Did you know that the GI Bill can help you pay for both flight training and college tuition? If you're a veteran and want to attend a state college in your area, your tuition is already paid for. Post-9/11 veterans can receive even more funding.
The US government realizes that quite a few veterans have developed a love of flying and wish that they could get the necessary training to become a commercial pilot. Training to become a pilot is now simpler and cheaper, thanks to the post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act. Most of your pilot training will be covered by VA benefits, so you won't have to apply for loans or come up with the cash yourself.
Starting a new career can be a bit scary, but as a former member of the military, you already possess many of the qualities needed to become a great pilot. If you have always dreamed of flying or you already love to fly, this is a great career path after your service to the United States. Veterans fit the mold of what most airlines and other flight organizations are looking for and this seems to be a perfect fit. A large percentage of commercial airline pilots are veterans and airlines love hiring former military men and women. With the GI Bill covering nearly all the costs of your training, it only makes sense that you attend a state college and use your VA benefits to further your aviation and professional pilot career.
A logical first step would be that you, as a veteran, receive a VA Certificate of Eligibility, which will show you how much you can receive to help with the cost of flight training. You should also realize that there are some expenses that the VA is likely not to cover. Most veterans end up paying for the FAA Knowledge Tests and Practical Tests. Over the full program, these expenses add up to nearly $2500 and can exceed that if you take all of the ratings available to you. Also, if you go over the number of hours or cost in a course, the VA should reimburse you for those additional hours (with certain limitations) but you must first pay for those expenses out of pocket. Reimbursement could take 90 days or longer. Of course, these extra expenses are spaced over the period of the entire two year course. The benefits you are able to access through your Post 9/11 GI Bill could reach $60,000 or even more in just the flight training fees!
The aviation field is growing and veterans that successfully finish any pilot training program will have the opportunity to become part of this growth. Recent studies by the FAA and aircraft manufacturers indicate over 69,000 new pilots will be needed in North America between now and 2031. The North American market is also now just a small part of the world-wide aviation scene where 460,000 new pilots are projected over that same period. This is a competitive field and most will require a college degree, along with a commercial pilot license. Pending FAA policies will also increase the minimum number of flight hours required by pilots hired by the airlines. Pilots trained in the military will have a distinct advantage when it comes to landing a job. But future hiring for flight instructors is predicted to increase and spending time as a flight instructor can help you gain the necessary flight hours and experience needed to move into airlines or corporate aviation. Flight Instructors are typically paid $15 to $25 per hour for flight and ground instruction. Initial salaries at regional airlines are around $20,000 per year, so future airline pilots must plan accordingly. But wages increase with longevity and wages at the major airlines are significantly better.
If you want to learn more earning a post-secondary education with your benefits, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The US government realizes that quite a few veterans have developed a love of flying and wish that they could get the necessary training to become a commercial pilot. Training to become a pilot is now simpler and cheaper, thanks to the post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act. Most of your pilot training will be covered by VA benefits, so you won't have to apply for loans or come up with the cash yourself.
Starting a new career can be a bit scary, but as a former member of the military, you already possess many of the qualities needed to become a great pilot. If you have always dreamed of flying or you already love to fly, this is a great career path after your service to the United States. Veterans fit the mold of what most airlines and other flight organizations are looking for and this seems to be a perfect fit. A large percentage of commercial airline pilots are veterans and airlines love hiring former military men and women. With the GI Bill covering nearly all the costs of your training, it only makes sense that you attend a state college and use your VA benefits to further your aviation and professional pilot career.
A logical first step would be that you, as a veteran, receive a VA Certificate of Eligibility, which will show you how much you can receive to help with the cost of flight training. You should also realize that there are some expenses that the VA is likely not to cover. Most veterans end up paying for the FAA Knowledge Tests and Practical Tests. Over the full program, these expenses add up to nearly $2500 and can exceed that if you take all of the ratings available to you. Also, if you go over the number of hours or cost in a course, the VA should reimburse you for those additional hours (with certain limitations) but you must first pay for those expenses out of pocket. Reimbursement could take 90 days or longer. Of course, these extra expenses are spaced over the period of the entire two year course. The benefits you are able to access through your Post 9/11 GI Bill could reach $60,000 or even more in just the flight training fees!
The aviation field is growing and veterans that successfully finish any pilot training program will have the opportunity to become part of this growth. Recent studies by the FAA and aircraft manufacturers indicate over 69,000 new pilots will be needed in North America between now and 2031. The North American market is also now just a small part of the world-wide aviation scene where 460,000 new pilots are projected over that same period. This is a competitive field and most will require a college degree, along with a commercial pilot license. Pending FAA policies will also increase the minimum number of flight hours required by pilots hired by the airlines. Pilots trained in the military will have a distinct advantage when it comes to landing a job. But future hiring for flight instructors is predicted to increase and spending time as a flight instructor can help you gain the necessary flight hours and experience needed to move into airlines or corporate aviation. Flight Instructors are typically paid $15 to $25 per hour for flight and ground instruction. Initial salaries at regional airlines are around $20,000 per year, so future airline pilots must plan accordingly. But wages increase with longevity and wages at the major airlines are significantly better.
If you want to learn more earning a post-secondary education with your benefits, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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