Hello, I am a 23 year old woman who already has a bachelors degree, but I decided in the springtime that I wanted those studies to be primarily a hobby and to pursue piloting. I don’t know anyone personally that does it - luckily, a kind soul in a women’s aviation chapter explained some things to me (she highly recommended ATP) but I’m still lost six months later.
It seems like it’s actually impossible to get into this without financial support. I tried getting a loan for ATP, but I was rejected due to no cosigner, and I have no one in my life able to cosign with me, or loan me any sort of money for lessons. I see on a lot of scholarships that I would need to have already started flight school to qualify for them. I’ve considered going back and getting a second bachelors degree in aviation, but I fear I won’t get accepted due to the fact I don’t have a science background. Also, some programs still require you to have a student pilot/private pilot license before entering!
My question is this - what is the cheapest, easiest way to break into this??? I’m very confused and overwhelmed, and don’t know where to start if I can’t get approved for a loan. If it matters, my location is in Denver, so I know I’m very close to a lot of great flight schools. If you’ve been in this situation, or are another kind soul who can offer some guidance, please help! Thank you!
Unfortunately flying airplanes is expensive and is often the biggest obstacle perspective pilots face. The other issue is while flying isn’t rocket science, it does take a certain level of not only intelligence, but there’s a physical component as well. It’s for that reason you see that almost all scholarships and programs require some flight experience. No one wants to hand you $100k only to find that you get sick or terrified.
What I do find curious is your statement “I’ve considered going back and getting a second bachelors degree in aviation, but I fear I won’t get accepted due to the fact I don’t have a science background”. My first question is have you tried? Being afraid certainly doesn’t prevent you from applying. Problem is again, while you might get govt funding, most won’t cover the flight portion of the degree for the above reasons.
To answer your question I have 2 thoughts. One is to buckle down, build you credit and save some money until you get to the point where you can finance the balance. The second is ATP does have a Training Support Specialist program. When you work for ATP for 18 months in select positions (training support being one of them), you can qualify for guaranteed, 2% fixed interest rate financing with no co-signer required. This would allow you to become an ATP student and enroll in the Airline Career Pilot Program after the 18-month commitment.
First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. It makes sense that no one would want to give someone a loan or scholarship if they were unsure about them being able to do it. I knew going into this that money would be a barrier, but I suppose I had hoped there would be programs to help people get started. But that is okay. I’m not easily deterred and I will break my way into it with persistence.
The second degree was actually something I realized I could do recently! I am actively reaching out and trying to speak with admissions counselors about that option. You’re right, it doesn’t hurt to try, and I certainly am trying. Fingers crossed that a program will understand the complexity of my path so far and let me in. My previous degree is very unique, and honestly, when I tell people it, it makes them laugh, so when I mention “fear” it is in reference to that. I fully expect to have to go into debt to receive the flight portion of the education, it’s just hard finding a place that will let me, if that makes sense.
I did not know about the ATP Training Support program; thank you! It looks like there are no positions open in my area, but I will certainly keep my eye open for that. Otherwise, I will just continue to keep trying to save money and build credit. Perhaps within the next year or two I can scrounge together enough funds to at least get a few lessons in to show organizations that I am committed.
Many people are confronted with the same barriers that you are. For those who cannot get financing in one lump, people often go to a smaller school and get their private license and then come back and apply to ATP again.
Often people have to take a few years, save up some money, and then apply again for a lesser amount. Of course during this time you can work on building your credit as well, which should help in getting approved without a co-signer.
Have you spoken to the ATP Admissions team about financing yet, or did you just apply online?