Aussie obtaining US license... any tips?

[ConwayB]

Hello Prooners,
I was wondering if anyone could tell me the process, pros, cons, requirements of obtaining a US license? I heard it was 5 hours and a flight test. Is that correct?
Anyone done it recently? Any recommendations?
I understand foreign students have to register with TSA prior to getting a visa. Is that hard to do (and no, I am not a threat to the US... except maybe on the freeways).
I have ATPL (H)/CPL (A) with Squirrell (ASTAR), Blackhawk, Chinook, MD500 background. I'd like to get a B206 endorsement simultaneously.
After doing a google search, I have made enquiries with a company in Hawaii but would not be averse to CA, AZ, NV etc.
Any recommendations and tips would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance and safe flying.
CB

[rotorboy]

All that is required from you is to go through the TSA process, they will issue you a private lic gratis, then take the CPL written ( order the disk and take practice exams on your laptop), then five hours of dual , and you will be ready to go.
Any good flight school can help you with the TSA stuff. Hawaii sounds like a nice place to be. Make sure the school has a pilot examiner on staff , makes it a lot easier. IMO it should not take you more than a few days an 2K usdf for the whole lot.

PM me if you want for some other school suggestions.

Dont waste your money on a 206 endorsement, there is no such thing here. With your time, someone will throw you in a too o six and ... starts the same as 500

RB.

[HELOFAN]

Not to sure of the process when you already have a start but it might pay to talk to a school that are in the game of training international students.
I am an Aussie but am starting at the beginning, and am in the process of getting my J1 visa that lets me work and study in the good ole USofA for 2 years.

There are a few different ways of being allowed in the states to study/convert as I understand it 1 with a J1 visa and that is only good for folks like me with no CPL and then there is the M1 visa that ( may ) suit you ...... I really dont know.

Either try the dept of immigration in the US .... interesting web site to navigate else try a school , there is only 2 helo school in Us that do it for me ( J1 Visa ) I cant remember the name of the other ( not school bashing Ihear they are very good ) but are in Califorina I believe or just above it, anyhoo they dont train in the 300's and I prefer florida so I am going to go to HAI.
www.heli.com

helpful and friendly, I am sure that if they will help you go where you need to go & what is required.

Good luck..... Hmm Blackhawks & Chinooks .. erm you are not previous from 5 aviation in townsville are ya mate?


HF

[ConwayB]

HF and RB, thanks for your answers. I found the FAA pages relating to the issuance of a US licence and RB, it looks as though you're right on the money. Thanks also for the advice re 206. There's a company in HI that does foreign students so I hope that will suffice.

HF, yes I am ex- 5 avn. Nice guess.

Thanks again, guys. Safe flying.

CB

[rotorboy]

If it is the flight school I am thinking of, there was a thread on them here not so long ago. I have never heard anything bad. The owner is a Pilot Examiner and an experienced pilot ( I believe he used to work for ERA). He should understand your needs well.

Plus HI , the beach , the beer and the bikinis sound pretty good to me.

Have fun

[vpaw pilot]

Hi Conway,

Leaving these shores? Holiday or permanent?

Stay safe...

:)