Private Certificate: Fixed-Wing or Rotor

[bqmassey]

Hello:

 

I've been a member of the forums for years, but haven't logged on in quite a while.

 

I'm currently nearing the end of a deployment to Afghanistan. I'll be back in the States soon, and am trying to figure out how to go about getting my certificates. I'll try to provide a little context:

 

My goal is to be a professional pilot, part-time while I'm still in the military, and full-time once I get out. I love flying. I intend to fly both helos and fixed-wing for recreation. I'd be happy flying fixed wing commercial, but would be even happier getting paid to fly rotorcraft.

 

I've been very frugal the last couple of years, as money has always been the biggest thing holding me back from flying. When I get back from this deployment, I'll have about $15,000 saved up. I also have $4500 tuition assistance to a local fixed wing school.

 

I'm having a difficult time deciding whether to start with fixed-wing or rotorcraft. Whichever route I chose I'll probably stick with through the commercial certificate (and maybe CFI) before adding the other.

 

Since my preference is to fly helicopters commercially, a big part of me says I should spend my money on that and then just burn through the $4500 at the fixed-wing school later. On the other hand, if I get my fixed-wing commercial certificate I feel like I'd have a better chance finding a paying part-time job and can continue to work on ratings with that extra income.

 

A few extra points of information:

-I've flown a few hours at the fixed-wing school I received the $4500 to go to, and haven't been very happy with them. Unless things change I can't see myself flying with them after that money runs out.

-I don't know if there are any good helicopter schools in the area (Eastern Georgia).

-I have managed to save up $15,000, but I don't make much money so I really need to make the most of it. Once that runs out, the amount I'll be flying will reduce dramatically and I'll have to crawl my way through the rest of the ratings.

 

When it all comes down to it, I'll be a very happy person if "going to work" means strapping on an aircraft, no matter the type. Flying helos would just be icing on the cake.

 

So, I'd really appreciate any advice y'all may have. I finally have the money, I just need to know how best to use it.

 

Thanks.

[JDHelicopterPilot]

Will you have access to the G.I. bill? If so it will cover a good part of your training.

[RagMan]

Go for what you want to fly. If you want to fly helicopters, learn to fly helicopters. Vice versa. You can always get another rating down the road. If helicopters is what you are geared towards, train in helicopters so the majority of your time is in rotary aircraft. You should qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill since you have served after 9/11, which will cover a college degree plus all over your flight ratings (but only for 36 months of benefits.)

 

As far as doing it while still in the military, you would have to go talk to the people at your education center to find out about programs and how exactly you would go about using benefits while still in service.

Edited October 12, 2010 by RagMan

[OneCoqui]

"BQ" first and foremost, thank you for your service to our country. Come home safe!

 

May I suggest the following: First, contact the issuing authority of the tuition assistance grant to see if they can reassign the funds to a flight school that fits your needs (preferably one with a helicopter curriculum). Talk to the fixed wing flight school to see if they'll cooperate in reassigning the funds. If not contact Georgia's Department of Education for guidance.

 

Second; hold on to your piggy bank money... You are entitled to GI Bill training funds that will pay a good portion of your flight training. Just make sure that you contact the continuing education representative on post as soon as you get back "state-side". Identify the school you want to train with and fill out the paperwork. Get the process going!

 

Third; several days prior to starting your DD-214 check-out process from the post, contact the CONT ED REP to make sure they're is no last minute glitches on your paper work. Now, come home safe and start training!

 

P.S., get your books and start on your ground training now... Get a jump start! Good luck! RP

[Rogue]

If you are eligible for Post 911 bill you are in like flynn, not only will pay for everything you can do it right there in GA - helicopters and airplanes

 

http://www.mgc.edu/Academics/pdf/programs/%28FLIGHT_TECHNOLOGY%29_Associate_of_Applied_Science_%28AAS%29_in_Flight_Technology_%28Rotorcraft_Helicopter%29.pdf

 

http://www.mgc.edu/Academics/pdf/programs/%28FLIGHT_TECHNOLOGY%29_Associate_of_Applied_Science_%28ASS%29_in_Flight_Technology_%28Airplane%29.pdf

 

http://www.mgc.edu/Academics/Programs.cfm

[bqmassey]

Thanks for all of the informative replies!

 

I'll still be in the military for another two years (more if I decide to reenlist). I'd like to work through my ratings and possibly fly commercially part-time while I'm still active duty. I looked at some information about the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I don't completely understand it all, but it appears that it's much less beneficial if you use it while you're still active duty. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm going to be talking to an education counselor today to gain a little more clarification, and to see if I can use my annual tuition assistance to somehow help pay for flight school.

 

After taking your posts into consideration, along with the advice of some other friends, I've decided to try my best to follow the the rotorcraft path, meaning I'll earn my PPL in helicopters instead of as an add-on later. This is what I really want to do deep-down.

 

There's something I didn't mention in my original post: I have a blind spot in one eye. I still have great peripheral vision, and I'm much better off than those who are completely blind in one eye, but due to this, getting my medical will require that I have a waiver. To get a waiver I need a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA). To get a SODA I need to take a medical checkride. My understanding is that I can not solo any aircraft until I can take that checkride, and I can not take that checkride until I'm capable of solo'ing. This means that once my instructor thinks I'm proficient enough to solo, I have to schedule a checkride. I've heard the wait can be as high as six weeks. That's a long time to suspend training at such a critical point.

 

That being the case, I'd like to use my fixed-wing funds like this: Fly off that $4500 at the fixed wing school to train up until the point that I am capable of soloing, and then taking the checkride in the airplane. Once I pass that checkride I will have my medical. I'd then start flying helo's. Since I'll have the medical, I'll be able to train on the helicopter without having to stop in the middle of it to schedule and wait for a checkride. This is all considering that the SODA/waiver isn't restricted to aircraft category. I haven't been able to find a definitive answer on this.

 

Any thoughts on this plan? Advice?

[helonorth]

I wouldn't spend a dime on training until you have at least a second class medical in hand. Something doesn't seem right about the medical checkride. They can't figure out what you're vision is at the doctors office? I would also REALLY look hard at fixed wing training over helicopter. Helicopters are a tough nut right now and the future doesn't look good. When flying becomes a job (and it will) the airplane probably will be a better place.

Edited October 17, 2010 by helonorth

[bqmassey]

I wouldn't spend a dime on training until you have at least a second class medical in hand. I would also REALLY look hard at fixed wing training over helicopter. Helicopters are a tough nut right now and the future doesn't look good. When flying becomes a job (and it will) the airplane probably will be a better place.

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Unfortunately, since I have to take a medical checkride, I HAVE to train before I have a medical (at least that's my understanding).

 

I will fail the vision test during the exam. To get my medical, I have to prove that even with poor vision in one eye I can still perform certain piloting tasks safely. The way I understand it is that I train until I'm ready to solo. When I'm ready to solo, I take the checkride. If the checkride goes well than I get my medical. With my medical I can actually go solo.

 

The thought you have in regards to fixed-wing is definitely one that I've had in my head more than once. I don't disagree with your logic. I guess I'm just hoping that by the time I have my ratings (a couple of years probably) things will be looking better. I'm more fortunate than some in that I do have a steady paycheck now (thanks Uncle Sam). I'd never leave one good, full-time, steady job without having another lined up. I'll just have to fly part-time until then.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

[ADRidge]

Even with a blind spot, you should be able to snag your 3rd class medical, no problem. This will let you begin your training and even instruct. You just can't fly commercially. Once you're ready, go take the SODA flight and be done with it.

 

I've got an eye issue as well, and I'm looking into the whole SODA deal.

 

Read up on part 67 of the FAR's, and figure out which section applies to your condition, if any.

 

I've got a buddy in the Marine Corps who is thinking of entering the civilian world right now. My advice to you is the same advice as I gave him... stay in. It's ugly out there, and not just for flying jobs.

 

I'm pursuing my fixed-wing add ons right now, and the FW world is just as bad as the RW world as far as jobs go. Being dual-rated will only make you dual-frustrated at this point in time. Doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, though.

 

 

edit: If you're in doubt about passing a 3rd class medical, talk to an AME. DO NOT schedule your appointment AS a medical exam. Just get a consult, explain your situation, and see if they can't talk to you about your options. My thinking is, though, that if you got through MEPS you can easily get an FAA medical.

 

second edit: I'd talk to a fixed wing school about this, but I wonder if you couldn't just go pursue a sport pilot rating (no medical required) and then see if you can somehow take your SODA ride once you've completed your SP.

Edited October 19, 2010 by ADRidge