The Services Readjustments Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill was initially passed to provide a range of benefits for the returning veterans of the Second World War. Presently, the G.I. Bill is known to benefit college and university students in terms of paying part or the whole of costs of their school or training programs. Some of these students also the include aviation students. Therefore, this article will look at some of the ways that the G.I. Bill has benefited and continues to benefit aviation students.
- Qualification and eligibility
First and foremost, anyone that seeks to utilize the benefits of the G.I. Bill flight training funds must be eligible. This includes following some of the steps provided below:
- Reviewing your G.I Bill program to determine whether you are to use the Post-9/11 G.I Bill, the Montgomery G.I Bill or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) where applicable.
- Obtaining a statement of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing your current GI Bill eligibility or have one sent to the flight school of your choice.
- Determine if the flight school you want to attend accepts or is eligible to accept G.I Bill program funds.
- Once you establish your general G.I Bill eligibility, you are required to have a second class medical certificate valid for second class privileges or a first class medical certificate if you want pursue the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
Benefits of the G.I Bill in flight training programs
- Reduction of training fees
Under the Montgomery G.I Bill or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), the department of Veteran Affair reimburses approved flight students for up to 60% of the training fees owed to the school.
Under the post 9/11 G.I Bill funding program, there are several eligibility requirements as well the amount of entitlement to the funds that one can enjoy including:
- Flight training programs at a public school are eligible for the full in state cost of tuition.
- Housing allowance
Under the 9/11 G.I Bill, flight training students in public schools or universities are eligible for housing allowance. However, flight training programs in stand-alone pilot schools have G.I Bill options that include covering the net cost of training up to a yearly limit up without housing allowance.
- Reading materials stipends and supplies
Under the 9/11 G.I Bill flight training students in public schools or universities are also eligible for book stipends and supplies. However, flight training programs in stand-alone pilot schools have G.I Bill options that include covering the net cost of training up to a yearly limit up without housing allowance or book stipends.
Moreover, the Yellow Ribbon Program may be available to help offset the costs of training not covered by the G.I Bill.
Conclusion
Being approved by the G.I. Bill funding program means getting into the training school of your choice. Therefore, it is advisable to converse with an admissions counselor or a representative about the application process before fully committing to the school.