great information...im a 48 year old computer scientist working on my PPL and im about to do my first cross country solo! Ive been looking to buy a plane and do a lease with a flight school or a flight club.

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching Ray! That’s one of my favorite methods! Plus when you are ready to sell you may make a profit in this market 👍🏽

Your determination and wise choices are truly inspiring, and your video is a valuable resource for those aspiring to become pilots without being burdened by loans. It's impressive how you've navigated this path, and your advice is a beacon of hope for many who dream of flying. Thanks for shedding light on the possibilities and showing that with the right approach, a debt-free aviation education is attainable. Keep up the great work, and let your story continue to inspire others to chase their aviation dreams without the weight of loans. 🌟✈

Great video! This was immensely helpful. I'm studying cybersecurity at college and considering following a similar path. Congratulations on all your accomplishments thus far, and all the best on your journey!

So inspirational!!! Your story is incredible. Endless thanks for sharing your passion❤ All details matter. Most than a half of pilots used to work in something else befire becoming whi they are now. It adds up the value to each story.

I'm from NYC and getting into software engineering so, I loved hearing your story. Thanks for sharing!

Dude, that’s So exciting!!! Flying has been my dream for a long time but the fear of debt has kept me from chasing the dream. You’re my new role model for swimming against the current and proving all these other broke pilots that it’s doable! So awesome!!

@kingslate1

10 ай бұрын

Yeah it’s really expensive

So cool man! You're decisions are an example to all of us. Thanks for sharing!

You Sir, are a very smart man. Your dedication and tenacity are truly an inspiration. Congratulations on a job well done!

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Really Appreciate your Kind Words!

I admire your stick-to-it-ness. Dave Ramsey would be proud of your debt free acoomplishments. Your parents must be so proud of you. I subscribed so I can follow your journey.

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching George :)

@speaker9694

Жыл бұрын

Same here! This is what I want to do in the same way as well!!! No debt! Thanks for posting this! People need to know. Subbed

@georgesmith7988

5 ай бұрын

@@bdev825 It is spelled Ramsey. I am guessing the first grade was the happiest 3 years of your life. There is no cure for stupid.

@TheblockheardroundIndy

24 күн бұрын

@@georgesmith7988 Who puts two spaces after a period? What a dumbass^

Incredible information and straight to the point. Keep up the amazing work!

Quality of life is essential, Im glad you had said that. You’re a smart young man, I think everyone’s life plan is their plan. We all have a path to take. I’m impressed by your decisions. You’re very well spoken and I wish you well in your career.

Awesome story. started similar when I was a kid, did start flying, but money ran out. That was over 20 years ago, but I'm still hopeful to still get back to training. I plan on saving up for the full amount before starting up again. I'm not even looking to do it as a career, but just my PPL and instrument rating.

Kudos to you! I hope many others can follow your lead. True freedom comes only when you are debt free. You are much better prepared to weather the economic turmoil that can occur, such as covids impact on the airlines. You are fortunate to have discovered your passion at an early age.

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Jim! Appreciate you for watching

Nice video! I also completed all of my training debt free. You’re right, it does feel great to owe no man money. Maybe I will bump into you at an FBO one day. Safe flying!

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank for the Comment Josh! Feels great to be free. Safe flying to you as well!

Very good info. Thanks. I got my degree by using a GI bill. Spending 4 yrs in the military. Able to get through commercial, plus some aerobatics for fun and experience. I wish you the best of luck! I’m sure you will be a great ATP. Are the airlines helping these days with the pilot shortage. I understand some airlines are assisting in training. They should be! Just like the Dr. shortage we need to be making it more realistic to become an MD, or medical professional. It can’t just be an occupation for the well to do. That obviously isn’t working.

Congrats man. Solid story, just found this video on accident. Respect. Say up young blood!

I’m in a similar boat! 22 just graduated with a BBA in Info Systems and am working in IT, now looking to follow back on the path of flying. Thanks for sharing!!!

Great video , doing my training over in the UK. Working multiple jobs to save up for the CPL / IR. Did my PPL debt free and i aim to complete it all debt free. You are so right doing it debt free is stress free. Yes it takes longer but you still end up with the same ratings and get into the cockpit. Patience and Perseverance is key!!

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Yes absolutely! Thank you for watching !

Phenomenal story. I’m on a similar path right now- earned my PPL with no debt last year and I just left my engineering job of four years to pursue the rest of my ratings with the money I saved living frugally. Totally agree that as long as you get to do the thing you love doing, the overall earnings potential down the road is secondary. All the best to you on your journey! ✈️

Everyone has different lifestyles/situations but to me that's the best way to do it. Sacrifice, rack as much money as you can. Then go fly and don't stop. Time and money. Awesome video Michael.

I came here to write down tips and tricks, and walked away with an important reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. As an anxious, stressed-out 40 yr. old in ground school, I want to say thank you so much for the advice!

Great! Good luck! God bless

Excellent video Moor! Im proud of you you're going to go very far in life.

My God!! all the thoughts i have been to planning to do in order to reach my dream of being a pilot i can see that you are now talking about them,or am dreaming!!! but am so interested my buddy am more and more inspired by this video and it has cemented my ambitions to be a pilot,, all i need is just a starting point,,

Thanks for telling your story...I know many people going to regionals older than you while piled with debt...I got a computer engineering degree from Georgia Tech...I didn't even think of starting flying till I was 35 now 47 now working toward CFI but so hard with work + young kids...be thankful you are where you are at

@sleepyshaw278

Жыл бұрын

Are you trying to be a pilot

@derrickpigatt5195

9 ай бұрын

Any updates?

@gveduccio

9 ай бұрын

@@derrickpigatt5195 CFI training complete...exam in a month...all my ground instruction materials finally complete

Thanks for the info, wishing you all the best for the future

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Happy to be able to help!

Great Video Michael! I appreciate you sharing the struggle.

@ronsflightsimlab9512

Жыл бұрын

IT is a trap for sure... I'm too old and make too much money to transition. A good problem to be had, but I'm not passionate about IT. I LIKE it, but CFI is my path to a part time career that I love, and if I stay healthy enough, a retirement job.

Thank you for sharing your story! ❤

Thank you for this!! I'm beginning my pilot journey at 28 post-University and a layoff in 2023, and everyone's been looking at me like I'm crazy because I refuse to take a massive debt to things done. I know it's possible, and if it means I have to work harder than everyone else - I will do just that.

Well done young man... Respect...!

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you !!

Great video. My son is a jr in high school. We are looking into him becoming a pilot. I will share your videos with him. We are outside of Philly.

well done man! you did it right

Good job, people don’t understand the pressure the debts places on an individual. Nice work.

Thanks for your story, i appreciate your journey.

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Alexis!

Really helpful video! we have similar stories. I'm 20 and I've been wanting to become a pilot since I was 15 but my family just don't have the funds for flight training, so my brother suggested I go into IT (Cybersecurity) since it's also a field in demand and work so that I get the money for flight school. The problem is that I'm scared I'll hate IT even if it's just for a few years, but I have no other choice

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Really glad I was able to show you that it’s possible! I hope to hear your success story very soon !

You show you have the two most important traits for success, focus and discipline. Congrats on achieving your goal. How much Total time did you have when you started your Commercial rating training?

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I had just about 220 hours when I had started Commercial!

Living below your means, paying as you go, what novel ideas :) I am a C-ASMEL-I rated pilot with a AGI and IGI and paid for all my ratings with my A&P/IA. I was a week away from my CFI checkride and had a near fatal motorcycle accident, I was 40. Due to lingering medical issues from the accident, I was never able to pass a Class 2 medical. So I never got to live out my dream of being a professional aviator. I did, however, have a very successful career in Aircraft Maintenance. BTW, the US Navy paid for 75% of my BS degree. I applaud you sir and you entered the industry during a boom. As my old boss used to say; "Keep Charging, Don't Throttle Back"!

@HusaniLewis

6 ай бұрын

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

I plan to start flight training next year!

Awesome. Smart move!

I'm about to start this summer at 30 years old and do it debt free as well.

When the dream is larger than the fear. We a are ground based animal, when your body figures out you are not going to quit... change can happen!

I think that’s a smart way of doing it because I hate nothing more than debt

Dear Michael Colley, your perspective on prioritizing avoiding debt over clinging to a few years of seniority is truly appreciated. After watching your video I'm not as worried as I was about starting immediately with only 30k of savings. I can wait a little longer, have more saved and go at this debt free. Inspired by your experience, I intend to seek scholarships, save significantly, and follow in your, and others', footsteps. I'm determined to make the rest of my life the best of my life. Career 2.0 here I come! Thank you for this video 🙏

I salute you bro 🎉

Awesome!!!!!

I had a perfect part time job which fit perfectly with my FT work and allowed me to pay for all my training; but Covid had other ideas. That old pt job not an option any more, and my new FT job makes it more difficult to have one. I’ve all but given up ….very unlucky in aviation. 4th time’s the end. I’m in my 40s, and taking time health and money into consideration, I’ve had to force myself to give up lest I get into more depression. I do have my PPL with 185 hours and night rating. I’m not even sure a commercial career is for me. Hard to figure out when I lack ambition.

You are an excellent communicator.....no shit

Thank u for the video

I have watched all your videos but when you said that you have links in the description but when I click on the description, there will be no links to click on.

Michael, what do you think of training contracts? I hear these days airlines are offering to pay for 100% if not most of your flight training. Are they traps to avoid or should I consider them?

I have to do it, just need to find a job that matches with a full time schedule

Great advice! Sounds like you’ve followed the Dave Ramsey advice.

Where is the link to the scholarships? Thanks so much and congratulations so far Michael

I am working full-time while doing at least three lessons a week. I took a loan out, but I am saving money every month in a brokerage account, so when it is time to pay off my loans, I can write a check and be done with it.

very nice story. I have done the exact same thing. Debt free and pay as you go !. Can you also please share the scholarship links ?

Just an FYI, college is no longer a requirement to get to the airlines.

This has been a touch choice I’ve been thinking about for a while I don’t come from any financial background and earn just enough to save a little bit every month, I would love to say at 25 I’m debt free (I’m currently 21) but I think I’m leaning towards taking a loan still not sure

Congratulation on achieving your aviation goal debt free. I watched a lot of Princeton flight school aviation webinar on KZread by CFI Westley. I'm 47-year-old married man with a family working on my PPL . I passed my knowledge test back in November and have about 17 hours logged. stopped because of $$ , what are the links to aviation scholarships you have applied for?

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Hey Nevado! So glad you were able to experience a bit of aviation. Check out the OBAP opportunities and the EAA Scholarships. Those were beneficial in my pilot journey! In addition, a lot of the airlines are starting to fund or help fund part of your journey, no matter when you are starting!

@njbpaul

Жыл бұрын

@@aviatormike ok thanks Michael. I will check them out

I live in ND. Where did you get your instruments in Minnesota?

Pay as you go is a slower way to go but if you can do it that way, it's worth it. You'll save a lot of money in the long run from not having interest payments. If you already went to college/trade school and have already established yourself with a good paying career that allows you to save up a ton of cash then it's a solid plan. Unfortunately, for the rest of us average joes that's not a viable option. For those of us who didn't go to college/trade school and are stuck working low skill, entry level labor because we don't have the education, training, certifications, etc. it means being stuck. You work full time for meager pay and an ever increasing cost of living. It's a paycheck to paycheck existence where you can't afford the luxury of saving up any meaningful amount to pay for something like flight school. It's a struggle just to get by even if you're frugal. For the average joe, taking your chances on a huge loan is probably going to be your only shot unless you're willing to join the military.

Michael, In the video you mentioned that you were going to provide some scholarship info but I don't see it?

Can you please tell the name of fly school where you completed the pilot course?

I am doing my flight training for free thru a program my company has

@akashjones4047

11 ай бұрын

Whats the procedure to join the program?

@LoMiles-tb2sx

10 ай бұрын

What company was it?

@kingslate1

10 ай бұрын

What program?

@LuisLlargues-Aviation

10 ай бұрын

American flyers @@LoMiles-tb2sx

@LuisLlargues-Aviation

10 ай бұрын

American Flyers@@kingslate1

What kind of parents did this man have? He is so mature when I was his age I still had my head up my a-s

Is it a must to get a college degree to become an airline pilot? What's your thought on this?

Do you think you need a 4 year degree to become an airline pilot? Im 18 just graduated highschool but still unsure how to start my journey in aviation

So u worked through instrument rating then stopped working at commercial?

So where’s the advice for people who don’t have parents 😅 great video 🤙🏾

where in south jersey did you get instrument rating?

I’m currently a mainline flight attendant and saving as much as I can with the intent of paying my own way through flight school. My credit is in a good place so I wouldn’t get the worst rate but the potential of borrowing such a large sum of money and getting into a position where I can’t afford to pay it back is a nightmare. Do you have any suggestions as to how much I should save before starting? I can set aside around $2,000 a month as I am fortunately in a position where I can stay home. But I’m 24 and would like to hop on the opportunity as soon as it would be smart to do so.

What do you think about joining the air force after college to do this?

Hi, I dont see the Links for scholarships?

I'm currently a student pilot pursuing my PPL at the ripe age of 39. I'm still working full-time in sales but my goal is to eventually transition to the airlines and to do it debt free (I've been debt-free for the last 6 years and really do not want to go back). If anyone has ANY advice, I'm all ears.

I think you have the better route than your friends because you're degree can offer you another job besides a pilot and less debts

What school in South Jersey did you attend? Trying to decide on the school to get my PPL. Thanks

Michael: I am turning 70, retired and considering obtaining my PPL. Is this realistic?

You need a 4-year degree to be hired as a pilot?

My brotha knows how to apply his opportunities to the privileged.. Respect. I still get prejudice from Americans despite being American cause I look mixed and raised abroad! After doing corporates ladder speed run, I was tired of the hypocrisy and identity politics, I am going to resume my flight training to get back to where all that matters is hours and attitude instead of politics and point of origin!

Please, I want to know if as a ghanian and living in ghana, can I be a pilot in the United States.

Hey fellow Rutgers alum. I just turned 27 last month, you think it’s too late to train to be a pilot? Thanks and best of luck!

I have an associate degree in cyber security will that help in becoming a cargo pilot?🤔

I had to start to stop due to running out of money. I'll likely just continue until I get a stable income career job.

Great information Mr Colley, i’m 27yrs old graduate and i realize i want to be a pilot. Is it possible for me?

Smart

I thought you didn't need a bachelors degree to become a pilot? I am also in IT trying to transition except I am self taught.

Hasn’t the 4 year degree requirement been dropped?

Where do I find the scholarships?

How would you recommend Veterans become a pilot with the GI bill?

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

A lot of my friends used the GI bill and from what I heard it’s a great way to get your licenses !

I'M ALL EARS!! 😃

💫

Can you provide flight training? Since you have your CFI? I’d like to build flight hours.

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Yes I can! Contact me via the links on my page !

in a similar spot expect mommy and daddy didnt help

Did you ever consider joining the military to learn to fly

Being black helps scollership from NAACP?

Sup my gud brotha. Interesting story. I hav two aviation challenges in case ur interested. The 1st is: How aviation has changed ur life. 2nd: Say the phonetic in 30 sec. or less. If u could plz do me a favor by accepting these challenges by using the #TMCSC in yur title, i would greatly appreciate it. HNY #salute my gud brotha!!!!!

Which airport in south jersey did you fly out of? I fly at cross keys (17N)

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

Lakewood NJ N12

@philliesphan922

Жыл бұрын

@@aviatormike that was a way point on a xc to BLM!

What club did you join in south jersey and what flight school did you attend in Minnesota?

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

I’m in the jersey Aeroclub and I went to Venture northwest for my Commercial CFI and CFII !

@melodyn6419

8 күн бұрын

Hi I only find venture north aviation LLC school in Minnesota on Google. Is this the same school you where got your commercial license? Do you know how much they charge totally for zero to commercial license 90 days program? Do they accept sallie mae loan or credit cards as payment method for tuition? Thank you.

To save everyone time on how he funded it- He had a degree in IT and went to work on Wall St. for a few years where he made a lot of money and saved up a pile of cash.

How long can a complete flight training take ? More than 18months?

@aviatormike

Жыл бұрын

You can do it in less than 18 months depending on your frequency!

whats the club? im in new york too