View Full Version : Hillsboro Aero Academy
Robs4789
13th Apr 2018, 08:16
Hi everyone! I’m from the Philippines and im planning to take my flight training in the US. Hillsboro came up a few times when i was researching for a good school. Can anyone detail to me their CPT and OPT options for the F-1 visa? Do you need to choose one or can they be done together? Your responses will be very much appreciated. Thanks!
Transsonic2000
17th Apr 2018, 02:52
Hi there,
did my entire training at Hillsboro (PPL/IR/CPL and Instructor) can't really say anything negative about the school. However, it's a few years ago since I finished my training, so I can't really give you a picture about the current situation.
It's a big international flight school, students coming form all parts of the world, but the majority from Asia. Also a few from Europe. They provide housing. All stores and Starbucks within walking distance. The fleet is quite big (mainly older airplanes) and they have their own maintenance. Different kind of airspaces and approaches nearby, which provides a good training environment (in my opinion). However, the practice area can be quite crowded at times. Scheduling (of airplanes) has always been and apparently still is an issue, from what I have recently read elsewhere on the internet.
They also appear to be understaffed regarding their instructors and stage-check instructors. I have read reports from recent students, that their training was delayed because of lack of instructors. Another thing which must be considered is the weather in the Pacific North-West, which can lead to delays as well. Particularly during the winter month (Nov. to Feb/March). Weather starts to get stable in May until Sep/Oct.
Keep in mind there is no such thing like "the perfect flight school" Every school has it's pros and cons. As I already mentioned before, can't really say anything negative about Hillsboro. However it's been a couple of years since I finished my training. Hope I could help and good luck to you!
Robs4789
17th Apr 2018, 10:04
Transsonic2000;
Thank you for your response sir! As per my research, hillsboro is my top choice for my flight training since most alumni have positive reviews for the school. The only issue I have is the weather that is why im also looking into Florida schools. Do you also have info on Phoenix East or Pelican Flight? Thanks!
Transsonic2000
19th Apr 2018, 14:44
If you are looking for year round flying weather, I'd be looking to Arizona or Southern California. As mentioned earlier, weather at Hillsboro (Oregon) is usually nice and stable from early May until late September. In Florida thunderstorms are nothing uncommon, particularly during the afternoon. And keep in mind Hurricane season starts in late summer in Florida!
Robs4789
19th Apr 2018, 23:35
If you are looking for year round flying weather, I'd be looking to Arizona or Southern California. As mentioned earlier, weather at Hillsboro (Oregon) is usually nice and stable from early May until late September. In Florida thunderstorms are nothing uncommon, particularly during the afternoon. And keep in mind Hurricane season starts in late summer in Florida!
Thanks for the information sir! Do you happen to know of any housing/accomodations near the area aside from the one the school offers? Will living in Portland be a problem with regards to transportation? Thanks!
Love PanAm
21st Apr 2018, 09:30
Robs4789
Living in Portland is possible.
You can use Trimet MAX for commuting and then walk to the school.
Transsonic2000
21st Apr 2018, 11:32
Do you happen to know of any housing/accomodations near the area aside from the one the school offers? Well, there are some apartments that are rented by students (apartment sharing community) and if somebody is finished with training and he moves out, someone else moves in. When I started my training I stayed at a school apartment at first and moved into a student apartment later on. You'll get to know quite a few students at school.
You can use Trimet MAX for commuting and then walk to the school. Right, there is a MAX station just across the street. The MAX is probably the best way to get to the school from Portland downtown. But don't forget, the downtown area is more expensive and it's probably at least a 30 to 40 min commute to get to the school. You'll safe time and it's more convenient if you live in an area close to the school.
Robs4789
23rd Apr 2018, 14:33
Well, there are some apartments that are rented by students (apartment sharing community) and if somebody is finished with training and he moves out, someone else moves in. When I started my training I stayed at a school apartment at first and moved into a student apartment later on. You'll get to know quite a few students at school.
Right, there is a MAX station just across the street. The MAX is probably the best way to get to the school from Portland downtown. But don't forget, the downtown area is more expensive and it's probably at least a 30 to 40 min commute to get to the school. You'll safe time and it's more convenient if you live in an area close to the school.
Thanks for the info sir! Probably will stay at the school dormitory at first then move out later just like you said.
Transsonic2000
25th Apr 2018, 01:50
will stay at the school dormitory at first
Well, it's certainly not a dormitory! You stay in a furnished apartment which is rented by the school.
Robs4789
25th Apr 2018, 07:27
Well, it's certainly not a dormitory! You stay in a furnished apartment which is rented by the school.
sounds great sir! Thanks for all your help!
Transsonic2000;
Thank you for your response sir! As per my research, hillsboro is my top choice for my flight training since most alumni have positive reviews for the school. The only issue I have is the weather that is why im also looking into Florida schools. Do you also have info on Phoenix East or Pelican Flight? Thanks!
I'm doing my private at Phoenix East Aviation. The school is really good, high quality of training. Normally I don't have problem with cancellations due weather, lack of planes or instructors.
Before choosing Phoenix, I've been to Hillsboro, Aerosim and Flight Safety. In the end, Phoenix was the one that fitted me better.
The airspace is crowded, sometimes takes 15 minutes or even more waiting to get a clearance for take-off, but learning how to fly here you can fly anywhere. You get a good experience.
I don't regret my choice to come here. If you need any further information, feel free to ask. Good luck. :)
777humility
14th May 2018, 15:36
Hillsboro Academy looks good, Hillsboro is actually my USA choice. I had Harv's air in Manitoba Canada, Hillsboro in Portland USA and Australian National Airline College in Melbourne Australia. The best for me seems to be Harv's air in Canada though CIC is really frustrating me for they've denied me a student Visa twice. Still going to apply one more time and God forbid if CIC denied me a visa again I'll go for the second choice Hillsboro Academy. Pelican seems to be nice but again from the Hillsboro emails, the pay as you go is hard to resist by someone like who is yet to get all the funds. Am a Kenyan that's why there's a visa struggle
nimblenoodles
25th May 2018, 00:39
Hey
I'm a filipina. I came to HAA May last year. Just finished my instrument End of course. I like HAA more so Oregon. Long wait for checkrides... but I dont mind. Bad weather during winter months... but as long as you arrive around April or May or June you can finish up your Private faster cause summer weather is great. Then during winter work on your instrument so you can still fly with the low ceiling.
lots of students get a job as a cfi after with F1 visa. So far still promising. They say there are better schools out there especially weather wise. But I like it here. I prefer cold and cloudy than the sunny florida and arizona.
regards
eckhard
25th May 2018, 15:33
HAA recently bought Elite Flight Training at North Las Vegas. They will set up some temporary detachments to give some of the Oregon students a chance of better weather in the winter. This arrangement also gives Nevada students the chance to experience real IMC!
eckhard
17th Jan 2019, 10:38
mak123, you sent me a private message but I can’t reply as you are too new!
OPT is possible but ask booglebox for more details.
If you send him a pm and include your email address, he will be able to reply.
ironbutt57
17th Jan 2019, 23:25
ALWAYS!!!!!! pay as you go....paying all up front is risky, why lose all your money, even some of the "best" and reputable schools have "disappeared" with everyone's money..happened to me first hand when I was enrolled and halfway through my commercial helicopter rating....one day the school was there, next day it wasn't...
ktjoseph
24th Jan 2019, 07:05
I'm doing my private at Phoenix East Aviation. The school is really good, high quality of training. Normally I don't have problem with cancellations due weather, lack of planes or instructors.
Before choosing Phoenix, I've been to Hillsboro, Aerosim and Flight Safety. In the end, Phoenix was the one that fitted me better.
The airspace is crowded, sometimes takes 15 minutes or even more waiting to get a clearance for take-off, but learning how to fly here you can fly anywhere. You get a good experience.
I don't regret my choice to come here. If you need any further information, feel free to ask. Good luck. :)
Hey I would like to ask some questions about PEA.
How's the situation for flying now? Is it crowded?
THanks
motorcitycobra
25th Jan 2019, 04:12
hi does anyone know a flight school that issues F-1 Visa within the San Diego Cali area?
ktjoseph
27th Jan 2019, 01:13
Hey guys, I heard Hillsboro Aero Academy is reducing new comers due to maintaining a tight schedule
If this is true, what are they looking at from the applicants?
And anyone who got accepted this year? 2019?
Would be great if I get some help. Thanks
jettdj26
23rd Apr 2019, 02:41
Have you applied in Hillsboro? Were you accepted?
Hey guys, I heard Hillsboro Aero Academy is reducing new comers due to maintaining a tight schedule
If this is true, what are they looking at from the applicants?
And anyone who got accepted this year? 2019?
Would be great if I get some help. Thanks
Hey
I'm a filipina. I came to HAA May last year. Just finished my instrument End of course. I like HAA more so Oregon. Long wait for checkrides... but I dont mind. Bad weather during winter months... but as long as you arrive around April or May or June you can finish up your Private faster cause summer weather is great. Then during winter work on your instrument so you can still fly with the low ceiling.
lots of students get a job as a cfi after with F1 visa. So far still promising. They say there are better schools out there especially weather wise. But I like it here. I prefer cold and cloudy than the sunny florida and arizona.
regards
Hi! If you are still in HAA would you happy to answer some questions, maybe in PM?
Gerzo Pangilinan
17th Apr 2021, 08:03
Hi I am a Filipino and opting to enroll in Hillsboro this summer, I just wanted to ask you how long did it take you to work as a CFI for them? (PPL to CFI instructor) And did you encounter any problems with school?
nismavrik
3rd Jan 2022, 01:15
HAA recently bought Elite Flight Training at North Las Vegas. They will set up some temporary detachments to give some of the Oregon students a chance of better weather in the winter. This arrangement also gives Nevada students the chance to experience real IMC!
Please can you comment on the HAA fleet? How is the schedule of available aircraft and the instructors look like at Hillsboro Aero Academy? Do they hire most of the CFI who graduate?