American Winds Flight Academy
We Are Passionate About Aviation!
VA Benefits
One of the Veterans Administration's goals is to provide excellence in veterans' benefits including education. Our nation's veterans deserve no less. Call us today at American Winds if you are an American Veteran and would like to attend our flight school. We will help you see if there are any benefits available for you!
VA Approved Courses
Please click on the following courses to view American Winds detailed explanation of each course or program.
**Special Note**
VA Benefits will not cover costs for Private Pilot Training!
Use your VA Benefits to Become a Commercial Pilot
American Winds is proud of our military. We are also very proud to assist you in making your dreams come true to become a Commercial pilot. Whether your goal is to fly for the airlines or a corporate charter, American Winds will guide you in using your VA Benefits.
The FAA offers many types of Certificates and Ratings. The first certificate to obtain is the Private Pilot License in a Single Engine Airplaine. Once the Private Pilot course is completed and passed, the Student will move onto the Instrument Rating. The Commercial License is next. The Student may choose to obtain the Commercial Single Engine License followed by the Commerical Multi Engine License or vice versa. Aviation careers require the Commercial Multi Engine and typically at least 100 hours of multi engine time. Of course the multi hours required will depend on the individual company.
Once the Student has achieved their goal of becoming a Commercial pilot, they may need additional flight hours to land their perfect aviation career. The Student may wish to obtain their Certified Flight Instructors License (CFI), Certified Flight Instrument Instructors License (CFII), or Multi Engine Flight Instructors License (MEI). The aforementioned licenses will allow the Student to build additional flight time, get paid, and advance their knowledge and aviation maturity.
VA Benefits may be used for ALL of Part 141 programs and courses at American Winds Flight Academy except the Private Pilot's License. The Student must pay for each lesson of the course/program out of their pocket (cash, check, or credit card) or apply for a Student Loan. The most common Student Loan is from Sallie Mae. Once the Student obtains a Private Pilot License, VA Benefits may be used for the remaining licenses and ratings. The Student will pay for each lesson as previously done. However, at the end of each month American Winds sends a report to the VA verifying the hours and money spent. The VA will mail a check or direct deposit the payment into the veteran's bank account. Direct Deposit is quicker with reimbursement time in about 3 weeks.
The VA reimburses the Student 60% of the cost (per Federal Law) of each course or program. Unfortunately, the VA will not pay for books and supplies, the medical license, or the Checkride Examiner Fee.
Are you a Helicopter Pilot ???
Are you a military helicopter pilot with VA benefits looking to become a Commercial Airplane pilot? American Winds is only one of the few Part 141 flight schools in the nation to be approved for the Airplane Instrument Add On Course and Airplane Commercial Add On Course. Yes, its true. Finally, your VA benefits can be used to fulfill your dreams as a commercial airplane pilot.
American Winds is approved for the Part 141 Airplane Instrument Add On Course. According to Part 141 Appendix C (3)(a)(2). A Student must complete: 20 hours of ground training and 15 hours of flight training.
American Winds is also approved for the Part 141 Commercial Add on Course. The student must be concurrently enrolled in the Instrument Rating Course and the Commercial Pilot add on category in accordance with FAR Part 141.55(C)(7)(i), Part 141 Appendix D (2)(2), and Part 141 Appendix I (2). A Student must complete: 35 hours of ground training and 55 hours of flight training.
Where to Begin???
To use your benefits, complete the procedures below. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
The VA Student must complete the required areas of Request for Change of location or Place of Training (VA 22-1995) form. Bring VA 22-1995 form into American Winds to our Admissions Coordinator to complete the school required areas. During this time, the Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999) will be completed. The Admissions Coordinator will send the VA both forms (VA 22-1995 and VA 22-1999).
The first step in receiving VA benefits is to complete an Application for Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990). This form must be completed by any veteran or reservist who has not previously applied for education benefits from the VA. A copy of the discharge papers (DD 214) must be attached. In the case of Chapter 1606, the Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384) must be attached. If a Student chooses to have their benefits directly deposited into a bank, a voided blank check must be included. The Student will send the aforementioned documentation to the Department of Veterans Affairs or to the County Veterans Service Officer.
Once the VA processes the application and benefits have been approved, the Student shoud bring, to the American Winds Admissions Coordinator, a completed copy of the application, in addition to any discharge papers or attached documents. American Winds will retain and begin a VA benefits folder for the Student. American Winds will complete the process by sending the VA any final documentation. The Student will then receive the VA's Certificate of Eligibility or Authorization to use VA Benefits for vocational use. The Student will bring the final authorization letter to American Winds to be copied and filed in the VA Benefits folder.
The Student receiving VA Benefits may begin his/her flight training course or program at this time.
View and fill in the VA Form 22-1990 at:
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22_1990.pdf
Paul Quinn - Private to CFI
Before starting your flight training, the VA requires that American Winds collect the following information:
- VA requires a medical certification valid for Second Class privileges (First Class for ATP)
- Private Pilot License or higher
- Copy of VA application for benefits
- Student's signed statement of receipt of school catalog (AWFA will provide)
- Copy of certificate to FAA for commencement of Part 141 training (AWFA will provide)
- Evaluation of prior credit (if appliable, done by the Chief Flight Instructor)
- Copy of voided check
After the aforementioned items are collected, AWFA will complete the Enrollment Certification (VA Form 22-1999) and submit it to the VA office in Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the VA website for the most commonly asked questions. Please do not hesitate to call American Winds if you need help. We are open 7 days a week. We can be reached at (330) 733-2500.
Please click the link below to be redirected to the VA's FAQ page.
