Dual Citizenship & Best Flight School
 

Hello everyone,Here is a short story of mine. I hold dual citizenship and am endeavoring to enroll in one of the cadet programs such as airBaltic, WizzAir, or Generation easyJet. Unfortunately, my application was rejected during the screening phase even before the assessment. CAE informed me that they could not proceed with my application due to the possibility that the US might not provide the student visa, while others did not offer any reason or feedback upon inquiry. I do meet all eligibility criteria, and I possess an unrestricted right to work and live in the EU because of my Dutch citizenship. Thus, my question is, has anyone encountered a similar problem? If so, how did you manage to find a suitable flight school?

Another question pertains to flight schools in general. As I am currently applying, I am seeking out those with reputable status and a commitment to quality education. I have applied to OSM, FTA, and AFTA. Are there any other commendable flight schools or academies worth considering?

Thank you very much for the advise!

This is going to happen a lot I think, across many areas, not just flying training. I'm aware of university students around the world finding life being made very difficult for them because they hold Russian citizenship. Unfortunately unless you, or they, relinquish it, you are likely to be associated with Russia's criminal regime - irrespective of your own views and behaviours. Sorry, beyond relinquishing your Russian citizenship, I don't think I have many useful suggestions to make.

There are some excellent EASA schools in good weather and friendly country in Spain and a friendly country in Ireland!

G

So how on earth did they find out you have Russian citizenship? You obviously wouldn't have told them...

As usual @rudestuff provides good advice.
There is absolutely no reason to tell them you have Russian citizenship.
You're Dutch with a passport from the Netherlands.
Simple.

As an aside, I know multiple Russian citizens doing flight training in Europe - including some who are only Russian. Clearly they have found a way.

Thank you for your advice! I did obtain a Bachelor's degree here in Europe, and it went rather smoothly. However, regarding my Russian citizenship, I attempted to relinquish it, but Russia does not allow me to do so until I have fulfilled my military service duty...

Not a popular option right now, I'm sure !

Seek political asylum?

G

Regarding the cadet programs, what's your plan? Finish the school and go back to Russia to fulfill your military service duty before start flying professionally? Or skip the military duty? I don't think any airline would be happy to have one of the crew arrested if they land to a Russian airport, one day skies will open again

We should wish all the non EU people who live in EU had the views and behaviors of the average Russian

Thank you, everyone, for the advice. After a couple of rejections, I was able to pass all assessments for the EFA, which is definitely a privilege since it is one of the best flight schools out there. To all fellas who have encountered the same problem as me, do not give up and do your best. It seems that not all flight schools reject Russians. Good luck!

Well done, and best of luck with your training.

G