Mortennb I have voiced my views on new instructors elsewhere on this forum. I don't enter the "safety" debate, nor the better-pilot-by-passport argument because it is preposterous.
Bluestack I wasn't trying to convince you one way or another, merely help with a broader picture before making such a huge commitment. Different routes suit different people but I find it so sad when peoples careers get cut down before they really started because they didn't know the whole story and ran out of steam (read: money) at the final hurdle.
I am guessing that the ratio of J1 visa holders to CFI openings isn't that great, which would tally up with the hours I saw on such peoples CVs. I also hear that some schools are struggling to keep to time estimates on training. So maximise the time wherever you can. Perhaps get a PPL on an M1 visa (or in another country) and do the CPL study
then get your J1 visa provided you don't have too many hours. Do your FAA licences and get a job. Whilst working as a CFI, sign on with a distance learning JAA theory provider. At the end of the 2 years, back to the UK for a few months for medical and exams, then an M1 visa back to HAI for CPL and FI conversion courses. Thats merely a suggestion rather than a recommendation; one of the multitude of ways to skin the proverbial cat
Knowing the systems will save a lot of heartache and expense.
Anyway, this is hijacking the thread and as I don't have anything I would like to add to the original debate I will wish you all good luck!
