Flight Training: Now Covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill

"That others may live is pretty much our rescue motto," Capt. Dave McElroy, a US Air Force HC-130 rescue pilot is quoted as saying on the US Air Force site. "It's pretty special, wouldn't do anything else," he continues.

McElroy flies "birds" for the Air Force in order to transport rescue teams, often providing a last chance for wounded soldier to leave a conflict zone. Capt. McElroy turned his passion for flying into a reality within the US military. Now, with the expanded benefits that are available under the recently passed "GI Bill 2.0", veterans may use their Post-9/11 GI Bill military education benefits to follow the same path.

GI Bill: Getting on board with flight training

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 expands GI Bill military education benefits in a number of ways, including that it now covered flight training. Before the updates to the Post-9/11 were passed by Congress and then signed by President Obama on January 4^th, 2011, servicemembers could only use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at "degree-granting institutions"--meaning flight training and other vocational schools weren't covered. Effective October 1, 2011, the new law will now allow students to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill in a number of new ways, including attending flight programs.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the US Department of Veterans Affairs will cover the lesser amount between the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees charged by the flight schools and $10,000. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is now lobbying Congress to pass an appropriation bill that would make sure that flight training funding will indeed be available to those who would like to attend flight schools.

It's important to note, however, that in addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the US Department of Veterans Affairs offers programs that already fund flight training, pending eligibility:

• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

Selecting a flight training school

The AOPA recommends considering the following when selecting a flight training school:

1. The instructors. Who are they? What are their certifications? Do they have an instrument instructor rating?
2. The instructor-to-student ratio.
3. How the school maintains student records. Will they be accessible to students when needed?
4. The equipment. Are the planes at the school well maintained? Are flight simulators available?

Another element servicemembers will want to consider is whether or not the school approved by the VA. The US Department of Veterans Affairs has a system in place to check if a particular flight training school provides VA approved flight training. Veterans should confirm their flight school meet's the VA's qualifications for being listed prior to enrolling for classes.

Currently, flight schools approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for reimbursement under the Montgomery GI Bill, and will be eligible for direct payment under the Post-9/11 GI Bill after October 1^st. It's a good idea for veterans interested in attending flight school to obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility in order to find out the amount of military education benefits they could receive for flight training. It's important for veterans to remember that they are ultimately responsible for payment of the program, with or without VA reimbursement.

Military pilots in civilian airline careers

Employment of aircraft pilots and flight engineers is projected to grow 12 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Air travel is expected to also grow due to an increase in population and an expanding world economy. Experienced pilots may find the best opportunities working for:

• Regional airlines
• Low-cost carriers
• Air cargo carriers
• Air taxis

Pilots seeking jobs with major airlines face strong competition. However, military pilots should have an advantage over other applicants, as these individuals are likely to have logged the greatest number of flying hours while using sophisticated equipment. Newly hired pilots at major airlines typically have about 4,000 hours of flight experience. College degrees and commercial pilot licenses are required as well.

Pilots may also start their careers as flight instructors--something which allows them to make a living while accumulating flying hours. Later, pilots may fly corporate planes or get flight engineer jobs with major airlines. From flight engineer, a pilot may move to first officer and then to captain.

In May 2010, the mean annual wage of a commercial pilot, flying small fixed or rotary winged aircraft, stood at $73,060, while the mean annual wage of an airline pilot, copilot, or flight engineer, flying multi-engine aircraft, stood at $117,060.

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