UKFT (Rainbow Air) Full JAA ATPL
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
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Well like you I am planning on getting my FAA licences first, then converting them to JAA. I know people who have done this and it is no problem.
UKFT do not offer JAA licences nor are they authised by the CAA to offer them. You can see a list of all organisations in the USA that can offer JAA licences here http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SRG_FCL_APPROVEDFTOS.PDF
If you study the JAA PTIP course carefully, they dont have any JAA licences included just FAA, so you would be expected to get your JAA ones on your return.
Also to work in the USA (unless you have a greencard) you will need a J-1 visa, this is a study/work visa. UKFT are not authorised to issue these either according to the USA website here http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchange...rd.list&cat=14
So I ruled UKFT of my list quickly.
There are about 6-7 schools in the USA that offer JAA licences, not inluding the IR this needs to be done in your JAA state.
If you only want FAA ratings then you are better going to a school that only offers FAA ratings (they tend to be cheaper), you must check whether they are authorised to issue the M-1 visa. If you want to gain flight instructor experience, then you need a J-1 visa, there are about 4 schools where you can do this, flyaviator.com, flightsafetyinternational.com, and others.
There are many good schools over there, I can only comment on Naples Air Center as thats where ive been to get my PPL, they offer the M-1 visa, so you wouldnt be able to work there.
Hope this helps and good luck.
UKFT do not offer JAA licences nor are they authised by the CAA to offer them. You can see a list of all organisations in the USA that can offer JAA licences here http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SRG_FCL_APPROVEDFTOS.PDF
If you study the JAA PTIP course carefully, they dont have any JAA licences included just FAA, so you would be expected to get your JAA ones on your return.
Also to work in the USA (unless you have a greencard) you will need a J-1 visa, this is a study/work visa. UKFT are not authorised to issue these either according to the USA website here http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchange...rd.list&cat=14
So I ruled UKFT of my list quickly.
There are about 6-7 schools in the USA that offer JAA licences, not inluding the IR this needs to be done in your JAA state.
If you only want FAA ratings then you are better going to a school that only offers FAA ratings (they tend to be cheaper), you must check whether they are authorised to issue the M-1 visa. If you want to gain flight instructor experience, then you need a J-1 visa, there are about 4 schools where you can do this, flyaviator.com, flightsafetyinternational.com, and others.
There are many good schools over there, I can only comment on Naples Air Center as thats where ive been to get my PPL, they offer the M-1 visa, so you wouldnt be able to work there.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Norway
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replay
Hi.
I just wanted you to take a look at www.pea.com they have J-1 visum. And there are a small group of swedes there. And alot of norwegians. Its a good school for scandinavians, since there are scandinavian instructors who understands the need of getting done early do to the time pressure of getting the hours before the J-1 runs out. (if you are going for CFI yourself)
I just wanted you to take a look at www.pea.com they have J-1 visum. And there are a small group of swedes there. And alot of norwegians. Its a good school for scandinavians, since there are scandinavian instructors who understands the need of getting done early do to the time pressure of getting the hours before the J-1 runs out. (if you are going for CFI yourself)
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Daniel - when I was training for my JAA PPL in the US a couple of the instructors who were Swedish had trained at a place called Conway in South Carolina called the North American Institute of Aviation before moving on to instruct.
Apparently it was a school that had historical ties for the Scandanavians (hence the schools was full of them) and I think used to be where SAS trained some of its cadets before that ceased. Not sure if they can issue visas though.
To emphasise a point made earlier.....If you go to one of the JAA schools in the US you will pay through the nose for the same pieces of paper than if you went to an FAA only approved school (visa hurdle to overcome of course). You will probably find much better information on US schools if you start searching on US websites and forums like landings etc. Good luck.
Apparently it was a school that had historical ties for the Scandanavians (hence the schools was full of them) and I think used to be where SAS trained some of its cadets before that ceased. Not sure if they can issue visas though.
To emphasise a point made earlier.....If you go to one of the JAA schools in the US you will pay through the nose for the same pieces of paper than if you went to an FAA only approved school (visa hurdle to overcome of course). You will probably find much better information on US schools if you start searching on US websites and forums like landings etc. Good luck.
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Thanks for all info so far.
Looked at the North American Institute of Aviation but it seemed a bit boring
But the other places suggested are very interesting. Still have a few questions though.
1. Someone said that there is around 6-7 schools in the US that offers a JAA programme. Can anyone list all of them?
2. Is there any GOOD school that offer FAA education and that have a full programme that includes a unfrozen ATPL? (similar to the one at UKFT)
3. To get the regulation right; the M-1 is a student visa only? And J-1 is what you need if you’re going to work as a instructor?
Looked at the North American Institute of Aviation but it seemed a bit boring
But the other places suggested are very interesting. Still have a few questions though.1. Someone said that there is around 6-7 schools in the US that offers a JAA programme. Can anyone list all of them?
2. Is there any GOOD school that offer FAA education and that have a full programme that includes a unfrozen ATPL? (similar to the one at UKFT)
3. To get the regulation right; the M-1 is a student visa only? And J-1 is what you need if you’re going to work as a instructor?
Join Date: Nov 2005
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The UK CAA website contains a list of the approved FTO's (both in the UK and abroad). The link has been listed here many times and might even be on the sticky at the top of this forum. These schools are approved by the UK CAA and therefore your JAA licence will be issued by them. As to whether any other JAA member countries approve training outside of their own borders I am not sure although I would hazard a guess and say no.
Join Date: May 2003
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Also to work in the USA (unless you have a greencard) you will need a J-1 visa, this is a study/work visa. UKFT are not authorised to issue these either according to the USA website here http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchange...rd.list&cat=14
If you only want FAA ratings then you are better going to a school that only offers FAA ratings (they tend to be cheaper), you must check whether they are authorised to issue the M-1 visa. If you want to gain flight instructor experience, then you need a J-1 visa, there are about 4 schools where you can do this, flyaviator.com, flightsafetyinternational.com, and others.
There are many good schools over there, I can only comment on Naples Air Center as thats where ive been to get my PPL, they offer the M-1 visa, so you wouldnt be able to work there.
Hope this helps and good luck.
If you only want FAA ratings then you are better going to a school that only offers FAA ratings (they tend to be cheaper), you must check whether they are authorised to issue the M-1 visa. If you want to gain flight instructor experience, then you need a J-1 visa, there are about 4 schools where you can do this, flyaviator.com, flightsafetyinternational.com, and others.
There are many good schools over there, I can only comment on Naples Air Center as thats where ive been to get my PPL, they offer the M-1 visa, so you wouldnt be able to work there.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Join Date: May 2003
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You are the one guilty of confusing people. This is the second thread where you have wrongly stated that flying schools issue visas.
Flying schools dont issue visas. Get it? Thats the job of the visa sections in the US embassies/consulates.
Even if you have been issued with the appropriate paperwork to apply for any visa, you can still be turned down by the Visa section.
By the time you get your hands on a visa you will likely have coughed up between $200 and $250 depending on the charges from the training establishment.
I take it you have not been through the process of getting a visa otherwise you would be better informed.
Flying schools dont issue visas. Get it? Thats the job of the visa sections in the US embassies/consulates.
Even if you have been issued with the appropriate paperwork to apply for any visa, you can still be turned down by the Visa section.
By the time you get your hands on a visa you will likely have coughed up between $200 and $250 depending on the charges from the training establishment.
I take it you have not been through the process of getting a visa otherwise you would be better informed.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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UKFT/rainbowair
Danny I really hope this is not way to late. I went to UKFT / Raindowair in long beach and reguard it as the biggest mistake i have ever made. 
THEY ARE NOT CAA APPROVED FOR JAA TRAINING .
THEIR PLANES ARE VERY BADLY MAINTAINED
NOT ENOUGHT INSTRUCTORS.THE INSTRUCTORS THEY HAVE ARE MOSTLY
ATLP HOURS BUILDING AND ARE DOING JUST THAT AT YOUR EXPENCE
YOU PAY IN ADVANCE AND IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOU WILL FIND IT NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO GET A REFUND. IF YOU CAN GET ONE AT ALL.
IF YOU WANT TO TRANSFER TO ONE OF THE OTHER GOOD SCHOOLS IN LONGBEACH
THEY WILL NOT TRANFER YOUR I-20 INSTED WILL CANCEL IT. I SEEN THIS HAPPEN TO OTHER PPL STUDENTS WHEN I WAS THERE.
THE FAA ARE IN AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK TO CHECK ON THINGS. AND GROUND PLANES
THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS THERE
THEY ARE NOT CAA APPROVED FOR JAA TRAINING .
THEIR PLANES ARE VERY BADLY MAINTAINED
NOT ENOUGHT INSTRUCTORS.THE INSTRUCTORS THEY HAVE ARE MOSTLY
ATLP HOURS BUILDING AND ARE DOING JUST THAT AT YOUR EXPENCE
YOU PAY IN ADVANCE AND IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOU WILL FIND IT NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO GET A REFUND. IF YOU CAN GET ONE AT ALL.
IF YOU WANT TO TRANSFER TO ONE OF THE OTHER GOOD SCHOOLS IN LONGBEACH
THEY WILL NOT TRANFER YOUR I-20 INSTED WILL CANCEL IT. I SEEN THIS HAPPEN TO OTHER PPL STUDENTS WHEN I WAS THERE.
THE FAA ARE IN AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK TO CHECK ON THINGS. AND GROUND PLANES
THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS THERE
Join Date: Oct 2007
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UKFT / Aviation Pacific
Clockworkt:
You've scared the hell out of me now..I am a newbie with no prior flying experience and enrolled for the Professional Pilot Programme, with UKFT - Aviation Pacific - Oxnard Airport, CA..
The course is scheduled to begin on 1st November 2007.. I have just stumbled upon this website and now wondering what the boggers should I do!!
Any advices you have for me?
You've scared the hell out of me now..I am a newbie with no prior flying experience and enrolled for the Professional Pilot Programme, with UKFT - Aviation Pacific - Oxnard Airport, CA..
The course is scheduled to begin on 1st November 2007.. I have just stumbled upon this website and now wondering what the boggers should I do!!
Any advices you have for me?
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
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NewPilot, didnt you do any research prior to enrolling on the course?
You must do your research, visit the schools, talk to previous students, prior to signing up for any course.
DO NOT PAY FOR ANY COURSE UPFRONT.
Its up to you what you do next, hopefully you havent paid them anything yet.
You must do your research, visit the schools, talk to previous students, prior to signing up for any course.
DO NOT PAY FOR ANY COURSE UPFRONT.
Its up to you what you do next, hopefully you havent paid them anything yet.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arkansas, Southern USA
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Davey,
I realize that now..I did not do my homework and trusted them blindly - maybe coz the guy in charge there sounds really positive...
Couldn't visit them or talk to pre-students since I live half way around the world (in the Middle East) and did everything online.
I've just paid the deposit of $1500 and of coz just got my M1 Visa..
I realize that now..I did not do my homework and trusted them blindly - maybe coz the guy in charge there sounds really positive...
Couldn't visit them or talk to pre-students since I live half way around the world (in the Middle East) and did everything online.
I've just paid the deposit of $1500 and of coz just got my M1 Visa..
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Ukft/rainbowair
HI THOUGHT I WOULD JUST PUT MY 50 CENTS IN , I LIVE IN THE UK AND PAID TO DO MY 50HR PPL JAA ! WITH UKFT , ON ARRIVAL TO LONGBEACH REALISED THAT ITS RAINBOW AIR THAT UKFT USE FOR UR FLYING SOME KIND OF PARTNERSHIP THEY HAVE RUNNING I THINK. ANYHOW FIRST OFF, I DID NOT GET ANY TRAINING BOOKS SENT TO ME LIKE PROMISED AND PAID FOR ! 2ND I ARRIVED ON THE FRI AND NOTHING STARTED TILL MON TIME FOR ME WAS TIGHT. 3RD THE WHOLE PROGRAME (LIKE MY SPELLING) WAS POOR . POOR GROUNDSCHOOL AND IN FLIGHT WAS HURRIED JUST UNBELIVABLE. INSTRUCTORS WERE ALL DOING INTERSHIP PROGRAMS SO INSTRUCTING ME EARNED THEM HOURS WHILE I PAID FOR THE PLANE 
REALLY GOOD BUISNESS THEY GOT RUNNING ! OH AND THE BEST OUT OF MANY SHOCKING MOMENTS WAS MY FIRST DUAL (THANKFULLY) CROSS COUNTRY 5500FT IN THE AIR ENGINE FAIL 
YEH INSTRUCTOR SAYS TO ME "WHAT U DONE" "AM LIKE NOTHING" SO AFTER PAN PAN ON THE RADIO ETC HE MANAGED TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT . RAINBOWAIR FLEW THERE MECHANIC OUT TO FIX THE PLANE TURNS OUT THE PLUGS HAD FOWLED WITH LEAD FROM THE FUEL ? ER MAINTENANCE!!!!! YEH THEY FIXED IT AND WE FLEW BACK I WAS CRAPPING MY SELF NEEDLESS TO SAY I DIDNT FINISH MY PPL AS AS I WAS TERRIFIED TO FLY ON MY OWN . THANKS RAINBOW AIR .....NOT
REALLY GOOD BUISNESS THEY GOT RUNNING ! OH AND THE BEST OUT OF MANY SHOCKING MOMENTS WAS MY FIRST DUAL (THANKFULLY) CROSS COUNTRY 5500FT IN THE AIR ENGINE FAIL YEH INSTRUCTOR SAYS TO ME "WHAT U DONE" "AM LIKE NOTHING" SO AFTER PAN PAN ON THE RADIO ETC HE MANAGED TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT . RAINBOWAIR FLEW THERE MECHANIC OUT TO FIX THE PLANE TURNS OUT THE PLUGS HAD FOWLED WITH LEAD FROM THE FUEL ? ER MAINTENANCE!!!!! YEH THEY FIXED IT AND WE FLEW BACK I WAS CRAPPING MY SELF NEEDLESS TO SAY I DIDNT FINISH MY PPL AS AS I WAS TERRIFIED TO FLY ON MY OWN . THANKS RAINBOW AIR .....NOT
Join Date: Dec 2007
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I know what you mean
I went to UKFT twice. Once was when it was at millionnaire north (other side by 25R) and the other at Rainbow air. Long story short, the CFI wanted money upfront and I said, I will pay as I go but, he never wanted to pay upfront.
I had to leave early and NO REFUND was given. Its Florida all the way now!
I had to leave early and NO REFUND was given. Its Florida all the way now!
Join Date: Jan 2008
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aware but confused
i'm really glad i came across this thread as i just signed the application form of UKFT and was about to send the deposit which somehow was about $7k tomorrow (thnx alot all of u guys for sharing ur bad experiences)... i came across this thread be4 i know that ukft and rainbowair were somehow associated but thought the only problem was the conflict btw them n the shared facility but now i know better ... anyway what i wanted to ask is this do u happen to know any flight school that gives a course almost as good (by as good i mean close to the 1500hrs they offer for a close price) and also in the USA as i planned to do my type rating and hours on type in the USA (financialwise discussion) thanks in advance for ur help
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rookieaviator, I wouldn't bother with any of these '1500 hour' courses. This month alone, I know 3 people offered 2 jobs each in 737s with about 300 hours TT. Your chances of getting a job is down to your interview, personality and sim ride.