Starting a pilot internship using CPT and OPT in the USA is one of the most effective ways for F1 visa holders to obtain valuable aviation experience and exposure while continuing their academics.
Looking to upskill and fast-track your career? We have got you! Keep reading to know more about CPT and OPT internships!
Understanding Pilot Internship Using CPT and APT in the USA
What are Pilot Internships CPT and OPT in the USA?
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is an integral part of your academic program. It is a required internship that directly impacts your course/program.
Your Designated School Official (DSO) must approve it in SEVIS, and it is noted on your I-20 form. CPT can be part-time or full-time, but if you accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you become ineligible for OPT.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study before or after graduation. Students normally receive up to 12 months of OPT.
To apply for a pilot internship OPT or CPT in the USA, you need to be a F-1 visa holder. This is a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign national authorized student to study and work in the US.
What does AeroCadet’s Pilot Internship CPT and OPT in the USA Offer?
For CPT:
Using the unique F-1 visa employment benefits, our flight school student (who is also a fully-qualified FAA commercial pilot and a flight instructor) will be offered the opportunity to work as a flight instructor intern in our FTP academy under the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) program.
The student can obtain up to 500 hours of additional flight time. About 25% of your flight time will be spent on a multi-engine aircraft. The entire flight time will be logged as the student being the PIC (Pilot-In-Command) and in a multi-crew environment.
Expected instructor flight time is 80 hours per month, with the expected earnings of $800 – $1200 USD per month.
For OPT:
If a student has an F-1 visa, they also have a unique opportunity to work on the OPT program (Optional Practical Training). This will be conducted for an additional 12-24 months.
Such a program allows pilots to build additional piston or even turbine time in either a flight academy in the USA or a passenger/cargo charter environment.
This option is available to you if you have completed your CPT:
- With over 600 hours of flight time (200 during training and 400 during CPT internship)
- Caused no incidents, no accidents, and received commendations from the flight school’s chief CFI.
How to Use CPT and OPT for Pilot Internships in the USA
Despite having a minimum 6-month academic experience and an ATPL, many F-1 visa holders may be eligible to apply for a 12-month internship with an airline or charter company in the US. This is because they have not yet started their Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) internships.
CPT is typically used during your academic program. For pilot students, this could include internships at flight academies in the USA or work as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) while still enrolled in coursework.
OPT is used to continue working in the aviation industry, logging flight hours, and gaining professional experience beyond what was possible with CPT.
After students are done with their CPT and OPT, they have logged over 1500 hours. This makes them eligible for a full, unrestricted ATPL with AeroCadet.
Why AeroCadet’s Pilot Training in the US?
Here are some of the benefits of joining AeroCadet’s Pilot internship in the USA:
- Accumulate up to 1,500 hours of total flight time, comprising 500 hours of cross-country flying, 100 hours of instrument flying, 75 hours of night flying, some multi-engine time, and additional hours.
- Earn an attractive salary of around $20 per hour, with an average monthly income of $1,600/month if you fly 80 hours/month.
- Work under CPT/OPT, a legal framework for International students on an F-1 Visa.
Aside from these, with AeroCadet, you get:
- Comprehensive career development resources
- Secure jobs with prestigious airlines
- Personalized support through a dedicated team of strategists, career mentors, and airline employment consultants
Choose reliability. Choose success. Choose AeroCadet. Get in touch today!
Conclusion
We have cleared how pilot internships for CPT and OPT in the USA work. From their eligibility to their benefits, we have covered it all. Ultimately, leveraging CPT and OPT for a pilot internship not only strengthens your resume but also accelerates your pathway toward a rewarding career in aviation, allowing you to gain confidence, industry insight, and practical expertise.
Enjoy practical pilot training in the US with Aerocadet. Gain hands-on experience and achieve success with the right academy.
Enrol today!
FAQs
How long are your CPT and OPT internships?
We offer 6-12 months of CPT and about 12 months of OPT internship, as a flight instructor and a commercial pilot, respectively.
What is an F1 visa?
An F-1 visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study full-time at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved schools in the United States.
Is CPT counted towards FAA flight hours?
Yes. Your CPT hours are counted, making them an essential part of professional pilot training.
Are CPT and OPT only for USA-based academies?
Yes. You need to be an F1 visa holder to be eligible for CPT and OPT, which is only available to US non-immigrant nationals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to know more about flight training.