The Best Resources to Help You Fund Your Flight Training

If you want to fly, there shouldn’t be anything to stop you from getting airborne. While helicopter flight training is an investment, there are multiple resources available that can help you make your dream a reality. 

As you explore your options, it’s a good idea to consider every angle, including the place you want to attend school. Understanding which flight program and financial aid option is best for you is necessary, and our team is always here to help where we can.

Internal Scholarships

At Lake Superior Helicopters, our partnership with Lake Superior College enables us to offer scholarships to dedicated students.

 

External Scholarships

There are a variety of external scholarships you can apply for, and it’s a great idea to check for hometown-specific awards as well as any opportunities through organizations you’re a part of.

Other scholarships to explore include:

Loans

Student Loans can help you get the education you want, but they do require a long-term commitment. Before you agree to a loan, it’s best to research the interest rate, deferment plan, and loan terms. Federal Student Aid offers phenomenal resources to help you understand Financial Aid and Loans.

Private loans are granted through a bank, or an organization, not affiliated with the government. Check with your bank to see if you’re eligible for a student loan.

Private Loans: 

Federal loans are awarded to students enrolled in a degree program, and the funding comes from the government. All federal loans require the completion of the FAFSA application.

Federal Loans:

STUDENT LIFE IN Duluth

Flight school is more than a commitment to a loan; it’s a commitment to a place for a given number of years. Our college is located in Duluth, Minnesota, a port city on Lake Superior in Minnesota right along the border shared with Wisconsin, which is a reasonably affordable place to live. As you complete your training, you’ll be able to keep your cost of living down while you save up money for the future.

Duluth is home to many young professionals and is a great place to build your network. Our city offers a suburban feel without lacking a vast amount opportunities to spend time outdoors.

In 2014 Duluth was named by Outdoor Magazine as the best outdoor town in the United States and in the same year was listed as one of the happiest towns in the United States by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research. From hiking or biking our trails, downhill skiing at our local ski resorts, or taking a surf somewhere along the North Shore - there are many outdoor spaces to explore on your days off. Many of them are easily accessible right within our downtown and beyond.

When you are not spending your time outside, Duluth has a vibrant microbrewery scene and over 400 restaurants to keep you busy during every season. There is truly something for everyone.

The town has multiple opportunities for part-time work when you’re on the ground. Some students choose to apply to our part-time positions within our ground crew to make money to put toward their tuition payments. This is a great opportunity for students to get more comfortable and familiar with our facilities and aircraft beyond their lessons.

The minimum wage in Minnesota is $10.33 an hour, but the cost of living in Duluth falls below the national and state average. On a ranking system that puts the national average at a score of 100, Duluth’s cost of living score received an 85.8. (Minnesota received a 97.2.)

Duluth is found to be a great place to live, work, and study with an affordable cost of living and many area attractions providing endless entertainment throughout your time here. You can learn more about our great city through Visit Duluth, Destination Duluth, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Duluth.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

 If your biggest concern around paying for flight school is the return on investment, you don’t need to worry. While many entry-level jobs outside of flight school can be low-paying, there’s a lot of potential for students to earn excellent salaries after a few years of experience in the industry. In fact, all students who complete our program through CFII have received job offers upon graduation.

AOPA has a fantastic interactive tool to help students determine the different licenses they need for the job they want to have.

The average helicopter pilot makes about $98,700 a year, and in our article, “How Much Do Helicopter Pilots Make?” we break down the average salary by industry.

Additionally, the industry is facing a shortage of helicopter pilots, so there’s never been a better time to let your dreams take flight. 

If you’re ready to get started, fill out our online form, and a member of our team will be in touch regarding your next steps in joining our program.

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What to Consider When Choosing a Helicopter Flight School

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Why Is Becoming a Helicopter Pilot So Expensive?