Training, hours building and first job prospects in America

[Senior Pilot]

Originally Posted by CorsAir2

Sorry Muermel, don't able to send pm now.

Addressed to PPRuNe: I kindly ask pm clearance approval, please!

As a new member there is no PM facility until your post count increases. This is done to protect all users from spam PMs from new signups

[muermel]

@Corsair2
Check your eMails.

Ciao

[CorsAir2]

Ok Senior Pilot, problem understood. Don't worry, I'll post more messages into the forum!

Thanks Muermel! Email incoming...

[AW4EVER]

Hi,
I am looking to convert my EASA license to FAA but to be honest all the flight school I've looked, tell me different thinks. Some told me I need around 15 hours flight plus ground school, other told me I need 50 hours instructions.
So too many diferents opinions, could anybody help me or tell me what is the most serious flight school ?
I have 3000TT and rated AW139 and AW109, and want to look for a new opportunity in USA.

thanks in advance for the help....

[Gordy]

There is no such thing as converting a license to FAA after private level. You have to meet the minimum requirements of the FAA regulations found in 14 CFAR part 61. All of your current hours will count, but you will have to do the written tests and practical test.

The biggest stumbling block you have is that unless you are a US citizen or have a green card, it is almost impossible for you to do this. I believe you are ineligible for any student visas as you already have a commercial level license.

[AW4EVER]

Many thanks for the answer, for the Visa I don't think it will be a trouble, I think I could start with B1 or B2, but I'll see.
Where do you think there are the most serious flight school?

thanks again

[Gordy]

I have been out of the flight school industry for many years now, however, I have a relationship with Guidance Aviation out of Prescott, Arizona. I have hired 2 former graduates of theirs in recent years and can confirm they push out a good product. I have also met with the owner and Chief Instructor for briefings etc.

I think the visa requirement is tougher than you may think. You may wish to read these links about TSA requirements:

Aliens seeking training--AOPA interpretations

US Government Site for Flight Training

[havick]

If you're from a VWP (visa waiver program country), then you won't need a visa at all as your conversion will take less than the 90 days allowed in the country on the VWP.

The TSA clearance has an option for selecting VWP in the drop down box when submitting your training request, just enter your ESTA number in where it asks for visa number.

You'll also need to get your fingerprints taken for the TSA clearance, and it's worth getting your the FAA license verification done prior to arriving in the US for your conversion as it can take 1-2 months.

Also worth getting an FAA medical done prior to arriving in the US.

I did my ATP conversion at Cloud9 helicopters in Florida. Their aircraft are great, the R22 is $300/HR all inclusive. I only needed about 3-4 hours prep in the R22 (coming from 412's). They'll only do what's required and then put you up for the test. The prep time also included getting me ready for CFI and CFII flight tests. I did all the writtens I required prior to arriving at the flight school.

If other schools try to convince you of minimum hours then they're talking out their ass. There's only a 3 hour minimum prep for CPL tests which you're not doing anyway.

Hope this helps.

[vaqueroaero]

It is my understanding that the TSA is now cross checking everyone who has a foreign address on their FAA certificate to make sure that when they obtained said certificate they were here with all visas and paperwork correct and therefore did it legally. I'm not sure how far back this goes, but is certainly true for the past few years.

This came to light after a couple of TSA agents visited a local flight school after they discovered some discrepancies in paperwork. However I don't know what happens to you or your certificate if you did it 'under the radar'................

[AW4EVER]

Many thanks for these info,
And thank you for the advice Navick,

Happy landings...

[AW4EVER]

.. apologies no NAvick but Havick....

[paniklu]

Helicopter school and career in USA

Hello guys, I'm an Italian helicopter pilot with 200 hours.
I'm looking for a company which can help me to build my hours.
I'm in contact with an American school, "Helicopter academy".
Is there someone who has had to deal with this company?

Please, tell me your experience if you have. Thank you

[MartinCh]

B206 training doable with Civic Heli in CA, Bristow Academy FL and possibly the other locations, handful of bigger heli schools would have 206 for utility/charter/checkouts.

If you fancy MD500 or 600 series, Precision in Newberg, OR. They're mixed fleet utility and training ops. I spent few summers in the area. Winter's not best if you need some instrument training in heli as well, not just VFR, which can end up taking longer due wx, too.

[liftman]

school opinion..the final choice

Hi All...

selected for training:

Precision Air Oregon
Hillsboro Oregon
MaHuna Loa Hawaii

Or

Chinook Helicopter Canada

Opinion on these school much appreciated

[Gordy]

Ha.....ask advice of 3 helicopter pilots and you will get 4 opinions.

[liftman]

...I know but I hope receiving some feedback for who knows these schools before making the final decision where to go

[ersa]

The question to ask yourself, apart from getting the basic licence , can you work in the USA or canada ?

Your location says italy, why not just do training in the EU, Norway for example no VAT on flight training , that saves 20% straight off, apart from saving money on the IR, it will end up costing similar amounts on CPL training

Number 2 and 3 have heard good things about....

[paco]

....and 4

Phil

[whoknows idont]

Originally Posted by liftman

...I know but I hope receiving some feedback for who knows these schools before making the final decision where to go

Hi liftman... You would probably have a hard time finding anyone who is able to compare the three schools based on first hand experience.
First of all, I have no practical experience with any of them. But I can tell you that after a LOT of research, back in the day for me it was down to either Mauna Loa or training in the EU (In the end I decided for the EU route for several unrelated reasons).
Call or write Ben Fouts, grade A guy. He will be happy to answer your open questions. If you are comfortable with flying Robinsons and living on Hawaii, I'm convinced you won't be disappointed and will no doubt receive excellent training in a lovely environment.

[liftman]

Thanks a lot, speaking with him really a nice guy! I am maybe in a similar situations than yours at ages.

Working in europe thinking either going there for training in a free vacation or continuing working here and doing school here.