Servicemember and Veterans Aviation VSO

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:03:24 -0500

Who would be interested in learning how to fly by a veteran owned and operated non profit flight school? This is just a census to see who on RP would be interested, and whether or not its worth the shot. GI Bill will cover exams and check rides. Location is TBD, instructors will be current serving or retired military aviators and licensed civilian instructors with a military background. 

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Feb 25 at 2014 3:06 PM

SSG Matthew Thomas — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:06:44 -0500

Would love it

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Feb 25 at 2014 3:50 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:50:15 -0500

If flight time could be covered by GI Bill I could see me getting involved in something like this. If I could get a pilots license to fall back on as an option for some point in life, why not.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 4:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:03:15 -0500

The question would be:

-Would all levels of GI Bill support the costs of the training or would it have to be limited to Post 9/11, or even just the Active GI Bill?

This would be of great interest to many Reservists and members of the National Guard, who may not qualify for the same amount as others.

I do think it would be a great idea though.

Response by SFC Mike Olson made Feb 25 at 2014 4:14 PM

SFC Mike Olson — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:14:07 -0500

I believe lots would be interested. The main barrier to entry for most is the fact that the GI Bill only pays for professional flight training and is predicated on the student already having a private pilot license, which is quite expensive to obtain.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/flight_training.asp

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 6:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 18:17:19 -0500

To answer some of your questions-

1. The reason the GI Bill is set up the way it is currently is because they listened to what flight instructors have to say. Why are you going to sign up for a program valued at 50000 dollars worth of training only to find at 2 or 3 hours its not for you? I would be more than happy to entertain intro flights and if its something your dead set on doing, then great!

2. This would be equal opportunity for everyone-not just currently serving, retired, ETS, EAS, (whatever the Navy and Air Force call it), but also National Guardsman and Reservists. Depending on where this all goes down and gets kicked off, we will adjust fire accordingly, however the only requisites I can see are having a 2d Class FAA Medical, and be in good standing with your unit or have a DD214 or other form of service verification. (PT issues and height and weight are the exception. Any sort of flag for investigation because of misconduct or criminal activity will be barred from the program unless cleared).

3. GI Bill should cover the cost of flight training. Some of the issues that may arise are the fact that this would not be aligned with a 4 year degree producing program. However, as stated before, the main goal is providing vocational rehabilitation for veterans and troops transitioning out of the military. With that being said, YOU MUST OBTAIN A COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENSE IN ORDER TO BE COMPENSATED FOR ANY SORT OF FLIGHT CREW MEMBER SERVICES RENDERED. Plan to get that through us.

A private pilot license will not allow you to fly for hire. The GI Bill will cover any sort of examination fee for your writtens, and your practicals for sure.

4. Nothing is set in stone, again, this is just a census to see what sort of support we can get out there. If you can, share your thoughts and ideas with everyone. Get them on Rally Point and get them to chime in. If you know pilots, direct them this way and see if we can generate interest in getting a volunteer force together.

Thanks

Response by Bobby Cook made Jan 26 at 2018 8:48 PM

Bobby Cook — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 20:48:35 -0500

http://www.honakerforestlawn.com/m/?p=memorial&id=2064918

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