Different Choices in Pilot Training
 

Hello everyone,

I'm a junior in high school, and am about 99% sure that I want to be a pilot. So, as I'm getting ready to work everything out for when I graduate high school, I'm thinking a lot about where to do my pilot training. There are so many options, and so far I'm condsidering the following:

1. Getting a degree as a Professional Pilot at a University

2. Getting my CPL, and then going to college

3. Go to college, and afterwards get my CPL

4. Enlist in the Air National Guard and get my pilot training there

My main question is, what would you recommend? Is there anyone here who got their pilot training through the Air National Guard? If so, what was it like, and what do I have to do?

If I were to get my CPL independent from a college or the military, would it be a good idea to do so in Australia or New Zealand? How hard is it to pay back student loans after I actually work as a pilot?

Sorry about all those questions, but I figured you might be able to answer at least a few of them. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.:D

Hi Beckers,

Kinda the wrong forum, this is mainly European training.
Do your PPl now.
Preferred to have your CFI when you go to college.
find a college with a good aviation dep. like Purdue, Michigan State etc., not one of these "flightschools" promoted to College.
Flight instruct your way through college.
You'll be ready for the regionals by the time you leave.
And oh, get as much advise from different people as you can.
Sooner or later the way will reveal itself.

Oh, sorry, I didn't realize that this is a European forum. But thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind!

beckers,

Try www.flightinfo.com and go to the "Hangar" section of the forum and ask your question there. You'll get LOTS of advice. Good luck to you.

Thanks bafanguy, I'll try that!

Becks,

B2N2 is right. Fly first and then join a frat. Imagine all the fun you'd have with the college chicks a mile up? You'll have the best summer job of all your friends.

You can save a bundle of cash by going to another ICAO (intl civil aviation org) country and then convert your licences with a few tests into American FAA licences afterwards. Get some great travelling too.

New Zealand: www.flighttraining.co.nz
South Africa: www.43airschool.com
Australia: www.aac.com.au/ (This particular school in Oz is a LOT more expensive than the ones I've mentioned in NZ and SA.)
Go to www.xe.com to convert into $US.

Hope this helps.
CuJo