Originally Posted by
ofinruzber
Hi,
Just a question as an Aussie about to graduate from a four year Commerce/Aviation (Management) degree from UNSW.
I have no experience flying yet and honestly feel like eventually once I am done with all my training, I will end up living/flying in the US anyways.
Should I just go directly to the US and do my flight training there? It seems as if the demand and opportunity in America is huge, while very little in Australia.
It seems as if the Aussie schools are very expensive anyways, not worth it for what is is and don't offer any kind of guarantee of employment.
As for American schools, I have done my research and found a potentially promising school; Hillsboro Aero Academy. They offer a accelerated course where you can get your CPL, CFII, MEI, etc within a year at a relatively cheap price, offer an F-1 visa (gives you the right to work for 2 years after completing the course) and 99% of their graduates are able to get jobs as instructors, upon graduation. I will possibly be able to get an E3 visa afterwards as well.
Should I move to America straight after my degree and do flight training there, or do my flight training in Australia and move to the states afterwards?
Take the risk and train in the US. That year of working on an F1 will get you started on your hours, and will be invaluable to building your network. The fact that you'll have a bachelor makes you eligible for an E3. It wouldn't be hard to convince a flight school to sponsor you on an E3, because the process is cheap, quick, and you'll be a known quantity. In the meantime, maybe you find yourself a green card, or move on to an airline on an E3, or worst case scenario, go home with a tonne of cool stories and experience. Go for it.