Graduating college, mid-30s, looking at Aviation as a Plan B option for other career endeavors
Asked by: Medic2Pilot 4854 views Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Instrument Rating
So, here's my situation. I started off attending Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK right out of high school. After Spartan lost their accredidation for a bachelor's program I decided to stop attending and pursue a career in medicine. My career endeavors have taken me literally all over the world, showed me that I actually enjoy traveling and don't mind long flights or doing the grueling flying that I was required to at times in Iraq. Having mentioned that I need to mention that I was a DOD contractor not miltary, so GI Bill is not available. After spending 2.5 yrs in the sandbox, I decided to return to college and finish my degree. I'm now looking at whether or not medical school is truly for me or if I need to look at a Plan B. Well my best Plan B so far is aviation despite graduating soon with a degree in Biology. I am 33 yrs old, married, no kids, and we do own a house in the Denver area. So let's get down to the true questions here:
First, I have just over 100 hours of flight time and left the cockpit in 2004 due to various things ranging from Paramedic school to college, etc. I hold my Private Pilot certificate and started working on a complex endorsement (flying the Piper Arrow) and Instrument Rating prior to leaving in 2004. My health remains overall in good condition, so I am sure that I will pass a First Class medical still. Aviation in the meantime appears to be coming back with the aging of pilots, etc. So here's my questions:
1. Does anyone have any experience with attending ATP's program in terms of instructor time spent with students, etc? I know that they are a pilot mill so it's a "union" mentality toward training. I am currently working on comparing their rates versus what rates are here in Denver for instruction.
2. Does anyone know of places to obtain loans for flight training through an FBO? I know that if I pursue aviation, time is of the essence as I still have about 1000-1500 hours to build before even being considered for low rate airline or commercial flying jobs.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and insights. Any personal stories would be greatly appreciated.
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