Aviator Colleage vs ATP Daytona Beach
 

Hello Everyone!

Does somebody have any experience in ATP Daytona Beach? What about their training program, fleet, etc.? Is it better than Aviator or vice-versa? Any hint please?

Thank you in advance and wish you all have a great year! :ok:

NO, no no, the MAXIMUM time permitted for OPT is 1 year.
It has nothing to do with the validity period of the visa which itself is meaningless.
You also have to complete 1 full year of academic studies before you can become eligible for OPT. So you cannot just waltz in, do a few months of training - then expect to get 1 year of OPT chucked in. it doesn't work like that.
You are also making assumption of the potential number of hours that might be accumulated. You need to factor in some potential gotchas here..

So if the course itself finishes within 5-6 months, not in one full academic year, when does OPT start from? Straight after the course or do the foreign students have to wait for the year to finish? If later case, what is the student (freshly qualified commercial pilot) supposed to do for the rest of months before taking up OPT.

What do such colleges mention in the I-20 form, the duration of the course etc. and how long is the actual visa being issued? 24months or 6months and then apply for OPT while is states?

If you do the college course you will not be eligible for OPT until you are done, which is after 2 years.

Johnny, does it mean that an international student can enrol in the college program and then stay in Florida for a third year doing the OPT year? A total stay of 3 years? Is that really allowed by the Immigration Department?

College program
 

I am also interested in their college program. Anyone have any knowledge about them running this program? The 500 hours is really attractive

actually the VISA that was issued to me was for a total of 5 years...
Yes you are right, you would be in the US for 3 years at aviator in their college program. 2 years of study, where you will be working as a flight instructor getting paid for the last 2 semesters and then your OPT will start for one more year.
Now remember you might need to leave the country for your OPT and apply then come back when it is done. It might take up to 3 months for your OPT to be approved.

Johnny, what about the professional pilot program and OPT? can you do the OPT after a 9 month program? Have you seen this actually happening?

9 months from 0 to CPL. Maybe those 3 months are filled with CFI, CFII and MEI course...

I did not do the pro program and i know that they used to do OPT after their training, but that was when the J-1 visa existed. I am not sure about the new regulations and F-1 visa, you would need to ask the school if the f-1 is offered with the pro course.

According to their website, yes it is.

Guys. I am planning to join Aviator College in Florida,
I am an Indian, when i googled aviator i saw few bad reviews about them
Is it a good option, regarding the price and quality of instruction?
Kindly reply

I am currently enrolled, starting January 17, anyone here can give some advice about housing, which is better? living in the campus or Vero Beach, I dont know what to choose yet, since for me living in the airport could be an advantage, more sleeping hours and so, living outside since they have shuttle service for free (I think) means just 10/15 minutes tops. anyone?

Hi Rohan,
Same here, planning to join Aviator.
Did you take the professional pilot program?

Want to hear more about this place.

Thanks,
EDWIN
[email protected]