The path to becoming a commercial pilot in the United States for international students often involves navigating the intricacies of the F-1 visa. This visa category allows international students to enroll in accredited flight schools and provides pathways to gain practical experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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First of all, let’s take a detailed look at the progression from the FPAP-US integrated program’s training phase to working as an instructor and eventually as a commercial pilot building that valuable dual-engine or turbine flight time. After you arrived in the US and started the training, you will go through the F-1 following phases:
1. Private Pilot License (PPL):
- Ground School: Begin with ground school to learn aviation theory, navigation, meteorology, and FAA regulations.
- Flight Training: Accumulate flight hours under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Complete solo flights and cross-country trips.
- PPL Checkride: Pass the FAA practical test (checkride) to earn your PPL.
2. Instrument Rating (IR):
- Advanced Training: Gain proficiency in flying solely by reference to instruments. This includes additional ground school and flight training. This phase will include multi-engine instrument and single-engine instrument add-on.
- IR Checkride: Pass the FAA checkride to add the instrument rating to your PPL.
3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
- Enhanced Training: Continue building flight hours and receive training in advanced maneuvers, complex aircraft, and commercial operations. This phase will include multi-engine instrument and single-engine add-on.
- CPL Checkride: Successfully complete the FAA practical test for the CPL.
4. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI,CFII,MEI):
- Instructor Training: Undergo specialized training to become a flight instructor with VFR, IFR and multi-engine teaching ratings. This involves learning how to teach flight maneuvers and ground school topics.
- CFI Checkride: Pass the FAA checkrides to obtain all your CFI certificates.
Let us note, that normally, passing all of the aforementioned phases takes 12 months.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
1. Eligibility for CPT:
- CPT Definition: CPT allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study while still enrolled in school. It is limited to 12 months.
- CPT Application: Apply for CPT authorization through our flight school’s Designated School Official (DSO). You’ll need to provide a job offer related to your studies. The job offer will be provided by the flight school and it is conditionally guaranteed as a part of our FPAP-US program. We will guide you through this simple application process.
2. Working as a Flight Instructor:
- CPT Authorization: Once authorized, you can work as a CFI. This job helps you build flight hours while getting paid.
- Teaching Experience: Gain valuable teaching experience, improve your flying skills, and expand your professional network within the aviation industry.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
1. Eligibility for OPT:
- OPT Definition: OPT allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. You will need to finish at least 6 moths of CPT to move on to OPT.
- OPT Application: Apply for OPT authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process should start 90 days before completing your program. We will guide you through this simple application process.
2. Building Flight Time as a Commercial Pilot:
- OPT Authorization: With OPT approval, you can work as a commercial pilot anywhere in the United States.
- Job Opportunities: Seek employment with charter companies, imaging companies, agricultural operators, and even regional airlines (see details below). These positions often involve flying dual-engine or piston aircraft.
- Building Experience: Focus on accumulating the required flight hours and experience needed for higher certifications and ratings. The best OPT jobs involve flying dual-engine aircraft, preferably turbo-prop. However, any hour-building options will be valuable: not only that you will gain aeronautical and pilot work experience in the United States, but you will also be able to use a different employer (except for our flight school) as an employment reference for the purpose of airline pilot applications.
Should you stay on as a Flight Instructor or become a Commercial Pilot on OPT?
By the time you complete 6-12 months of CPT employment as our flight instructor, you will have accumulated new flight hours at an approximate rate of 80 hours per month, resulting in a total flight time of over 700 hours (including 237 hours gained during the training phase).
At this point, you have a choice: you can either continue working as a CFI for another 6 months and then transition to OPT for an additional 12 months as a flight instructor, or you can start actively applying for employment as a commercial pilot on OPT to build different types of flight time. The decision is ultimately yours.
If you choose to stay on as a flight instructor:
- Pros: You will benefit from a safe and familiar flight environment, building your flight hours at a steady and predictable pace. You will primarily fly in good weather and VMC conditions with minimal rain or wind.
- Cons: The pay will remain at the normal CFI intern rate of $20 per flight hour. You will not get much dual-engine flight time and will primarily log piston flight time. Staying with the same employer might limit the number of professional reference letters for future employment applications.
If you decide to apply for OPT outside of our flight school as a commercial pilot:
- Pros: You will have the opportunity to build dual-engine or turbine time, which is more valuable in the aviation industry and opens more doors for subsequent airline employment. You will gain an additional employer who can provide another reference letter, and your internship pay will generally be higher than the instructor pay, often double.
- Cons: Retraining to fly different aircraft comes with natural pass/fail risks. The work environment may not be as stable and comfortable as at a flight school, and flying may be more challenging, involving cargo operations, night flights, IMC, and adverse weather conditions.
Ultimately, the path you choose depends on your career goals and preferences.
How to find Commercial Pilot employment on OPT?
Let’s say you have completed your minimum 6 months of instructor CPT and have logged 700 hours of total time (TT). While 700 hours still categorizes you as a low-hour pilot applicant, it significantly enhances your competitiveness compared to a freshly-graduated CPL holder with only 200-250 hours TT. Additionally, you will have a professional reference letter from us, affirming that you have completed your CPT as an instructor, demonstrating excellent pilot skills and professionalism. With these credentials on your resume, securing your first low-hour commercial pilot job outside of the flight school should be more attainable. Here are some tips and tricks on how to search and apply for OPT employment:
Networking
Networking is crucial in the aviation industry. Building connections with industry professionals can open doors to job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. Here are some strategies to enhance your networking efforts:
- Attend Aviation Events: Participate in aviation conferences, career fairs, and local airport events to meet industry professionals. They are announced regularly via social media groups and pilot recruitment agencies. Keep an eye on these online resources daily.
- Join Professional Organizations: Organizations like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) offer networking opportunities. Monthly memberships are low.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow airlines, flight schools, and aviation groups on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Engage in discussions and connect with professionals in the industry.
Flight Schools and Instructors
Our flight school can be a valuable resource in your job search. Here’s how to leverage this resource:
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- Stay in Touch with Instructors: Flight instructors often have connections with regional airlines and charter companies. Keep in touch and seek their advice on job openings.
- Stay in Touch with your Consultants: Aerocadet has several professional airline pilots who act as career mentors and aviation training consultants. They are a great resource for professional references and employment tips for your OPT.
- Join our flight school’s Facebook group specifically dedicated to low-hour pilot employment opportunities on OPT:
Online Job Boards and Resources
Several online platforms specialize in aviation job listings. Regularly checking these sites can help you find low-hour pilot jobs:
- Indeed and Glassdoor: These general job search engines often list entry-level pilot positions.
- Avjobs and Aviation Job Search: These specialized aviation job boards provide targeted listings for pilot positions.
- Climbto350: These platforms offer a wealth of job postings for pilots with various experience levels.
Here is a comprehensive list of websites where pilots can search for job opportunities:
Regional Airlines and Part 135 Operators
Regional airlines and Part 135 operators often hire pilots with lower flight hours compared to major airlines. Regional airlines in the US use a specialist airline recruitment website called Airline Apps, where for a low monthly membership fee you will be able to apply for multiple airline employment opening by using single application submission.
When applying for OPT employment with the regional airlines and 135 charter ops, here’s what you need to consider:
- Regional Airlines (part 121): Airlines such as Envoy Air, SkyWest, and Republic Airways frequently hire F-1 visa pilots. This opportunity does not normally apply to our FPAP-US integrated program graduates since, to be eligible for these airline applications, you need to have at least 1,500 flight hours TT by the time you finished your CPT. But, if you begin your training with an ICAO CPL through our Pathway career development program and already have logged 600-800 hours upon admission, you can easily accumulate an additional 700-800 hours during the initial 6-12 months of CPT. This will bring your total flight time to 1,500 hours, qualifying you to apply for a first officer position with regional U.S. airlines where you can fly CRJs and ERJs.As a first officer with a regional US airline, you would normally be able to get a free ATPL (a savings of $5,000) and a free jet type-rating (a savings of $17,000-$25,000 USD) during the initial induction training, which normally takes 6-8 weeks. And over the following 10 months, you should be able to build SIC jet-time and significantly increase your income, earning $50-$70 USD per flight hour instead of $20-25 as a CFI. This valuable airline pilot experience will greatly enhance your career prospects, opening doors to numerous airline employment opportunities worldwide.
- Charter Operators (Part 135): Charter companies and air taxi services offer an excellent entry point into the aviation industry, often with more flexible hiring criteria compared to larger airlines. To serve as a Pilot in Command (PIC) in a Part 135 operation, you need only 1,200 flight hours, while serving as a Second in Command (SIC) requires just 250 hours. Charter operators frequently use turboprop aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan 208, King Air 90/200/350, Shorts 1900, and Pilatus PC-12. The flight time accumulated in these aircraft is highly valuable, nearly equivalent to jet flight time, and can significantly enhance your prospects for international charter or airline employment opportunities.
Build a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are often your first impression with potential employers. Ensure they are professional and highlight your strengths:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Include any flight hours, certifications, and relevant skills. Tailor your resume to each job application.
- Professional Presentation: Use a clean, professional format and proofread thoroughly to avoid any errors.
- Use Aerocadet’s Resume Aid to create a properly-formatted professional pilot resume.
Prepare for Interviews
Once you secure an interview, preparation is key. Here’s how to make a great impression:
- Research the Company: Understand the company’s history, values, and mission. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their goals.
- Mock Interviews: Practice common interview questions with a friend or Aerocadet mentor. Focus on behavioral questions and scenarios you might encounter as a pilot.
Stay Persistent and Positive
The aviation industry is cyclical, and job availability can fluctuate. Staying persistent and maintaining a positive attitude is crucial:
- Continuous Improvement: Keep improving your skills and knowledge. Consider additional certifications or ratings to enhance your employability.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with industry news and trends. This knowledge can be beneficial during interviews and networking events.
Talk to us!
Finding a low-hour pilot job in the United States requires a combination of networking, leveraging educational resources, using online job boards, targeting regional airlines, considering flight instructor positions, and staying prepared for interviews. By following these tips and remaining persistent, you can navigate the aviation job market successfully and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a pilot. Aerocadet consultants have thousands of hours of jet-time and years of airline employment experience – contact them for free to get an advise and guidance! Schedule your call today via https://calendly.com/aerocadet
Safe flying!
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Questions? Comments? Send us an email to info@aerocadet.com or schedule a free consultation call with one of our airline pilot consultants here >>>
About the Author:
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Russ Sherwood is a Captain and a LCP (line check pilot) at a major US airline flying the A320/321 fleet, with the military flying background on the F-16th as WSO. He has logged around 10,000 hours of flight hours and holds airline, commercial and flight instructor pilot licenses issued by the FAA (US), CAAC (China) and DGCA (Indonesia). Russ is also an aviation career development mentor for Aerocadet |