Unlocking Dreams at Age 42: VA G.I. Bill Benefits to Become a Pro Pilot // #58 -An Inspiring Journey

[@JayVazquez]

I am a retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer and it was😢 hell getting the right answers from Part 141 schools, the VA, and even private and public schools. It took me 7 months to finally get the information. THANK GOD CHRIS CONFIRMED ALL MY HARD WORK AND FRUSTRATATION! You must earn a degree, associate, or otherwise in an academic track that includes professional pilot certificates. I'm currently applying to 3 Florida public colleges/universities and hope to start. January 2024!

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

That’s great good luck on your journey!!

[@JayVazquez]

@@ProPilotPlaybook I appreciate you guys! I sent an email requesting to connect with Chris. You guys have no idea how valuable this podcast is!

[@trilogy3x]

Thanks for your service and enjoy your flight journey it’s gonna be amazing. can’t wait til I can get back to flying.

[@stevenmejia4982]

What’s schools in Florida bro? I’m in pursuit in the same location and just starting my research

[@lockonyeew334]

Wow this video came to me right when I need it thank you very much I have been so stressed because all I’ve been hearing was GI bill will not cover pilot training so I was about to get a loan.

[@pizza0451]

I am about to be retired Air Force and I’ve been trying to figure out how to get the most out of my GI Bill. Thanks for inviting this gentleman on.

[@taco_benn]

44:52 For veterans who separated prior to Jan. 1, 2013, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after separation, but the “Forever GI Bill” passed in 2017 removed this limitation for servicemembers separating after Jan. 1, 2013

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Ben, Thanks for that information!

[@MN-RV]

Thought mine was gone... might need to look into this more. I've been out since Feb 2012.

[@matteogeem896]

I am an Army aviator; we call it Street to Seat. Yes, it is a thing; now, a 10-year active duty service obligation (ADSO) changed from 6 years. Thanks for sharing your experience. Helicopter to airplane transition is not bad; add-on to the commercial certificate for most cases unless you hold instructor pilot-simple FAA CFI(I).

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Thanks Matt for sharing that information

[@reyesben]

This guy is so knowledgeable, credible and well spoken. Great job @ProPilotPodcast

[@prime6518]

This man is a wealth of knowledge. I've been lucky to know Chris for over 25 years and believe me, he is legit, mud checked many times. If he's speaking, shutup and listen. Thanks for sharing!

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Couldn't agree more!

[@JefffMino]

Proud of you Chris! You my boy Blue!!

[@reyesben]

“Words are important” key point

[@emh5745]

That's real good info. I had never even considered using the GI-Bill part time. I had thought that it would only cover a partial amount if I was not a full-time student.

[@mannygathers2114]

This is my current situation. Great video👍🏿

[@mannygathers2114]

Got too excited. I sent Chris an email. Hope I hear back from him before I start training on next month at Aeroguard. Thanks!

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Stay excited!!

[@joshrobinson4216]

Great interview guys! I've definitely been trying to find more information about using VA benefits for flight training. Unfortunately I looked into ASU and it says on there website" The Professional Flight major is not VA benefit eligible". From what it looks like in my research that VA benefits will only cover commercial and instrument.

[@boost1728]

It will only cover commercial UNLESS it’s an aviation degree program that happens to cover PPL toward a degree. How it works is the VA covers the degree, which includes getting the PPL in order to get the degree. This is an underutilized loophole many vets don’t know about.

[@joshrobinson4216]

@boost1728 you are correct. I have also come across this in my research. My point was that the flight program from ASU isn't covered under the VA. At least, this is what it says on their website.

[@clint4420]

My older brother retired as warrant officer. He didn't come in the army that way but went to WO school after a few years in the infantry. a lot of his buddies he flew with did that. High school to flight is competitive, but it's very feasible to become a WO after being enlisted.

[@colebeast55]

As of July 1, 2023. Liberty University no longer has their Bachelor of Aeronautical science degree program. It has been suspended, I talked to both the Admissions department as well as the military assistance program (I forgot the specific department name) Vocational Rehab (it has since been renamed) only has a pay cap of $14,449 that you can use every 6 months. It does not cover private, it will cover other ratings but a lot of flight schools no longer accept GI Bill and/or Voc Rehab due to payment issues coming from the VA. I have been fighting this and trying to figure out how to use my benefits for the past 2 years with no luck and no options. I appreciate this video greatly!

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Thanks for the info

[@southwest82]

When did this change? I am looking on the website right now and still seeing it listed

[@colebeast55]

@@ProPilotPlaybook thank you all for your videos!

[@landonb1885]

Same issue here. Last update I got from Liberty is they are hoping to get VA funding back by Spring 2024. 🤞

[@malikjacobs9939]

Would this be good for someone considering going either national guard or reserve? Or is strictly for active duty?

[@cmoney2731]

Okay so I really thought when they mentioned the intro song comment that guy was crazy….now I find myself replaying the intro song at minimum 3 times lol.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

That’s awesome!!

[@nickhalljj]

What was the name of this flight school and instructor?? Active duty in NC here

[@anthonybrown3828]

Transient or non matriculated is what a non degree seeking student is referred to as in VA Bennie lingo. Great video and thank you. Looking at Purdue and UND.

[@redcauthen771]

For your info this is available to people at the Cal Baptist University here in Riverside, Ca 😊

[@fhhfgj]

Could you please tell me the name of Gary Ambrose's flight school?

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Hi, feel free to contact Colin! [e-mail] And the website is pittsburghpilot.com/contact

[@southwest82]

This video was a wealth of knowledge. I am nearly in the same boat with 2 years left on active duty at 41. The Destination 225 program is my dream, but the 12 month route through US Aviation would cost ~90k..GI Bill would cover a mere 14k as it is vocational. However, going the university pathway adds an additional year vs accelerated program; I hold a master's so most general education credits. should transfer). One path is 12 month's, a 90k bill and 1500hr required..the other is 2ish years, no debt and R-ATP at 1000hr.. I am itching to fly but that cost is staggering. Any insight from the group? I love this channel and have learned so much from it!

[@bluecoastalhomes4549]

You’ll make that money back plus more. Go for it.

[@Dice8]

Hey I am also active duty and in a similar situation on trying to figure this out. from what I gather there are 2 options one is ATP with a 100k + bill, this one isn't bad and the airlines are sniping people while there still training and giving them advances and helping pay there loans back while there still getting there 1500, I don't think this takes just 7 months I estimate its more like a year the pilot shortage isn't just for air lines its every where which includes instructors and FAA people to do your check ride. pro pilot play book did a pod cast with a guy who was actively in ATP and he said it was taking him awhile with delays. option 2 is university, this will take slightly longer but you should be able to make that time back with 1000 hrs. vs 1500, and the delays, plus you get a degree and BAH. I think I'm going to go to university first and then do my last requirements at ATP but I'm not sure. but this free private pilots licenses though G.I. Bill with the state university's is news to me I thought you had to pay out of pocket and I would like more info if anyone has it?

[@landonb1885]

One thing to look into is the 1000 vs 1250 R-ATP. I transferred to my school with a completed Bachelor’s and they told me I wouldn’t meet the 1000 hour because I’m transferring in too many credits. It’s based off how many you take while enrolled in the program. I’m still eligible for the 1250 though. Would love to hear different if you find out you get the 1000.

[@ksylvester4852]

US Army Helicopter pilots make up about 70% warrant officers and about 30% commissioned officers. The program for the high school kids that recently graduated is called "street to seat" a high school kid and go to the recruiters office and say they are interested in the program and although it is very competitive its not impossible the only thing is the packet for anyone to fly in the Army is a lot you need letters of recommendations from about 3 or more people one to include a LOR from a Chief warrant office 4 or 5 that would be the hardest thing to get. Also along with those they have to take a SIFT test which isn't too hard but you do have to study a lot especially if you know nothing about aviation and you need a medical which would be more strenuous than getting a 1st class medical from a AME. BTW love the channel keep up the hard work and I will keep watching

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Awesome, thanks for contributing!!

[@cons18977]

I have access to a post 911 GI bill. Question - Can you do this exact track online/remote at any of the public universities and take the flight training locally so you dont have to relocate? If anyone has experience with this, input would be much appreciated. Thanks! -Sean

[@원서사랑서윤]

Great Information. Thank you. @ProPilotPlaybook I am a retired fighter pilot from the Republic of Korea Air Force. Can you make a youtube clib. which include information on pilot certifications required for foreign pilots immigrating to the United States with over 1,500 hours of flight experience?

[@Jonathan-vy9fq]

What about Helicopter school?

[@ryanlive819]

This sounds like I was listening to a live job interview…. Shaun or Mike did you hire this guy? Lol😅

[@mannygathers2114]

I just signed up at Aeroguard in Chandler. How can o get in touch with Chris? Fellow Vet wanting to fully understand this GI Bill solution. Respectfully, Manny

[@robertang8999]

Have you started your training?

[@DallasFort1857]

how's the job market in Miami, Fl?

[@captaindad5057]

If u have over 10% disability you can apply for chapter 31 benefits has to be a 141 school and you get everything covered ..they will buy u a Bose30 headset laptop printer everything u need to succeed..u fly you butt off if u want it’s amazing…and it doesn’t count towards your regular GIBill ..ohh I forgot to mention you get full BAH if your full time!

[@captaindad5057]

Forgot to mention I’m doing this as we speak I’m a student pilot in Minneapolis area ..2nd quarter in..

[@theboywholovesfreedom]

​@captaindad5057 can I connect with you?

[@captaindad5057]

@@theboywholovesfreedom yes what’s your email

[@stevenmejia4982]

This is what I’m holding to do. Being a cop is not good for my mental healthy any longer

[@alenaaspushka3361]

Yeah I wish but it looks like Veterans no longer will be available to become or be a pilot because of the AFF investigation . And almost no one talks about it.

[@puschridgeinsurance]

No expiration on the 9/11