EOD HELI Posted September 26, 2011 Posted September 26, 2011 Hello everyone! I just wanted to write a quick one about how Palm Beach Helicopters helped me acheive my dream. I finished up my 6 year enlistment in the Air Force in March of 2010. I wanted to become a helicopter pilot and I decided to rely on Palm Beach Helicopters to make it happen. I am an OIF/OEF Veteran with the Post 911 GI Bill benefits. Through this program I was able to get my PPL through CFII in a little over a year and graduate from the associated college, Palm Beach State University, in 18 months with an Associates in Aeronautical Science.....FOR FREE. Technically speaking it wasn't free because the Post 911 benefits covered the expenses but as far as my wallet knows, it was free! If there are any Veterans, or civilians, that need information about becoming a helicopter pilot and not sure how to afford the expenses please write me back!I know so many friends that were worried about getting out the Armed Forces because of the economy and whatnot. I am here to tell you, YOU CAN DO IT! As for an update to the courses availible this semester, the Post 911 GI Bill is now covering NVG, Turbine Transition and External Load. All of these courses are now being taught at Palm Beach Helicopters and I will be sure to update you about these courses as soon as I take them next month! I hope this serves as a light in the darkness for anyone looking for a professional school to obtain their helicotper licenses. You're not alone and I will help you out as much as possible. Good luck and thanks for reading! 1 Quote
mrjibbs Posted October 1, 2011 Posted October 1, 2011 Got a friend in this EXACT position, needs to talk to you... 1 Quote
Whiteshadow Posted October 1, 2011 Posted October 1, 2011 EOD HELI, great stuff man! Congratulations, and good work! The important question now though is.........do you have a job? Are you going to be an instructor at Palm Beach? Just curious. whiteshadow Quote
EOD HELI Posted October 1, 2011 Author Posted October 1, 2011 Got a friend in this EXACT position, needs to talk to you... Anytime! Email address is eodjamison@gmail.com or hit me up on here. The miltary was a good experience for me but I wanted something different and flying helicopters was a great choice. I had many friends who didn't get out because they were afraid of the economy/job market and what not,,,, living proof right here that it's possible! I'll help out in any way possible. Quote
Marine Posted October 12, 2011 Posted October 12, 2011 I am currently on the fence about getting out or stayin in. I got about 2 more years. I got a question. Are you at resident of Florida? I'm a California resident but looking at either Palm Beach or Guidance in Arizona, I'm just curious if the GI Bill can cover out of state tuition fees or if it's even an issue. Quote
EOD HELI Posted October 12, 2011 Author Posted October 12, 2011 I am currently on the fence about getting out or stayin in. I got about 2 more years. I got a question. Are you at resident of Florida? I'm a California resident but looking at either Palm Beach or Guidance in Arizona, I'm just curious if the GI Bill can cover out of state tuition fees or if it's even an issue. First off, thank you for your service! Much respect. I have been in the same position and its a really hard choice so I feel your pain. Now, the Post 911 GI BILL will pay 100% of your flight training if you are also enrolled in a local college that is VA certified. Before this fall semester, the VA would pay all of your in-state and out-of-state fees. Since the beginning of this semester, they only pay for the in-state fees even if you're out-of-state. So basically, you would have to pay the difference. Now, there are ways around this. The one that would be the easiest is actually envolving your dicharge paperwork. When and if you decide to leave the military, they will issue you your paperwork for discharge (AF was DD Form 214)and they will ask you where you are going to be moving. If you don't choose anywhere it will default to the state where you signed up for the Marines. However, if you tell them that you are moving to Florida to get some training for your next career, they will put FL on your discharge paperwork and this will in fact, allow you to become a FL resident.....per the college enrollement process. If you can get this in-state residency, you will truly be 100% covered. I was lucky enough to go through before this change took effect so the VA paid for my out-of-state fees and I received over $100k for free. I am now a CFII and sooooo greatful that I was able to move on to another profession besides EOD. I hope this makes sense to you and let me know if you have any questions!! Quote
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