Take-off is Our New Newsletter for Aspiring Pilots
In this edition of “Take Off,” we focus on how to become a pilot. The path from your first flight lesson to a career with an airline is long and involves several important decisions, but it’s a journey filled with rewarding experiences and opportunities for growth.
Many people assume that the only way to start pilot training is directly through airlines like Lufthansa. However, that’s just one route. While training in Europe can be more expensive and offer fewer job opportunities, we offer a combined FAA and EASA training program in the USA at the Hillsboro Aero Academy, which provides the best chances for launching an international pilot career. The Hillsboro Aero Academy stands out as the only U.S.-based flight school offering the unique combination of F1 visas with CPT/OPT and EASA courses, allowing you to start your career in the USA and then transition seamlessly to European airlines.
Training at Hillsboro Aero Academy
At Hillsboro Aero Academy, you can complete your training in around 24 months of full-time study. This intensive program not only requires dedication and motivation but also offers unparalleled hands-on flight experience. You’ll train in diverse weather conditions and challenging terrains in the scenic Pacific Northwest, learning to navigate everything from mountain ranges to coastal regions. Our students train on our fleet of over 70 aircraft, which includes Cessna 152s, Cessna 172s, and Piper PA-44s, gaining confidence in reliable, industry-standard planes.
Upon completing your training, you can take advantage of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) options available with the F1 visa. This visa enables you to work in the USA for up to 23.5 months, during which you can realistically log between 1,200 and 1,800 flight hours. This substantial flight experience sets you apart in the competitive aviation industry, making you a more attractive candidate for airline positions in Europe and beyond. Most graduates start as flight instructors, but exciting opportunities exist as freight pilots for smaller companies or even as charter pilots.
Catheline, one of our success stories, exemplifies the kind of career trajectory possible through this training path. After starting as a flight instructor, she leveraged her experience to move into more advanced flying roles and eventually became a First Officer on the Boeing 767 with Atlas Air. You can read more about her inspiring journey here.
Advantages of FAA and EASA Certification
Our combined FAA and EASA certification offers you the best of both worlds. The FAA Part 141 training program ensures a structured, professional training approach while EASA certification qualifies you to work with European airlines. This dual certification saves you from costly conversions and unlocks job opportunities in both the USA and Europe. Additionally, you benefit from the unique opportunity to be actively flying while other pilots in Europe may be stuck waiting for a job. In the aviation world, recent and consistent flight hours are crucial in demonstrating your competence to airlines.
Career Opportunities and Networking
While working as a pilot in the USA, you can simultaneously apply to European airlines and go through their selection processes. As an actively flying pilot, you have a clear advantage over other applicants in Europe who often face long periods of inactivity after their training. This delay can last a year or two, during which you’ll be in the cockpit daily, building your skills and making valuable contacts with other pilots and aviation professionals. The Hillsboro Aero Academy boasts a worldwide network of graduates who have gone on to fly for airlines like Delta, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, SkyWest, UPS, and many others.
Beyond the technical training, you’ll become part of the Hillsboro Family, a tight-knit community where you’ll find lasting friendships and support. Our flight school is known not only for its extensive training programs but also for its focus on creating a community-oriented atmosphere. From barbecues to the Oregon International Airshow, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to network, have fun, and immerse yourself in the aviation lifestyle.
Beyond the Classroom
The Hillsboro Aero Academy operates across three campuses in Oregon, taking advantage of the diverse training environments offered by the region. The Hillsboro Campus is located near Portland, offering urban amenities alongside excellent training conditions. Troutdale Campus, close to the Columbia River Gorge, provides stunning landscapes and challenging terrains for flight practice, while the Redmond Campus caters to those interested in exploring high-desert and mountain flying. The unique geographical features of Oregon allow our students to train in an environment that mimics various global flight conditions, from coastal winds to mountainous turbulence, enhancing their adaptability and confidence in the cockpit.
When you train with us, you’re not just getting flight hours; you’re gaining practical experience in real-world conditions that prepare you for the demands of a professional pilot career. This experience extends beyond the technical, as our FAA/EASA program includes courses on aviation English, communication protocols, and decision-making skills crucial to a pilot’s daily responsibilities.
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/