Options for someone wanting to fly w/ the regionals

[gibbons]

One of the young men who received a flight training scholarship from our organization called today and I'm unable to help him.

Jose is 18 years old. He's family moved to the U.S. recently from Mexico. His english is fair but not good. He received a scholarship to fund 1/2 of his flying and instructor expenses for his PPL. I'll admit that the board awarded the scholarship not so much on the basis of his aviation ambition or knowledge, but based on the fact that he's a hard worker and a good kid who needs a break.

He would like to fly professionally for a regional airline but I'm not sure I've communicated how difficult it is to accomplish that. He will need to take out a loan for 1/2 of his PPL, and for most of his instrument and commercial ratings as well. Our local 141 school can help him with the loans. He is under the impression that once he has his commercial rating he can start making big money and pay back his loans.

I don't want to discourage him but I'm finding very little to say that doesn't sound very negative. I DO NOT want to encourage him to take out thousands in loans and watch him struggle to make the payments.

I feel like the fact that he's Hispanic will help him get a job but maybe it will work against him. I'm just not in a position to know how to help this guy out. He's a good kid who graduated high school one year early and now works to help support his family.

Is Jose a candidate for one of the regional training programs? Do any of the regionals have a "start from scratch" program? Any thoughts from you guys on the subject would be greatly appreciated. I'm at a bit of a loss.

Thanks.

 

[Len Lanetti]

What about college?

Len

 

[BruceAir]

There are many ab initio programs; for example, the FlightSafety International Academy in Vero Beach, FL has an excellent program. You can find lots of information about the FSI programs, scholarships, etc. on the Web site.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of North Dakota also have excellent ab initio programs, and they've recently established satellite campuses and distance-learning facilities around the U.S. Check out their Web sites for the latest information. They also have extensive experience dealing with foreign students and can help folks overcome language hurdles.

Many community colleges and regional public colleges and universities around the country have flight training programs. A Google search for "community college flight training" turns up many links, including:

http://www.lanecc.edu/flight/index.htm

http://www.bigbend.edu/Programs+of+Study/Academic+Transfer/Aviation/

http://www.cncc.edu/programs/aviation_flight/default.htm

http://waco.tstc.edu/apt/

http://www.flightcareers.com/

http://flight-schools.raajobs.com/courses_college.asp

http://www.nmc.edu/programs/brochures/aviation.html

 

[Richard]

He's in the hole right off the bat taking a loan for the PPL. M'gosh, he'll be financing the whole kit and kaboodle, not a good place to be.

There are many Part 141 'ab initio' programs out there. He's a good candidate as far as giving them his money but he's gonna' have rough time if he has to finance everything. If it were me, I would go a different route.

Get the ratings the old fashioned way--work your way through. He will have to be very determined and have his eye firmly fixed on the goal which will be several years down the road. That he is compelled to help support his family will make it difficult for him to stay focused. It should, but for all practicle purposes, his command of english doesn't enter into the equation here.

You didn't really say, but how determined is he? I think that needs to be answered before the other can be considered.

EDIT: AOPA has much information WRT the progression to professional pilot. For that matter, EDD has a fantastic job description and various routes to the top, including the common pitfalls encountered along the way. No sugar coating. He'll need internet access.

 

[gibbons]

Thanks guys for the responses so far. I'm getting ready to head out to Gaston's so I'll look more closely at the info. provided when I get back.

"How determined is he?" is a good question. I haven't been around him enough to say for sure whether he's "This is what I want to do and I'll get there no matter what it takes." or a "This might be fun. I'll give it a try."

Thanks again.

 

[wsuffa]

He can come learn down here. Perhaps he'll actually understand what some of the other flight school trainees are saying on the radio....

(need to learn spanglish).

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

Thanks guys for the responses so far. I'm getting ready to head out to Gaston's so I'll look more closely at the info. provided when I get back.

"How determined is he?" is a good question. I haven't been around him enough to say for sure whether he's "This is what I want to do and I'll get there no matter what it takes." or a "This might be fun. I'll give it a try."

Thanks again.

What about flying with the airlines south of the border ?
Then the languages should be easier.