Take-off is Our New Newsletter for Aspiring Pilots
Why the F1 Visa is Your Key to Success
The F1 visa is the gateway to gaining essential work experience after your pilot training in the United States. This visa not only allows you to stay and study in the USA but also offers rare and valuable opportunities through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). With the F1 visa, you can work in the USA for up to 23.5 months, accumulating between 1,200 and 1,800 flight hours. This substantial work period, which consists of CPT and OPT, enables you to gain crucial hands-on flight experience, often as a flight instructor, but also in other roles like freight pilot or charter pilot.
The Rarity of F1 Visa Programs with CPT and OPT
Only a handful of flight schools in the USA have the capability to offer the combination of the F1 visa with CPT and OPT. However, Hillsboro Aero Academy stands out as the only flight school in the United States that pairs this visa option with a full EASA training program. This is a key distinction because while most U.S. flight schools are restricted to offering only FAA-based training programs, Hillsboro Aero Academy provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring pilots looking to obtain dual FAA and EASA certifications.
This combination of the F1 visa, CPT/OPT work opportunities, and a full EASA program uniquely positions Hillsboro Aero Academy to offer its students a true dual-certification pathway, allowing them to gain significant work experience and flight hours in the USA while simultaneously preparing for careers with European airlines. By earning both FAA and EASA licenses, you’re not only qualified to work in the USA but also able to meet the requirements for airline positions in Europe without undergoing costly and time-consuming license conversions.
Working During Your Training
One of the unique advantages of the F1 visa is that it allows you to work part-time while you’re still in training at Hillsboro Aero Academy. You can work up to 20 hours per week in two key departments, gaining valuable insights and experience within the aviation environment.
The first opportunity is with our Dispatch Team, which is responsible for scheduling flights, coordinating with maintenance to ensure that aircraft are ready for training, handling critical flight documents, and assisting with invoicing for students. Working in dispatch provides you with an in-depth understanding of the logistical side of flight operations and gives you the chance to develop essential communication and organizational skills that will be invaluable in your aviation career.
The second opportunity is with our Line Service Team, which plays a crucial role in the day-to-day management of our fleet. As part of this team, you’ll be responsible for moving, washing, and fueling aircraft, as well as maintaining our facilities. This hands-on experience gives you the opportunity to work directly with our aircraft, enhancing your understanding of their systems and building a practical appreciation for safety and operational standards.
By working in either of these departments, you’ll not only earn some extra income but also establish valuable connections within the academy, helping to pave the way for future opportunities as a flight instructor or in other aviation roles. However, keep in mind that working part-time may extend your overall training timeline, so it’s essential to find a balance that allows you to gain experience without slowing your progress.
Post-Training Work Opportunities with the F1 Visa
After you complete your training, the F1 visa allows you to work through CPT for up to 11.5 months. During this period, most graduates work as flight instructors, building flight hours and honing their skills. Once your CPT period ends, you have the option to apply for OPT, which grants you an additional 12-month work permit. This extension is ideal for accumulating the flight hours necessary to advance your career, whether you choose to pursue opportunities in the USA or Europe. With up to 23.5 months of practical work experience, you’ll have the qualifications and hours required to secure professional pilot positions around the world.
Requirements for the F1 Visa
To obtain an F1 visa, there are several key requirements to meet. You must demonstrate that you have $76,000 USD available to cover your training and living expenses in the USA. Additionally, you need a high school diploma (such as an Abitur) or must pass the Ability to Benefit Test. Your passport must also be valid for at least four years to ensure you can stay in the USA for the entire duration of your training and work experience.
Once you’ve successfully enrolled and met all the prerequisites, we’ll issue the I-20 form, which is necessary for your visa application. You can then enter the USA up to 30 days before your training begins and embark on your pilot journey.
FAQs
We’ve created an extensive list of frequently asked questions about pilot training on our website. Make sure to check it out! https://en.flyhaa.de/faq
Webinars And Events
We regularly hold webinars and live events all over Europe, where we inform about our school and the training we offer. You can sign up here for our next events: https://en.flyhaa.de/webinar/