When you start exploring ways to combine flight training with a degree program, you quickly realize that 1) it’s expensive, and 2) there are lots of decisions to make.
A few months ago I met with Karl Baldessari, the Director of the Aviation Program at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, and he gave me a great overview of all the options.
We talked about:
- His background in the Coast Guard
- The different kinds of flight schools
- The differences between Part 61 and Part 141 programs
- The pros and cons of a two-year Associate’s degree program vs. a four-year Bachelor’s degree program
- Getting financial aid
- Flying helicopters
- UAVs
- The military option
Karl’s an articulate guy who pulls no punches with the information he provides. Great stuff!
Audio
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Central Oregon Community College Aviation Program
Photo of “High pile of hardcover books” by Alberto G., licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.
Thank you very much for the recording. I talked to Karl last week. I’m considering transferring, the cost is Way cheaper, 70K estimate versus 93K estimate at my current school.
Shopping schools is well worth the time when it comes to the money you could save. Thanks for sharing the recording.