B1/B2 is a tourist / business visa, the school you use, may be able to transfer you to an M1 visa. I'd call them and ask to clarify, or call a few schools to make sure they're all saying the same thing. I did my IR addon on a visa waiver, you might be ok with the ATP.

I am trying to establish what I need to do to convert my CA$A Grade 2 FIR to FAA equivalent. I havent read deep enough into this post to dare poke my head up with questions yet.

However, when I rang the US Consulate in my city, they directed me to this webpage. It asks questions to try and assist you in determining which type of VISA you will require. Perhaps give it a crack and compare it to what you are being told by flying training provider. Which ever result is the encompassing - go with that. Getting barred from entry will def sink you before you've started. Best of luck.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

If you undertook training in the United States for the addition of an instrument rating while admitted under B-class visa (includes aliens admitted under the visa waiver program) then you were in breach of immigration law. See the memorandum from the DOJ, and regulations at 8 CFR, referred to earlier in this thread.

Canadian Conversion to FAA ATPL
 

I am converting my Canadian ATPL to an FAA ATPL. My licence verification has been completed, I have an FAA class 1 medical. I have filled out the TSA form and the school has verified I will be a student.

I have to do the 5 day course , do I need a visa for the 5 day course?

Again I am Canadian and there is a reciprocal agreement with the ATPL

Thanks

@ iaveight,

No you don't need a visa.
Technically you don't need a sign off for the FAA ATP check ride and formally you don't need any training.
Since you have a "foreign" ATPL already there is definitely no 'increase in skill level'.

That having said, the irony is that if you fail you do need a sign off from a CFI which requires training.

B2N2, iaveight,

An I20 certificate is still needed as is payment of the SEVIS fee. See here.

No practical testing is required for the conversion of a TCCA ATPL to an FAA ATP Certificate under the Canada-US BASA and IPL.

S/he may need to complete the ATP Certification Training Program. See FAA AC 65-135A, Appendix I, table 3, footnote 5.

Why? Was this required for the ATP Certification Training Program, which is I assume what your 5-day course covers? FAA AC 65-135A, at 10(b)(4), states:

B2N2,

This is not an infallible yardstick for determining whether a security threat assessment by TSA is needed. The Alien Flight Student Program FAQ question #2 states for category 3 training events:

The security threat assessment in iaveight's case, using the BASA and IPL, will however be done in the background once he submits FAA Form 8060-71 (Verification of authenticity of foreign license, rating and medical certification).

I'd be interested in seeing a justification for this claim.

I take it you have to do the ATP-CTP, but don't need an ATP checkride?

The FAA and Transport Canada have an agreement to accept each other's checkrides.

From the ATP-CTP AC -

FAILURE OF KNOWLEDGE TEST.

Failure to Pass. Applicants who do not pass the ATP Airplane Knowledge Test must follow the provisions provided in § 61.49.

a.Authorized Instructor. For the purposes of the required retraining, “an authorized instructor” is an instructor that:

b.
(1) Meets the instructor qualifications described in paragraph 10(a) of this AC;

(2) Has completed the ground instructor training requirements in paragraph 10(b) of this AC; and

(3) Is employed by a training provider authorized to provide the ATP CTP.

So it's even worse than failing other writtens, you have to be signed off by an instructor in an ATP-CTP program.

can any fellow members recommend any schools in the usa that are easa ppl approved? the ones that i could find the reviews are 50/50 i.e EFT and American Aviation Academy

The list of ATOs under direct EASA oversight is here. Alternatively use an organisation operating as a satellite of an ATO in one of the Member States, e.g. Naples Air Center.

FAA
 

All done, FAA conversion, 737 type rating transferred from Canadian to FAA ATPL with 737 type rating. No ride required

Verification process FAA
Finger Prints TSA
letter of approval to train
ATP CTP course 6 days
Study for conversion exam ACM 60 Questions
Passed
FAA FISDO sign off

Hi folks,

I've been reading up on the requirements for flight training in the U.S., and the more I'm researching the more confusing it gets. If someone could help me clarify things a little that would be most appreciated.
I live in Switzerland, where I've recently started my PPL training. Now, I'll be traveling the U.S. and Canada this spring, not for training but just as a vacation. However, I'd love to take a few flying lessons while I'm there, to get some aviation experience outside of my home country. I was thinking of maybe five or six hours at the most.

Now, apparently I would need to apply for the TSA foreign student program in order to start flight training in the United States. However, to obtain this permission it seems that I would also need a student visa (F1) or similar, which I don't have as of now (I'm traveling under the Visa Waiver program). But to get a student visa, I'd have to enroll in a full-time course?? :confused:
That's where I'm stuck. Does anyone have some advice for me? As mentioned I don't intend to finish my training and/or apply for a license while abroad, I'm really just looking for some relaxed basic flying lessons.

You cannot legally do flight training on a visa waiver or class B tourist visa. You need an M1 (vocational study) visa. To get that your flight school needs to issue you with the appropriate visa application form endorsed with their details and verification that you are their potential student.

Separately you need to open a TSA account (Homeland Security) and start the vetting process with them which will include getting fingerprints taken at the US Embassy. The flight school can only let you fly when the TSA approval has come through (although trial flight is exempt).

The reason for two separate processes is that both the State Department (for visas) and Homeland Security (for internal security) have reacted to 9-11 in their own way and they don't bother to integrate their requirements.

Hello guys,
I have been going thru numerous posts on here as well as google but do not seem to find a consistent answer. Would really appreciate an answer on my query.
I already hold an FAA CPL Single Engine IR licence. I did my BFR and IPC check last year on a B1/B2 Tourist visa. I also have 10 hrs on a multi a/c already.
I now want to get my Multi add on rating. Would I still need to have an M1 visa to do it? I remember emailing ATP last year and they said an add on can be done in less than 7 days so I wouldn't need an M1 visa. I also checked with another school now and they told me the same thing.
Is this true ? I do not want to break any rules and want to be sure.
I live in Grand Cayman and I would have to go to Jamaica to get a student visa which is a whole different process.
Much appreciated guys.

Rahulpereira,

The DOJ memorandum mentioned in post 79 is available at: http://www2.gtlaw.com/practices/immi.../17INSMemo.pdf

The CFRs highlighted in the memorandum, prohibiting persons admitted under a B-class visa from undertaking a course of study, may be accessed at https://www.ecfr.gov/ (see title 8).

Rah, a Multi engine rating is a "significant change" in your experience and skill level. Therefore a Visa is required including the TSA approval and background check.

Shun, as long as you do not intend to use those hours to apply for a certificate or rating in the USA you will be ok for the occasional "lesson" which sounds more like sightseeing flights anyway.
The hours won't count in Europe anyway.
Just don't make it more then a couple of flights as that would change the intention.

Hii i am from India.I want to do my CPL training in the USA but really confused in choosing the right school.I'm looking for flying schools which are highly reputed and not too expensive.I have few in mind Phoenix East,PAN AM,Aerosim,ATP what are your views on these?I believe there are few schools which are approved to issue F-1 Visa which gives student a 1 year work authorization in addition to the duration of the training.Phoenix East & ATP are few of those which offer F-1 Visa and guarenteed CFI job after the completion of the CFI course.I would prefer those which offer F-1 Visa & guarenteed CFI job because i want to build my flying hours before getting into airlines.Any suggestions around California & Florida?

What is the difference between F.A.R PART 141 COURSE & F.A.R PART 61 COURSE?How should anyone be sure of choosing one.

Thanks in advance.

Link International Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
 

Hi there,

the link to a list of flight schools, provided by B2N2 "International Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)" no longer seems to work.

Has anyone got the updated list or link to the same ?

Thanks !

EASA in USA (or FAA to EASA)
 

Hi,
I have looked on this forum & tried some of the posted links but can't quite find what I'm looking for.

I live in UK but would like to obtain my PPL(H) while in the USA. I have information about visas etc but I want to know which training providers in the USA also offer EASA options.
I have looked here: https://www.easa.europa.eu/download/...rtificates.pdf but they seem to be fixed wings providers.

Alternatively can anyone enlighten me on what the conversion from FAA to EASA would entail (& cost!). I've tried looking at some EASA regulations but again can't find the info I need.

Thanks!

Do I need a M1 Visa for Multi Engine Training?
 

Hi, I have a B1/B2 and I need to get a Multi Engine Rating in my FAA Commercial Pilot License, since I have multiengine experience in my country, the estimated training is at most 15 hours that include ground and flight, I expected to do it in about 10 days. Do I need a M1 Visa?

I will appreciete any orientation.

Thanks

Greetings all,

I hold a current EASA ATPL with a rating on a type 'bigger' than 12,500lb. I have been offered work that will require me to hold an FAA ATPL and a new rating on a much heavier type. Licence is currently being validated.

I intend to take the ATP-CTP course at one Flight Safety facility, the knowledge test at a CATS facility local to that FSI centre, and then transfer to a second FSI centre for the type rating and ATP check ride.

TSA ought [!] not to be a problem - I've been through the process for my current type rating, and no details have changed since then - however, do I need three separate approvals? Or two? Or one? This question can, I believe, be answered by the training provider but I include it here as the answer might help someone else.

The $64,000 question is, of course, what visa is required? If I understand things correctly, the current 20k lb rating and foreign licence puts me in TSA's Cat 2... so, M1?

All help greatly appreciated!

US EASA flight training
 

Surrey flyer - do you mean ATPL or something else? Normally you'll do your ATPL test at your airline as part of an LPC/OPC

Flight training
 

Choosing the right flight school
 

Hello everyone!

I'm from Colombia and I'm looking for the right flight school. I've seen a lot of schools but some of them are too expensive and the other ones don't convince me in terms of quality of training. I´ve checked schools in FL, TX, CA, but the location doesn't matter to me if it has good weather conditions. Here are some of the schools I've seen.

-Epic Flight Academy
-American Flyers
-Global Atlantis
-Fly Safety
-Aeroguard
-L3 Aviation
-Sunrise Aviation
-CAE flight Academy
-Wayman Aviation
-2Fly airborne
-Aviator Collegue
-Phoenix East Aviation
-Florida Flyers Flight Academy
-ATP
-Flying Academy Miami
-Dean International Flight School
-ADF airways

Do you guys recommend me one of them or another? I'll be really glad to read your comments.

Thanks a lot!

add another one
 

Straightly advise you to add Crystal Aero (FL) to your short list. Passed PPL&IR there.

Flight training in USA or Canada. Which is better ?
 

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum here and I'm a wannabe pilot too. I'm currently doing an undergraduate course in aeronautical engineering and I'll be finishing it by April 2020 and after this I want to pursue a career as an airline pilot. But I'm really torn between pursuing my flight training in Florida or Canada.
I've heard that the Canadian Immigration and visa processes are easier and after a few years of working there I can get a PR. Whereas the US isn't as immigrant friendly these days ?( Just telling what I've heard :/). Also Canada has affordable flight training and better overall training as I'll be flying in different weather conditions when compared to Florida or anywhere in the States. My plan is to work in either of these places and I have no plans of returning back to India so what do you think how my job oppurtinities are going to be in USA or Canada.
Pilots of this forum I'd really like your opinions on this and it'll be highly appreciated.

Hey AviaToR50,
our school in Oregon has a so called F1 Visa which allows you to train and then work for 23,5 month in the US. This is one of the easiest way to get some experience and you can move to Canada afterwards and convert your FAA license to the TC license by just doing a few written tests. Some of my friends have done that and they have the advantage of coming into Canada with over 1500h, which makes the job-hunt much easier and makes them more interesting for companies to sponsor their permanent residency.

Hi guys,
I'm planing to go to U.S two months to do the time building, probably the IFR(FAA) and maybe the CPL(FAA) , if it was just the time building I know with an ESTA Visa (90 days) is enough but since IFR and CPL is a study program would it be enough with the ESTA, or will I need an M1 visa?

If you are only timebuilding, the ESTA is enough. However, if you are doing the IFR rating or multi engine flight training, you need a TSA backgroundcheck. You can apply for that here: flightschoolcandidates.gov but you will need information from the flightschool and they have to confirm that you are training with them. The current wait time is around 2 weeks, which is not bad.
If you want to fly solo, you also need to get a foreign based FAA license. For that you have to fill out a form and send it to the FAA. Just google: AC 8060-71
I would recommend you find a school that knows the procedures and helps you with this!

Thanks for the info, I still have to decide what school I´ll go to, so if they can take care of all the paper work better, I just like to know all the steps.

Canadian
 

Hey guys a quick question. I am a Canadian citizen. And I wish to do flight training in the US part time, I’d be doing less than 18 hours a week of flight training. Essentially I do my own ground school and I only go
to fly. It would be at a part 61 school. Does anyone know what kind of visa I need to be able to do this??

Probably M1. Requires a Part 141 school and it must be SEVP certificated. A database of these schools is maintained by Homeland here https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search

The M1 is available only to full-time students so requires attendance (not the same as dual instruction hours!) of 18 or 22 hours a week. Border commuter students are exempt from the minimum attendance requirement. Either way as a Canadian citizen no physical visa will be issued but you do need the I20 certificate.

The attendance requirement is also not applied if you are admitted to US with status in a different class, eg TN status (working as a NAFTA professional) or because you’re from an aboriginal group (Jay Treaty), etc. See the guide Nonimmigrants: Who Can Study? published by SEVP (pdf link).

The US has now reopened for flight students, seeking admission under an F or M student visa, coming from the Schengen Area, UK & ROI.

See notice posted 16 July on US Bureau of Consular Affairs website (link):


National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland

Certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students may qualify for National Interest Exceptions under Presidential Proclamations (PPs) 9993 (Schengen Area) and 9996 (United Kingdom and Ireland). Qualified business and student travelers who are applying for or have valid visas or ESTA authorization may travel to the United States even as PPs 9993 and 9996 remain in effect.

Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 and M-1 visas, do not need to seek a national interest exception to travel. Students from those areas who are traveling on a J-1 may contact the nearest embassy or consulate to initiate an exception request.

Im on m1 visa doing IR and CPL. I need to do 50h PIC IFR for my EASA license so I can convert my license. Since my m1 and I20 is on the school, can I go and rent a plane in a different location? I’m not getting any rating, all I’m doing is building time on my own in my free time.

There will be a designated school official at your educational institution who is competent in addressing questions like these.

Building time in itself does not require an M-1 visa. However, an alien admitted under an M-1 visa must remain in full-time attendance until successfully completing the course of study. This means hour building, done outside the institution named on the visa, must be incidental. Except that after completing the course, including practical training if any, there will be a 30-day grace period (60 days in the case of the F-1 visa) during which attendance isn't required. See SEVIS Help Hub (link).

@selfin thanks for the reply! That’s what I figured after calling few people. The problem with my school is that they told me three TIMES that I can do it and it is no problem. Once I came and told them that I would leave to Orlando, they changed their mind and said that I cannot leave. That’s what made me mad - not being honest from the beginning...but what can you expect from flight schools? Not honesty, for sure. I’m probably will do it in my grace period (30 days) in May/June or if they open borders, after I’m done with the whole program, I will fly to Bahamas for a day and come back on tourist visa.

The DSO might believe the proposed hour building precludes meeting the attendance requirement. However, if vocational student status is maintained it's really none of the school's business whether an aircraft is rented elsewhere for recreational purposes.