250 hour requirements.
This is not a problem, because you’d need the hours anyway.
Now on to Florida Tech, and why I think it’s the top aviation university.
Like anything you have to ask yourself exactly what are your goals.
FIT, St Louis, North Dakota and Embry Riddle have the widest range of aviation courses.
In both Associate, Bacholors, Masters and Doctorate degrees.
If you only want a under graduate Bachelors degree then you can cast a wider net.
Associate degrees combined with flying are often done at local community colleges.
But combining graduate advanced college courses that I like AND a flight department that I like.
Makes FIT #1, and ND #2 and ER #3.
Is there a specific field that you would want to go into?
How about Aviation Law, or Aviation Medicine?
Or do you just want to be a pilot?
If you just want to be a pilot.
Going to this great length is a pointless waste of time, effort and money.
There are plenty of ways to get a degree that is required to get a pilot job at a US major airline.
Without spending four years for what will become just a tick of a box.
You talk about Dubai Emirates University.
It’s a sub campus of Coventry University England.
Look closely at the life of an Emirates pilot in the Middle East section of this web site.
I think you will put that idea where it belongs.
Last edited by button push ignored; 15th March 2018 at 17:21.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Nothern Italy
Thanks again for your reply.
Embry Riddle is a place like another, I was thinking to it because a friend of mine who was a AV8 Harrier italian navy pilot (now he is in DHL) did train 2 years in USA with US Navy and Marines. He told me that many guys (not all ROTC) of his course were from Embry Riddle and the school has a great recognition in flight industry. He also made his first PPL when he was 16 years old there. But he is italian, so probably not so expert about american education. And since you told me that a lot of people run from Embry Riddle only after first semester I'm not so confident.
Another nice things of some aviation colleges in USA is that they are opened in summer too, so you can take the degree maybe in 3 years than 4.
I wouldn't go to North Dakota... maybe university is great but don't like location. Another school I found on Google that looked interesting was San Jose Sate University.
Is the price of Florida Tech approx. same of Embry Riddle?
I would like to have a also degree just in case something happens and cannot fly, like loosing medical certificate.... or who knows maybe in future after 30 years in an airline I could become tired and don't want to travel anymore...
What do you mean plenty ways to take a degree requested by US airlines? Online?
I think only in USA is requested a degree by airlines? Do in other part of the world they prefer pilot with degree?
Anyway about Dubai I was talking about this: https://www.emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com/en/
Found on Google, is from Emirates airline, but no idea how much it cost, no idea if after it you will be hired by them. I sent one email but no answer from them. On the website is written is open to international and not only to Dubai citizens. I think it has just opened.
Why you say that life of an Emirates pilot is bad? Too much workload or just because of the place?
You are really expert about flight schools, did you work with some of them?
Embry Riddle is a place like another, I was thinking to it because a friend of mine who was a AV8 Harrier italian navy pilot (now he is in DHL) did train 2 years in USA with US Navy and Marines. He told me that many guys (not all ROTC) of his course were from Embry Riddle and the school has a great recognition in flight industry. He also made his first PPL when he was 16 years old there. But he is italian, so probably not so expert about american education. And since you told me that a lot of people run from Embry Riddle only after first semester I'm not so confident.
Another nice things of some aviation colleges in USA is that they are opened in summer too, so you can take the degree maybe in 3 years than 4.
I wouldn't go to North Dakota... maybe university is great but don't like location. Another school I found on Google that looked interesting was San Jose Sate University.
Is the price of Florida Tech approx. same of Embry Riddle?
I would like to have a also degree just in case something happens and cannot fly, like loosing medical certificate.... or who knows maybe in future after 30 years in an airline I could become tired and don't want to travel anymore...
What do you mean plenty ways to take a degree requested by US airlines? Online?
I think only in USA is requested a degree by airlines? Do in other part of the world they prefer pilot with degree?
Anyway about Dubai I was talking about this: https://www.emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com/en/
Found on Google, is from Emirates airline, but no idea how much it cost, no idea if after it you will be hired by them. I sent one email but no answer from them. On the website is written is open to international and not only to Dubai citizens. I think it has just opened.
Why you say that life of an Emirates pilot is bad? Too much workload or just because of the place?
You are really expert about flight schools, did you work with some of them?
Last edited by Flightguy02; 14th March 2018 at 16:31.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: N/A
I have been a major airline Captain for the last 27 years.
But because I came from practically nothing and rose to the very top of this industry.
I feel it’s my duty to help and inspire the next generation.
Just because I made it, it doesn’t make my opinion more valid than others less fortunate.
I don’t wish to brag on myself.
For God knows I’m nothing special.
Just ask my wife, she’ll let you know.
Truly, I often wonder how the hell I ever did so well.
But I have always been passionate about aircraft.
From my days as an aircraft spotter to apprentice aircraft mechanic.
I feel I could do anything, just so long as it has to do with aviation.
When I’m not playing airline Captain.
I’m an aircraft mechanic and line boy.
When I’m not doing that I’m a flight instructor.
I own my own aircraft and assist with various training programs and charities.
I am also a aircraft dispatcher if I ever lose my medical.
But after flying for the same airline for the last 32 years.
I’ve kind of had enough.
Some days more than others.
But people would kill to be in my position, so I soldier on.
It’s a hard luck life, but somebody’s got to do it.
Emirates is a dreadful place to work at.
We hire many Captains from them, and they are relieved to have escaped.
Read the countless pages of information on this subject in the Middle East section of this site.
But because I came from practically nothing and rose to the very top of this industry.
I feel it’s my duty to help and inspire the next generation.
Just because I made it, it doesn’t make my opinion more valid than others less fortunate.
I don’t wish to brag on myself.
For God knows I’m nothing special.
Just ask my wife, she’ll let you know.
Truly, I often wonder how the hell I ever did so well.
But I have always been passionate about aircraft.
From my days as an aircraft spotter to apprentice aircraft mechanic.
I feel I could do anything, just so long as it has to do with aviation.
When I’m not playing airline Captain.
I’m an aircraft mechanic and line boy.
When I’m not doing that I’m a flight instructor.
I own my own aircraft and assist with various training programs and charities.
I am also a aircraft dispatcher if I ever lose my medical.
But after flying for the same airline for the last 32 years.
I’ve kind of had enough.
Some days more than others.
But people would kill to be in my position, so I soldier on.
It’s a hard luck life, but somebody’s got to do it.
Emirates is a dreadful place to work at.
We hire many Captains from them, and they are relieved to have escaped.
Read the countless pages of information on this subject in the Middle East section of this site.
Last edited by button push ignored; 15th March 2018 at 09:00.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Nothern Italy
It seems really you do what you love! congrats! 
Why you did visit so many aviation colleges? For work or just to see them?
Do you know something about San Jose State University?
What are the other ways you said for taking a degree for US airlines?
Why you did visit so many aviation colleges? For work or just to see them?
Do you know something about San Jose State University?
What are the other ways you said for taking a degree for US airlines?
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Ummmm...
Ok, I'll wade into this morass. This is directed just at the OP:
Firstly, if you have realized that you were born to fly and know it with every fibre of your being, then you will have to follow that path. Congrats - it's a roller-coaster ride. Just realize that the airline industry is not what you might think. It has changed dramatically over the past 15 - 20 years.
I have been flying for the airlines for over 20 years, as well as having been an airline training captain. This is not to boast - but to let you know where I am coming from.
1.) I would not recommend an airline career - it does work out well for some, but many others are disappointed, then realize they are trapped where they don't want to be. As I said - it's not what you might think. You really are just a bus driver with a nicer view and will be treated as such by management who try to reduce your T&C's for your entire career. There are other jobs in aviation - explore them all before settling on just one.
2.) You are just at the beginning of a long road - that's fine, we have all been there. You will make mistakes along the way just as we all did. From your posts it is obvious that you need to do a lot more research. You have started this on PPRUNE, keep digging!!!
3.) Yes, Embry Riddle students have a reputation in the industry - the problem is that it is a BAD reputation. Only the ERAU grads think highly of themselves - the rest of the industry knows the truth. Of course there are some fine ERAU pilots, but I am making a generalization and just letting you know from a training captain perspective that we could always tell an ERAU grad from their arrogance and self-entitled attitude. These are not the attributes that make for a good cockpit environment and make hard work for the trainers.
4.) Most flight training schools in the USA are primarily about making money - often to the detriment of the quality of training. The problem is that when you are just starting out - you won't easily be able to spot the good from the bad. All I can say is that the first 40 hours of flight training are critical and often set the type of pilot you will be.
So - priorities:
- Find the very best, most experienced instructor (not school) you can for the first 40 - 60 hours. Learn to really fly, not just check the boxes in a curriculum.
- Beware slick American marketing!!!
- US Airlines prefer or in some cases require a 4 year degree (doesn't have to be an aviation degree, but that helps). Is this the case in Italy? If not - what are you gaining spending the 4 years at a US college? (Hint - there are some good aspects to getting a US degree, but you need to understand if it is really necessary. Unless you are spending someone else's money like most ERAU students, in which case all you might be wasting is your time).
- Take the time to really understand what would help you the most to get where you want to be. It is probably unlikely you will make a career in the USA, so focus on what you need to do to have a career in the EU.
If you don't understand any of the above points, it is because you are just starting out and have a lot to figure out. The only way is to keep reading, asking and researching from as many sources as you can.
(As an example, you asked why someone told you that life as an Emirates pilot was bad. well, if you did the research, you would already have that answer. So when you don't understand something - make it your goal to figure out for yourself why someone has said it).
Good luck - I hope you find your happy place in the sky.
Firstly, if you have realized that you were born to fly and know it with every fibre of your being, then you will have to follow that path. Congrats - it's a roller-coaster ride. Just realize that the airline industry is not what you might think. It has changed dramatically over the past 15 - 20 years.
I have been flying for the airlines for over 20 years, as well as having been an airline training captain. This is not to boast - but to let you know where I am coming from.
1.) I would not recommend an airline career - it does work out well for some, but many others are disappointed, then realize they are trapped where they don't want to be. As I said - it's not what you might think. You really are just a bus driver with a nicer view and will be treated as such by management who try to reduce your T&C's for your entire career. There are other jobs in aviation - explore them all before settling on just one.
2.) You are just at the beginning of a long road - that's fine, we have all been there. You will make mistakes along the way just as we all did. From your posts it is obvious that you need to do a lot more research. You have started this on PPRUNE, keep digging!!!
3.) Yes, Embry Riddle students have a reputation in the industry - the problem is that it is a BAD reputation. Only the ERAU grads think highly of themselves - the rest of the industry knows the truth. Of course there are some fine ERAU pilots, but I am making a generalization and just letting you know from a training captain perspective that we could always tell an ERAU grad from their arrogance and self-entitled attitude. These are not the attributes that make for a good cockpit environment and make hard work for the trainers.
4.) Most flight training schools in the USA are primarily about making money - often to the detriment of the quality of training. The problem is that when you are just starting out - you won't easily be able to spot the good from the bad. All I can say is that the first 40 hours of flight training are critical and often set the type of pilot you will be.
So - priorities:
- Find the very best, most experienced instructor (not school) you can for the first 40 - 60 hours. Learn to really fly, not just check the boxes in a curriculum.
- Beware slick American marketing!!!
- US Airlines prefer or in some cases require a 4 year degree (doesn't have to be an aviation degree, but that helps). Is this the case in Italy? If not - what are you gaining spending the 4 years at a US college? (Hint - there are some good aspects to getting a US degree, but you need to understand if it is really necessary. Unless you are spending someone else's money like most ERAU students, in which case all you might be wasting is your time).
- Take the time to really understand what would help you the most to get where you want to be. It is probably unlikely you will make a career in the USA, so focus on what you need to do to have a career in the EU.
If you don't understand any of the above points, it is because you are just starting out and have a lot to figure out. The only way is to keep reading, asking and researching from as many sources as you can.
(As an example, you asked why someone told you that life as an Emirates pilot was bad. well, if you did the research, you would already have that answer. So when you don't understand something - make it your goal to figure out for yourself why someone has said it).
Good luck - I hope you find your happy place in the sky.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: N/A
Thank you Gull for a well written and informative piece.
I whole heartedly agree with what you said.
Florida Institute of Technology is about $40,000 a year for tuition.
And $15,000 for room and board.
So let’s just say $62,500 a year, for four years.
That is a quarter of a million Dollars on an under graduate degree.
Then you add in the cost of flying.
That will be at least another $125,000.
Total estimated bill $375,000.
You’d be mad.
Whilst visiting Auburn University, I met a young lady going through their pilot program.
She had over $90,000 in her private pilots license.
My daughter took her up in our plane for the afternoon whilst I toured the campus.
I see no reason why she was held up, other than money.
There is no way I’d spend that kind of money.
I love my kids, but not that much.
I don’t spend much time in California.
So I know nothing about colleges out there.
Other than they are expensive.
It’s also very hard to get in as demand out strips supply.
I visit as many aviation colleges and flight schools as I can because I am genuinely interested in improving society for all.
The Big 3 of Europe CTC, OAA and FTE have changed the world.
In a negative way I’m afraid.
The thought of taking out £120,000 in debt for a (f)ATPL is apauling.
Slick marketing as it’s not a frozen ATPL but a CPL/IR-ME with ATPL written exams passed.
It also wrecks the natural order of progression.
When someone goes straight to a major airline just because of a school.
Now the Americans have gotten into the business with L3 purchase of CTC.
So there has to be a better way, and I believe I have found it.
I didn’t invent it, I just read and learned from this web site.
Now I openly share it with all.
If you don’t like my advice, that’s OK too.
For I’m not making a Nickle out of it.
There always is another way.
And whilst L3 has changed the world, so has Apple with the I-Pad.
There is nolonger a need to attend a college.
All degrees can be done online whilst you build flight time at the air taxi or regional airlines.
On line aviation degrees give credit for pilot and other aviation licenses.
I whole heartedly agree with what you said.
Florida Institute of Technology is about $40,000 a year for tuition.
And $15,000 for room and board.
So let’s just say $62,500 a year, for four years.
That is a quarter of a million Dollars on an under graduate degree.
Then you add in the cost of flying.
That will be at least another $125,000.
Total estimated bill $375,000.
You’d be mad.
Whilst visiting Auburn University, I met a young lady going through their pilot program.
She had over $90,000 in her private pilots license.
My daughter took her up in our plane for the afternoon whilst I toured the campus.
I see no reason why she was held up, other than money.
There is no way I’d spend that kind of money.
I love my kids, but not that much.
I don’t spend much time in California.
So I know nothing about colleges out there.
Other than they are expensive.
It’s also very hard to get in as demand out strips supply.
I visit as many aviation colleges and flight schools as I can because I am genuinely interested in improving society for all.
The Big 3 of Europe CTC, OAA and FTE have changed the world.
In a negative way I’m afraid.
The thought of taking out £120,000 in debt for a (f)ATPL is apauling.
Slick marketing as it’s not a frozen ATPL but a CPL/IR-ME with ATPL written exams passed.
It also wrecks the natural order of progression.
When someone goes straight to a major airline just because of a school.
Now the Americans have gotten into the business with L3 purchase of CTC.
So there has to be a better way, and I believe I have found it.
I didn’t invent it, I just read and learned from this web site.
Now I openly share it with all.
If you don’t like my advice, that’s OK too.
For I’m not making a Nickle out of it.
There always is another way.
And whilst L3 has changed the world, so has Apple with the I-Pad.
There is nolonger a need to attend a college.
All degrees can be done online whilst you build flight time at the air taxi or regional airlines.
On line aviation degrees give credit for pilot and other aviation licenses.
Last edited by button push ignored; 15th March 2018 at 16:28.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Nothern Italy
Thanks again for your kind replies.
Yes, I'm not expert about flight industry, I'm trying to get all info I can! And I really appreciated your help.
The best way would be an ROTC program, free college, free pilot training.... but unfortunately I'm not US citizen....
for Gull:
1) what do you mean for other jobs in aviation? Which would you suggest?
3) Really ERAU students have a bad reputation in the industry?
For button push ignored:
Is Florida tech more expensive than ERAU? But can be the opportunity to get some scholarships, maybe not 100% but some thousands $ discount...
Can't understand why you think that a CTC program with Easy-jet partner ship is bad, because if you make a mistake during it you can be exclude?
This is San Jose State University program:
http://www.sjsu.edu/avtech/programs/...sional_flight/
Yes, I'm not expert about flight industry, I'm trying to get all info I can! And I really appreciated your help.
The best way would be an ROTC program, free college, free pilot training.... but unfortunately I'm not US citizen....
for Gull:
1) what do you mean for other jobs in aviation? Which would you suggest?
3) Really ERAU students have a bad reputation in the industry?
For button push ignored:
Is Florida tech more expensive than ERAU? But can be the opportunity to get some scholarships, maybe not 100% but some thousands $ discount...
Can't understand why you think that a CTC program with Easy-jet partner ship is bad, because if you make a mistake during it you can be exclude?
This is San Jose State University program:
http://www.sjsu.edu/avtech/programs/...sional_flight/
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: N/A
I can confirm what Gull says about ERAU graduates reputation.
I don’t think you will have much luck finding scholarship to either Embry Riddle or Florida Institute of Technology.
They both have internal scholarships from their endowments, which you would qualify for. But unless you take the SAT or ACT tests, and get a great score. Then your unlikely to get a discount. There are many people from overseas willing and able to pay full price. Yes FIT is more expensive than ER, but I did warn you that it was expensive, but the best.
Yesterday I was in Boston at the number one rated school in the world. About 100 students from Japan were there to take their entrance exams. I would imagine only a few are successful.
I have told you my impression of what you should do.
1/ Come to America and do it one of three ways.
A/ Private and Instrument rating and 175 hours.
B/ Pt 141 school for Comm/Inst/Multi and 200 hours.
C/ Pt 61 school for Comm/Inst/Multi and 250 hours.
I really don’t see the point of getting an American degree if you don’t have the legal right to work in the US.
But if you wanted one, I’d do it online whilst flying starter jobs.
You know you can do a Embry Riddle degree in Italy.
I had a co-pilot a few years ago, who got a masters degree in Air Transport Management whilst stationed in Aviano AFB near Traviso.
I don’t think you will have much luck finding scholarship to either Embry Riddle or Florida Institute of Technology.
They both have internal scholarships from their endowments, which you would qualify for. But unless you take the SAT or ACT tests, and get a great score. Then your unlikely to get a discount. There are many people from overseas willing and able to pay full price. Yes FIT is more expensive than ER, but I did warn you that it was expensive, but the best.
Yesterday I was in Boston at the number one rated school in the world. About 100 students from Japan were there to take their entrance exams. I would imagine only a few are successful.
I have told you my impression of what you should do.
1/ Come to America and do it one of three ways.
A/ Private and Instrument rating and 175 hours.
B/ Pt 141 school for Comm/Inst/Multi and 200 hours.
C/ Pt 61 school for Comm/Inst/Multi and 250 hours.
I really don’t see the point of getting an American degree if you don’t have the legal right to work in the US.
But if you wanted one, I’d do it online whilst flying starter jobs.
You know you can do a Embry Riddle degree in Italy.
I had a co-pilot a few years ago, who got a masters degree in Air Transport Management whilst stationed in Aviano AFB near Traviso.
Last edited by button push ignored; 16th March 2018 at 01:43.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Nothern Italy
If Embry riddle has so a bad reputation... I would pass at this point... and it isn't also so cheaper than FIT.
I'll take SAT test soon I'm studying for it, I'm also very good in sport. I may play american football for sport scholarship, FIT has it. Now I'm playing MMA....
Is it possible to take a degree everywhere, in italy too, here you pay 2.000 Euros per year for university but isn't good..
I think is always better having a degree than not having it...
Which flight schools (without degree) would you suggest for making A) B) C)?
I'll take SAT test soon I'm studying for it, I'm also very good in sport. I may play american football for sport scholarship, FIT has it. Now I'm playing MMA....
Is it possible to take a degree everywhere, in italy too, here you pay 2.000 Euros per year for university but isn't good..
I think is always better having a degree than not having it...
Which flight schools (without degree) would you suggest for making A) B) C)?
Last edited by Flightguy02; 16th March 2018 at 15:41.
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 481
Likes: 58
From: USA
Flightguy02, I see you’re now shopping around to do your license in Australia with the hope to work there after.
No one in Australia will hire/sponsor you to work in Australia. Though they will be happy to take your money for your training. Flight training in Australia is expensive.
If you truly want a career as a pilot you are better off starting to fly right now, in your own country where there are no barriers for work visa’s etc. if you need a degree then do it online later.
You will get to your goal a lot quicker and with a lot more cash still in your pocket.
However if you basically want a 4 year holiday burning copious amounts of cash then go ahead and do your training in the US or worse yet Australia.
I’m originally from Australia, now living in the US, so experienced on both countries training systems and job opportunities etc
No one in Australia will hire/sponsor you to work in Australia. Though they will be happy to take your money for your training. Flight training in Australia is expensive.
If you truly want a career as a pilot you are better off starting to fly right now, in your own country where there are no barriers for work visa’s etc. if you need a degree then do it online later.
You will get to your goal a lot quicker and with a lot more cash still in your pocket.
However if you basically want a 4 year holiday burning copious amounts of cash then go ahead and do your training in the US or worse yet Australia.
I’m originally from Australia, now living in the US, so experienced on both countries training systems and job opportunities etc
Last edited by havick; 16th March 2018 at 18:54.
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Europe
I only asked info in Australia, as I'm asking info also in the Italian section of this forum, as this morning I called one school in Europe. I'm trying to get all the info I can to make the best choice. I don't want to stay in Italy.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 1
From: Mare Nostrum
To the OP,
Your best chance of employment after finishing training is in Europe. Not necessarily Italy, but definitely somewhere in the EU. I have many friends who came to the US for flight training and wanted to stay to work, and the overwhelming majority are back in Europe. There are some that managed to stay in the US beyond their OPT experience, but a couple won the green card lottery and the rest found love in the US and got married. If you want to come to the US to train, you need to be fully prepared to go back to Europe and do an EASA license conversion and work there once the time limits reach their end.
I can’t comment on Australia, but my company has been hiring many Australians with an E3 visa and when I ask them about the pilot situation there, it sounds like many are coming here to help launch their career.
Your best chance of employment after finishing training is in Europe. Not necessarily Italy, but definitely somewhere in the EU. I have many friends who came to the US for flight training and wanted to stay to work, and the overwhelming majority are back in Europe. There are some that managed to stay in the US beyond their OPT experience, but a couple won the green card lottery and the rest found love in the US and got married. If you want to come to the US to train, you need to be fully prepared to go back to Europe and do an EASA license conversion and work there once the time limits reach their end.
I can’t comment on Australia, but my company has been hiring many Australians with an E3 visa and when I ask them about the pilot situation there, it sounds like many are coming here to help launch their career.
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Ormond Beach
1.) I would not recommend an airline career - it does work out well for some, but many others are disappointed, then realize they are trapped where they don't want to be. As I said - it's not what you might think. You really are just a bus driver with a nicer view and will be treated as such by management who try to reduce your T&C's for your entire career. There are other jobs in - explore them all before settling on just one.
It's like everything else, at least half of it is what you make it.
My only regret is that I spent six years after high school trying my goshdarndest NOT to fly, and failed miserably...
Not a day goes by that I don't pinch myself. I've wanted to do this since I was 3, and I'm doing it. What price in the world can be put on that?