Veterans Benefits for Flight Training-The Montgomery G.I. Bill
The Good News and Bad News: The Honest Information
When it comes to pilot training, the issues about Veterans' Benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill are somewhat complicated, so please read this page very carefully.
First of all, your G.I. Bill benefits do not cover any expenses for your Private Pilot’s license. You must pay for all of those costs yourself. This often comes as a surprise to those veterans who have been led to believe the G.I. Bill covers the costs of flight training . . . unfortunately, this is not so!
Your Private Pilot’s license is the required first step in your pilot training. In the case of helicopter training, those costs will run you about $14,000, no matter where you go for flight training.
The Good News is that after the private pilot license, the VA will pay 60% of nearly everything else!
First of All, What is a "VA-Approved" Flight School?
Most flight schools operate under "Part 61" of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). To be a “VA-Approved” flight training facility, a school must apply to the FAA to become a “Part 141" flight school under "Part 141" of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
A school that is “Part 141” has met all the requirements pertaining the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Once these requirements are met the school may then apply to the Veterans Affairs Administration for an application for the school to be “VA-Approved”.
What WILL the G.I. Bill Cover for Flight Training?
AFTER you pay for your Private Pilot rating yourself, your G.I. Bill benefits will then cover approximately 60% of all of the training costs for any advanced pilot ratings (such as Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor (CFI), Instrument rating, etc.) at a VA and FAA-approved Part 141 school.
Your benefits, however, do not normally cover incidentals such as flight physicals, books, required test fees, etc., nor do they cover housing while you are training.
If you decide to go on to become a Professional Helicopter Pilot the total cost of attending school will be approximately $81,175.00. With the GI Bill benefits your total cost of training will be reduced by 60% of your flight training fees after you have paid for your private certificate.
What will the total cost of your education be through COS Aviation. The initial cost of training for out of state tuition with housing is $81,175.00. The VA benefits will not pay for, housing which is approximately $7,000.00 over 10 months, your private certificate which is approximately $13,500.00 and then all books for all classes, fees and exams for the FAA which is approximately $3,500.00. The remaining expense of flight training (approximately $51,175) is reimbursed back to the student at 60% or $30,705. YOUR TOTAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE IS APPROXIMATLEY $44,470.00! A savings of over $36,000.00! In addition to that you may be eligible for additional grants and scholarship money through the FAFSA and college programs.
How Does the VA Reimburse?
The department of Veteran Affairs will reimburse an eligible veteran, service member or reservist for dual and solo flight training, preflight briefings, post-flight critiques and ground school at a rate of 60%. The allowance is paid monthly by the VA to a student based upon actual training certified by the flight school as indicated on VA form 22-6553c, “Monthly Certification of Flight Training”. Entitlement is charged based on the rate of one month for a benefit amount equal to the full-time institutional rate (plus dependents where applicable).
Example:
Reporting Period 1/1/09-1/31/09
Total cost of training to the student this reporting period =$10,000
$10,000.00 x 60% = $6,000.00 reimbursed to the student this reporting period.
$6,000.00 divided by $1,365.00 (Ch 30 full-time benefit amt. without dependents) = 4.49 months of
Entitlement Credit (typically 36 months) used this reporting period.
How do I apply For VA Benefits?
If you have never applied for benefits, a student must complete and submit a VA form 22-1990. If the applicant has entitlement, VA will issue a certificate of Eligibility informing the claimant of their entitlement to education benefits.
Where Can I Learn More About MY G.I. Bill Benefits?
Call the Veterans Administration Toll-Free at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
Or, Click the Link Below to Connect to the VA's Website at
http://www.gibill.va.gov