Another “how to pay for school” post

Posted by ekajpiper@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 6 comments

I’m 23 years old college grad that works security making $22 an hour. I’m got my PPL around 70 hours at my local part 61 school, which is the cheapest in my area ($136/hr for six packs).

About $4,000 into my instrument rating and nearly finished, just have to take the written and then do checkride prep. However, I am running out of money to keep this going, and I don’t know how I’m supposed to get all the way to commercial and CFI/II and multi add ons. I haven’t flown in about 3 weeks to save money, but I’m getting hit with paying for one thing after another. My school likes me, and have hinted at a CFI job once I get my rating - most of the instructors have been students at the same school. But I’m fairly certain I’ll be making less as instructor than what I do now, and I can’t see how I’ll be able to afford to live. I’m trying to stay loan free, I wouldn’t even be able to make these outrageous monthly payments I’ve been reading about.

I’ve read advice from Reddit, but nothing has really seemed to resonate with me. Maybe I’m hoping this post will give me something different, or I’m just writing this to vent. Aviation is the only thing I could ever see myself doing. I’ve been feeling really discouraged, but I know I am not quitting.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

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I’m 23 years old college grad that works security making $22 an hour. I’m got my PPL around 70 hours at my local part 61 school, which is the cheapest in my area ($136/hr for six packs).

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Solid-Garlic1527@reddit

If your school picks you up then you won’t be paying for hours anymore which is a big step. If you still can’t make it work, then a 2nd flexible job might be necessary. For commercial, see if you can get another pilot to do time building with to split costs and PIC time.

B100West@reddit

Go Active Duty Air Force

Important_Fix3459@reddit

Damn. I’m the same age and almost done with instrument as well except I have no money saved but make 28/hr. I have a car payment and a $5k loan from my ppl as well. Just been paying every flight up front and fly once a week. Just be patient with it is my advice. I’m personally just expecting to not be working for flying for a while and don’t mind taking my time if it means coming out debt free

gromm93@reddit

Flight instructors do make less than whatever job you've already got. But you don't have to be an instructor full time either. It's extremely common that instructors only work a few days a week while keeping another job just to stay fed.

GoobScoob@reddit

Just focus on that instrument rating for now. Being able to fly in the clouds makes a huuuuge difference.

Once you’re done with instrument I’d suggest pausing regular training and save up bigger chunks that way you can doing each certificate or add-on without interruption. At your level of experience you can lose a lot by taking big breaks which makes you end up having to fly more in the long run.

As for how you earn that money- well that’s the big challenge pretty much everybody has. Don’t be intimidated by that 250 number though. Just take it 1 rating at a time. You’ve got this!