Hi
I've been looking into the idea of doing training (I'm ab-initio) self funded in the USA; I'm a UK resident finishing up at university this year.
I was looking at courses like
http://www.aribenaviator.com/jaapro.html and would like to know peoples opinions on such courses. What are the pros and cons, and what hidden or clear pitfalls should I be aware of? (I'm not talking about the state of the industry etc, I'm well aware of those issues and they're universal for all intents and purposes.)
I see that particular course can offer a J-1 visa so that you can build hours as in instructor, but I'd assume positions like this are by no means guaranteed. What's the liklihood on that front? I'm aware that, especially with rising fuel costs, there are going to be fuel surcharges, but then that's also fairly universal I'd imagine. Obviously I'd have to fund the flight there and back, but in the grand scale of things, a hop over the pond isn't really a biggy. Accommodation whilst there is a factor, but then these schools do have options for student rooms, or I'd assume it wouldn't be too hard to arrange alternate living with fellow students. Either way, I'd still have to live somewhere if I was in the UK. I guess an advantage is the weather over there is likely to lend itself to flying more, especially in the early stages?
I'm just throwing around the kind of thoughts that have been flying around my head, but the vast majority of you will have far more experience than I, and could perhaps offer some thoughts for consideration? I'm unlikely to be in a position to start training for another 2 years at least, by which time I'll be 24, but I'd like to get as many facts and opinions for this approach in my head as possible, as I think it's likely I'd be taking a self funded/partially self funded route such as this.
Do any other pilots or ex students of this school or others like it (say, OFT, although they don't offer the J-1 visa) have anything to offer or add? How much did you spend all up?
Well, I've stepped over the line of waffling and ranting, so I'll leave it there, and thank you in advance for your time and advice. Time to get back to reading other threads for more information! Cheers
