Training & Flying in America: Visa information
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: N2832W8100
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
flingwing
Sorry to burst your bubble but you will find all the guys who move on to large operators are either Green card holders or U.S citizens.
Very few European graduates will ever get any turbine time or work for a large company in the U.S with just a J1 visa.
but maybe you will prove me wrong, best of luck with the rest of your training
Sorry to burst your bubble but you will find all the guys who move on to large operators are either Green card holders or U.S citizens.
Very few European graduates will ever get any turbine time or work for a large company in the U.S with just a J1 visa.
but maybe you will prove me wrong, best of luck with the rest of your training
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Denver, CO and the GOM
Age: 63
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It isn't my bubble, autosynch - just what I've seen happen.
However, in looking at my post, I can see where it looks like I was saying that ALL those pilots were J1 folks. Not what I intended - you are right, most of those folks are US citizens or green-card holders - most of the J1 folks I know have gotten CFI jobs only (the two at Tex-Air are probably green-card holders as you said).
Mostly I just wanted to point out that there is a healthy turnover at HAI - I can definitely list fifteen instructors moving on in the last 12 months.
However, in looking at my post, I can see where it looks like I was saying that ALL those pilots were J1 folks. Not what I intended - you are right, most of those folks are US citizens or green-card holders - most of the J1 folks I know have gotten CFI jobs only (the two at Tex-Air are probably green-card holders as you said).
Mostly I just wanted to point out that there is a healthy turnover at HAI - I can definitely list fifteen instructors moving on in the last 12 months.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This may be off topic slightly and indeed may need to be moved to the wananbe's section. However, in talking about HAI, I have to admit, there seems to be very few schools that I have seen no negative comments posted on this and other forums and HAI is one of those schools. I plan to visit them in the next month or so.
But my question is this, most schools use the R22 primarily as their training helicopter and although HAI have these available, it seems they use the Schweizer for their FAA and CAA/JAA primary training aircraft. Now, as we know, in the US, the vast majority of low time heli pilots get jobs as instructors. Therefore wouldn't the R22 be a better aircraft to train in as the majority of jobs would be for R22 instructors? How do you feel about this limiting the available jobs for graduates to schools who use the Schweizer (assuming that HAI doesn't employ you). And with the 200 hour minimum in the R22 you cant just do a conversion to the Robbie and start instructing. Curious to what you all think.
Thanks.
But my question is this, most schools use the R22 primarily as their training helicopter and although HAI have these available, it seems they use the Schweizer for their FAA and CAA/JAA primary training aircraft. Now, as we know, in the US, the vast majority of low time heli pilots get jobs as instructors. Therefore wouldn't the R22 be a better aircraft to train in as the majority of jobs would be for R22 instructors? How do you feel about this limiting the available jobs for graduates to schools who use the Schweizer (assuming that HAI doesn't employ you). And with the 200 hour minimum in the R22 you cant just do a conversion to the Robbie and start instructing. Curious to what you all think.
Thanks.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Denver, CO and the GOM
Age: 63
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi 1skydive,
Your observation is correct - most schools are using R.22s, and most of them are using insurance which requires 200 hours in the R.22.
There are a few more 300CBi's popping up as people figure out that the CBi is as cheap to run as the R.22 over the long haul, but currently the R.22 still dominates the training landscape.
If you go through from beginning to CFII at HAI, you can do your instrument, commercial, and CFII training in either the 300 or the R22 - depending on your choice (and how much you fly in your IFR and Com), you can have anywhere from 50 to 100 hours in the R.22 (I did the IFR and will do the CFII and will probably have about 75 R.22 hours, vs about 130 300CB hours).
There are R.22 schools who will hire you with less than 200 hours, and there are schools with the 200-hour requirement who will make some effort to get you some flying time in other ways (photo flights, etc). There are also Schweizer schools contacting HAI fairly regularly, looking for CFIs.
But the bottom line is, you may indeed have a tougher time finding that first job if you do all your training in the 300CB - that's the choice you have to make, for the time being.
Your observation is correct - most schools are using R.22s, and most of them are using insurance which requires 200 hours in the R.22.
There are a few more 300CBi's popping up as people figure out that the CBi is as cheap to run as the R.22 over the long haul, but currently the R.22 still dominates the training landscape.
If you go through from beginning to CFII at HAI, you can do your instrument, commercial, and CFII training in either the 300 or the R22 - depending on your choice (and how much you fly in your IFR and Com), you can have anywhere from 50 to 100 hours in the R.22 (I did the IFR and will do the CFII and will probably have about 75 R.22 hours, vs about 130 300CB hours).
There are R.22 schools who will hire you with less than 200 hours, and there are schools with the 200-hour requirement who will make some effort to get you some flying time in other ways (photo flights, etc). There are also Schweizer schools contacting HAI fairly regularly, looking for CFIs.
But the bottom line is, you may indeed have a tougher time finding that first job if you do all your training in the 300CB - that's the choice you have to make, for the time being.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Gloucestershire
Age: 54
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm at HAI at the moment too. I know a couple of guys who changed their M1 to a J1 without too much trouble.
As for those off to tex air, one was a JAA instructor and English. But on the whole it seems that the school is well known in US and a llot of people get job offers.
As for those off to tex air, one was a JAA instructor and English. But on the whole it seems that the school is well known in US and a llot of people get job offers.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: ?
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
J-1 VISA with 200h TT and CPL?
Hi
I’m from Europe and want to build hours as a CFI in the US. The thing is that I actually have a US CPL with about 200 hours TT.
I know about 3 helicopter flight schools which give their students a J-1 VISA. One in Oregon, one in Titusville and one in Fort Lauterdale.
At his point I’m not very interesting for a school because I won’t need much training for a CFI or CFII license, and maybe they are not able to give me a J-1.
My questions are:
-are there other schools than the 3 named above which offer a
J-1?
-are there any limitations like an hour-limit?
-is it possible to convert an H-VISA to J-VISA
I searched the forums but didn’t get the desired informations. I heard that there is a fourth school offering J-1 but I didn’t found the name yet.
Thank you, and fly safe …
I’m from Europe and want to build hours as a CFI in the US. The thing is that I actually have a US CPL with about 200 hours TT.
I know about 3 helicopter flight schools which give their students a J-1 VISA. One in Oregon, one in Titusville and one in Fort Lauterdale.
At his point I’m not very interesting for a school because I won’t need much training for a CFI or CFII license, and maybe they are not able to give me a J-1.
My questions are:
-are there other schools than the 3 named above which offer a
J-1?
-are there any limitations like an hour-limit?
-is it possible to convert an H-VISA to J-VISA
I searched the forums but didn’t get the desired informations. I heard that there is a fourth school offering J-1 but I didn’t found the name yet.
Thank you, and fly safe …
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: New England
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wouldn't try to second-guess what the immigration laws are. I recommend you contact a US immigration attorney and ask their advice. There are a number of ways to legally work here as a temporary resident. It all depends on what qualifications you offer.
PM me if you want a recommendation for an attorney that will be able to give you sound advice.
PM me if you want a recommendation for an attorney that will be able to give you sound advice.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: uk
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what visa?
I would be grateful if someone could explain the difference between the m1 and j1 visas for study in the states.
Im thinking i might do the HAI thing for hours building, CFI etc. They offer the j1 which sounds good, but there are other schools offering the m1. The j1 offered at HAI is clearly better as every man and his monkey seems to say its worked for them but why is it better than the m1?
Plain English preffered!!!
Im thinking i might do the HAI thing for hours building, CFI etc. They offer the j1 which sounds good, but there are other schools offering the m1. The j1 offered at HAI is clearly better as every man and his monkey seems to say its worked for them but why is it better than the m1?
Plain English preffered!!!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Scotland
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi there,
just with regards to HAI. I'm here at the moment and after everything I had heard about their reputation I have to admit I'm deeply disappointed. Basically it's a constant up hill struggle to get the hours in, either because of availability of ships or instructors. It definately has not lived up to it's rep. So I join you on looking around for a better school, something I thought I had already done!
Good Luck!
just with regards to HAI. I'm here at the moment and after everything I had heard about their reputation I have to admit I'm deeply disappointed. Basically it's a constant up hill struggle to get the hours in, either because of availability of ships or instructors. It definately has not lived up to it's rep. So I join you on looking around for a better school, something I thought I had already done!
Good Luck!
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Visa information: Click HERE.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Western Oz
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One of these days, I am looking into HAI or Hillsboro at present, I spoke to HAI and was concerned about scheduling but they told me they had a number of new aircraft on order and that these were starting to be delivered. Is this increase in aircraft enough in your opinion to sort out the problem?
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: uk
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks to all those for the visa info...
The feedback about HAI is interesting to read, especially from those who are currently there. But is there anyone there at the moment who is coming to the end of their training or who has done the HAI thing and used the J1 visa for instructing, successfully and gained the hourage they wanted in a 'reasonable' time frame....Would be good to hear some upbeat stories.
2 hours a week? !! what do you spend the rest of your time doing? Is there much going on in the swamp?.....ahhh Disneyworld.
The feedback about HAI is interesting to read, especially from those who are currently there. But is there anyone there at the moment who is coming to the end of their training or who has done the HAI thing and used the J1 visa for instructing, successfully and gained the hourage they wanted in a 'reasonable' time frame....Would be good to hear some upbeat stories.
2 hours a week? !! what do you spend the rest of your time doing? Is there much going on in the swamp?.....ahhh Disneyworld.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Home:California. Work: the lower 48
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went the HAI route ten years ago. I came on an M1, did my private, went home for break, (less than a month) and came back on a J1. It gave me almost 2 1/2 years. I'm not sure if it's possible now but it's worth checking into.
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Scotland
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Phil-J,
it is true that there are additional Helicopters on order, and indeed some have been delivered already. I believe that the delivery has been delayed from the manufacturer so not HAI's fault. The other problem at the moment is the amount of JAA instructors that have recently left due to visa's running out. I'm holding my breath with HAI because of the reputation they have and I hope that the problems being experienced at the moment are short lived and will be sorted out soon. However I have certainly started to think about a contingency plan if all goes to pot.
The M1+J1 thing to achieve 2 1/2 years is still an option, there are folks here that are doing exactly that. You will also need to arrange permission to train in the USA. This is a new thing that costs $130 through the Transport Safety Agency(TSA) and it is seperate to the visa requirement. Once permission has been granted you then have to have your fingerprints taken by the police on arrival in the US. About a week later (after arrival) you should be granted permission to train.
One of these Days
it is true that there are additional Helicopters on order, and indeed some have been delivered already. I believe that the delivery has been delayed from the manufacturer so not HAI's fault. The other problem at the moment is the amount of JAA instructors that have recently left due to visa's running out. I'm holding my breath with HAI because of the reputation they have and I hope that the problems being experienced at the moment are short lived and will be sorted out soon. However I have certainly started to think about a contingency plan if all goes to pot.
The M1+J1 thing to achieve 2 1/2 years is still an option, there are folks here that are doing exactly that. You will also need to arrange permission to train in the USA. This is a new thing that costs $130 through the Transport Safety Agency(TSA) and it is seperate to the visa requirement. Once permission has been granted you then have to have your fingerprints taken by the police on arrival in the US. About a week later (after arrival) you should be granted permission to train.
One of these Days
I am one of those guys who went over to the US from the Uk, I am just coming up to the end of my visa (a j-1) now.
I finished my CFI training with them and am now working as an instructor with them.
My school is fully supportive in me trying to gain another visa to extend my stay and continue working for them. So while I am not shure about any where else Not caring about you leaving here they are intresed in keeping me on just like the last two European instructors they have had here.
I am short of My 1000 Hours but that is through no fault of there's i Had two bouts of illness while here that kept me on the ground for 4 months including a stint in hospital.
Sorry forgot to say, You cant change your training to a non J-1 school, you can transfer to another approved school though.
Its a pain to do as the person that deals with this with in the US goverment denys that you can, even though there is a section on the J-1 form for transfering to another school.
I finished my CFI training with them and am now working as an instructor with them.
My school is fully supportive in me trying to gain another visa to extend my stay and continue working for them. So while I am not shure about any where else Not caring about you leaving here they are intresed in keeping me on just like the last two European instructors they have had here.
I am short of My 1000 Hours but that is through no fault of there's i Had two bouts of illness while here that kept me on the ground for 4 months including a stint in hospital.
Sorry forgot to say, You cant change your training to a non J-1 school, you can transfer to another approved school though.
Its a pain to do as the person that deals with this with in the US goverment denys that you can, even though there is a section on the J-1 form for transfering to another school.
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Restrictions on J1 US visa?
Hi,
Could anyone point me in the direction of a detailed description of what a CPL student can do upon course completion while on a J1 visa, and what not? (I've searched here, but "J1" is too short for the search engine.)
I know it allows a person to work in the professional field for which they've trained under the issuance of the visa, but what I'm not clear on is whether it is restricted to instructing.
I know that practically it is, since I wouldn't get hired under 1000 hours, which I'd need to instruct to attain, but what then, could I do a bit of charter work if the opportunity came up?
Thanks,
Si
Could anyone point me in the direction of a detailed description of what a CPL student can do upon course completion while on a J1 visa, and what not? (I've searched here, but "J1" is too short for the search engine.)
I know it allows a person to work in the professional field for which they've trained under the issuance of the visa, but what I'm not clear on is whether it is restricted to instructing.
I know that practically it is, since I wouldn't get hired under 1000 hours, which I'd need to instruct to attain, but what then, could I do a bit of charter work if the opportunity came up?
Thanks,
Si