ACP372 Will going to a small college and getting a Restricted ATP reduce my chances of getting hired?

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This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” at

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The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com

Listener Mail:

I’m a 34-year-old veteran transitioning into a reduced (1250 hours) ATP flight school. I’m using my GI benefits to fund this 2 year associate program which will provide all of the qualifications I need.
I’m attending a small community college. Does this matter? What issues do you see me having post-school with hiring in the fact that it’s a reduced program? I’m starting flight school as someone who’s jumped out of but never flown planes. Any advice? Thank you and I really enjoy the podcast.

The size of the school doesn’t matter for hiring.
Flight Time is most important.
The benefit to a large school is the larger network of alumni.
Even though you are used to jumping out of planes I would recommend you not leave the plane during your training.
The GI Bill is an amazing opportunity.
There are many people who have done the same and you should look towards others to network with.
If you have words of encouragement please visit our contact page https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Question 2 from Contact Page:

Hi Carl, I would like to visit you at the hangar one of these days. I usually drive to Lakeland most Saturdays. Should I let you know through this means before I head that way? Thank You.

Answer:
I am trying to figure out ways to have a meetup at the airport. Let me know your suggestions.
Would you be interested in a career seminar and tour of the facilities?

Question 3 from Contact Page:

Hello Mr. Valeri. I’d like to start by saying I really like listening to your podcast and even though I’m a fairly new listener, I enjoy the content and look forward to every new episode as soon as it comes out.

I wanted to reach out because I want to get an opinion from you. I really need some guidance on this, and I would love to hear what you have to say about it.

To give some context, I’m from Venezuela, and living in the USA. I have always wanted to fly, and after some years, I’m in a position in which I’m finally able to grasp that dream. However, it comes with challenges…

My options are minimal as far as financing goes, the first one being taking out a student loan of $100k to pay for my training at ATP. This was my first option, as it was very clear on the path, and the repayment plan from the financial institution is comfortable during school and training. After this, however, the official repayment begins at $1800/month for a 15-year term and $1600 for a 10-year term.

My interest rates are this high because I’m not yet a permanent resident, making it a little bit more “riskier” to the banks. I was not approved through Sallie Mae for this reason, but I was “approved” through Meritize. I quote the approval because they offered me some repayment plans as I mentioned.

Now everything looks okay, but my concern is if I can make ends meet with an entry-level pilot salary. I really want to go this way since it’s a very clear path, but I also do not want to drown myself in debt and continuously stress over this…

I have also checked with a smaller school, and their commercial pilot’s license comes out to be at around $34000 total from 0 to 250 hours (with all the minimum FAA requirements). I thought of adding a few more hours of flight training simply because I have read many pilots don’t get their certificate with only the minimums, so I set a projected amount of $50000, which I would have to get as a personal loan for. This option, compared to the $100k from ATP, looks way better of course, but being a personal loan means I would have to start paying the monthly quote immediately. And over an 84-month loan, this goes at around $950/month.

I know this is a long and somewhat specific situation, but I would like to know your opinion on the matter, and if there are any other alternatives for me out there.

I’m 26, about to turn 27 years old this year.

I thank you beforehand, for taking the time to read this.

Safe flying.

Answer:
Make sure you write down exactly what you are paying for to compare the two options.
What ratings are you obtaining and does your budget include cross country time?
Benefits of a small school vs large school is the number of planes and ability to recover from a maintenance issue because of spares.
Will you be working while you are going to school, family considerations, etc.

To discuss the specifics of your situation I would have someone review your numbers and your goals. We can help at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

Sponsor:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com

Links:
https://www.meritize.com/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/