Hey Swayne! I was looking at Aviation schools across the country and was wondering what your input was on some of the ones I am looking at. Since you go to UND and are pretty close to one another, I was wondering what your thoughts are on the University of Dubuque's aviation program. I am looking to go out there in May and was wondering what your input is if you have ever visited their department or looked into attended class and flight lessons there. I'm from PA, and I'm asking because I dont want to waste money on a flight out there for something that isnt too good. Thanks for your time Swayne!
+Jake Morris Greetings from Chicago. I have not heard much about the University of Dubuque's aviation program. I have talked with many current and retired airline pilots, and the schools that keep coming up have been Western Michigan University (WMU), Southern Illinois University (SIU), University of North Dakota (UND), and Embry Riddle (ERAU). I applied to all of them, and frankly, they all have substantial negatives. Other than those schools, there are many other 141 certified flight schools that get you the 141 benefits, but have less school recognition, such as the University of Dubuque. Depending on your current age and flight experience, there are several routes you could take. I would be happy to talk to you and offer any advise.
Edward Chmiel The college search is pretty crazy! So many schools out there. I've heard of WMU as well. How about Purdue? I've heard they're pretty good as well...
+Jake Morris Oops, I forgot Purdue. They are also one of the big ones. What you are looking for is any school with a FAA 141 Letter of Authorization (LOA). There a more out there than you think (possibly around 100, but I don't remember off the top of my head). Depending on the school, getting a degree at a 141 school will allow you to get an Airline Transport Pilot license (ATP) at age 21 with varying flight hour requirements depending on the school's LOA. What you choose to do depends on several factors. In my case, I applied to all the schools I have mentioned, and was going to WMU. However, that fell through 3 weeks before I started classes. If you like, you can email me and I can tell you more about what happened, and what I have been told to do my airline pilot friends. Also, we can talk about your current plans and I can try and give you some tips. My email is edchmiel09r@gmail.com. I hope to talk to you soon, and I'm happy to help.
