Frequent Questions
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| ESTIMATED COST: $55,272 USD |
Full FAA CFI and ATPL Guaranteed CFI internship in US
All you need to know about the program goals, and why this program is right for you.
Strategic Approach: AeroCadet understands that simply having the minimum required pilot licenses is not enough to secure a position with top aviation companies. They emphasize the importance of standing out and being unique among other candidates. AeroCadet provides a strategic approach to help pilots differentiate themselves and make a lasting impression on airline recruitment teams.
Comprehensive Support: AeroCadet offers a personalized team of strategists, career mentors, and airline employment consultants who provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the pilot's career journey. These experts offer insights, advice, and mentoring to help pilots enhance their experience, knowledge, qualifications, and employment references, setting them apart from the competition.
Industry Knowledge: With their deep understanding of the aviation industry, AeroCadet is equipped to provide pilots with up-to-date information on airline hiring standards and requirements. This knowledge helps pilots align their efforts effectively and efficiently to meet these standards and increase their chances of securing their dream job.
Career Development: AeroCadet is committed to the long-term success of pilots in the competitive world of commercial aviation. They provide career development resources and assistance to ensure pilots are well-prepared and positioned for growth opportunities in their aviation careers.
Prestigious Airline Opportunities: By enrolling with AeroCadet and benefiting from their expertise, pilots can increase their chances of receiving job offers from prestigious airlines. AeroCadet's insights and support can help aspiring pilots fulfill their dreams of working for the world's leading aviation companies.
As a leading aviation training and airline pilot career development consulting agent serving the largest international market, AeroCadet offers a tailored approach, expert support, and valuable industry knowledge to help pilots maximize their potential, stand out from the crowd, and achieve their desired career goals in the aviation industry.
Let's face the truth: the top airlines have high pilot recruitment standards that go beyond the basic qualifications of a newly-graduated commercial pilot. The goal for student pilots is to attain the necessary flight time, licensing, and aeronautical experience to become employable by these airlines, which means gaining an edge over the vast applicant pool competition, not just satisfying the basic legal commercial pilot qualification requirements.
Most international student pilots aim for first officer positions with prestigious passenger carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Eva Air, AHK, Fly Dubai, ANA, and more. These airlines hire pilots from diverse citizenship and ethnic backgrounds on multi-year contracts. However, securing these coveted positions requires meeting specific requirements that newly-graduated commercial pilots may not fulfill.
These requirements typically include holding a full, unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) issued by a recognized ICAO member state. Preferably, the license should be from a developed, English-speaking country like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and others. This ensures a high level of English language proficiency, which airlines consider crucial. It also helps verify that the pilot has acquired their qualifications legitimately and not through fraudulent means, which unfortunately can be an issue in some developing countries' flight training industry.
Furthermore, significant aeronautical experience is necessary, usually exceeding 1500 flight hours, with a balanced combination of propeller and turbine/jet flight time. For a newly-graduated CPL holder with only 200 hours of flight time, achieving these qualifications and experiences can be a significant challenge, considering the high cost of acquiring flight hours. This is why many new pilots face the dilemma of gaining the required transitional aeronautical experience, leading them to search for underpaid and potentially risky jobs like bush-flying or banner-towing. Some even give up on their aviation dreams in frustration and let their pilot licenses expire, seeking employment in other industries. However, there are alternatives to this discouraging path.
Aerocadet, with its team of consultants who are experienced current (or retired) airline pilots, has developed fully-integrated flight training and internship programs to address this transitional experience challenge. These programs offer a comprehensive solution, taking students from zero experience or any other level they have already achieved to obtaining a full FAA (United States) and TCCA (Canada) ICAO Airline Transport Pilot Licenses. In the process, students gain valuable propeller and/or turbine experience, meeting the pilot recruitment requirements of major airlines that hire contract pilots for long-term, well-paid positions.
By providing a structured training program and internship opportunities, AeroCadet equips its students with the qualifications and experience necessary to stand out and succeed in the competitive airline job market.
The "Pathway" academic and flight training program prepares our graduate for a career in the aviation industry by providing a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, aeronautical sciences, aeronautical technology, and the aviation industry. The graduates will receive an Associate of Science Degree from Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology with flight ratings from PPL through to CPL and ATPL, with Flight Instructor ratings. This training is necessary to obtain employment, and by completing the associates degree you will set yourself apart from other applicants since a degree is preferred in the airline industry.
The school's14 acre campus encompasses 37,000 sq. ft. Administration & Academic training facility is open from 7 am to 6 pm daily. The Flight Operations building is open 24/7 daily, rain or shine.
| Pathway program is designed speciafically for the holders of current, valid, unexpired Commercial Pilot License issued by an ICAO-member state. |
Program allows you to earn an Associate of Aeronautical Science degree, build over 1500 hours PIC, and achieve full, unrestricted ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License pilot certification, This valuable CFI experience will open doors to many airlines and charter companies.
The 1500 hour PIC experience, excellent recommendation letter from us, with the full FAA/ICAO ATPL, will give you a solid advantage over the 200+ hour CPL holders on the competitive pilot employment market. Plus, a lot of biz jet companies hire applicants with ATP, degree and 1500 hours TT.
The advantages are many. The benefits are immense. The pricing is surprising.
The absolutely fastest way to get from Zero experience level to the modern airline cockpit!
This program is structured in such a way, that every segment leads a young pilot to the ultimate goal: obtainment of World-recognized accredited US college degree and employment in the airlines. The program is divided into the following segments:
| # | Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enrollment | 2-3 months | World |
| 2 | ICAO CPL license conversion to FAA (if required) | 3 weeks | USA |
| 3 | CFI/CFII/MEI Course | 3 months | USA |
| 4 | AAS degree studies and CFI Internship | 18 months | USA |
| 5 | Ferry Pilot Internship & Employment Placement | 24 months | Hong Kong |
First 4 stages, except for stage 5, are conducted in the United States. All are conducted to a very high standard by an accredited FTP (flight training provider). After the completion of CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) license, student will be offered internship and ability to build flight time. After completion of 1250 hours, student will be able to obtain his/her ATPL, and proceed to work as an international ferry pilot for our partner in Hong Kong, Global Air Holdings Ltd. Simultaneously, pilot will proceed with applications to such airlines as Cathay Pacific, Air Asia, Lion Air, Singapore Airlines, Air China, Chinese Airlines, Air Hong Kong, Malaysian Airlines, Jet Star, Tiger Air and many more. Pilot will receive excellent recommendation letters from our FTP, Raich Aerospace and Global Air in order to ensure that his/her airline employment application stands out of the competition!
More details about the program segments:
At this stage, student will be required to complete enrollment application form (here >>>) and provide his documents for initial consideration by our company. After application details and document screening, student will be contacted for the initial interview to check his knowledge of English. our requirements are simple: high school diploma (or higher), English knowledge on upper-intermediate level or better, international passport, an advanced pilot license (such as Commercial Pilot License or Airline Transport Pilot License) from any ICAO country (All of the applicant would need to be able to fulfill the requirements for FAR part 61.129 (a) section 1 & 2). Good health with no disqualifying conditions (see full list of enrollment requirements here >>>) Once all requirements are satisfied, the student will be furnished with the flight training agreement, visa support paperwork, preliminary aviation training study materials and TSA security clearance.
After arrival in the United States at our flight training center, a student will undergo a short FAA pilot medical. After this, student will start his/her theoretical and practical training: ground school and flying. Student will aim to take his FAA CPL written and practical exams after 10 hours of training with the flight instructor, and preparing for the test using our on-campus CBT prep. center. This phase should take approximately 6 weeks.
After successful completion of Phase 2 and conversion of ICAO CPL license to the FAA CPL, he/she will proceed with the CFI/CFII/MEI training (certified flight instructor license with multi-engine and instrument ratings); this stage is expected to take 3-4 months.
Student, or at this point, a fully-qualified FAA commercial pilot and a flight instructor, will be offered opportunity to work as a flight instructor in our academy under the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) program on their F-1 visa. During this period, student may obtain up to 1500 hours of additional total flight time. Approximately 25% of this flight time will be conducted on multi-engine aircraft. All of the flight time will be logged as PIC (Pilot-In-Command) and in multi-crew environment. Parallel with the employment as CFI, student will be required to take academic classes to achieve the total of 60 academic credits and earn his/her Associate of Aeronautical Science degree.
This optional internship course is offered to our graduates who want to continues building valuable flight time and grown their aviation experience by working as international aircraft delivery pilot for our partner, Global Air Ferry Ltd. This company is specializing in aircraft sales and delivery from the United States to Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia for their international clients. Expected pilot salary is $2500 – $4500 per aircraft transfer. Simultaneously, pilot will proceed with applications to such airlines as Cathay Pacific, Air Asia, Lion Air, Singapore Airlines, Air China, Chinese Airlines, Air Hong Kong, Malaysian Airlines, Jet Star, Tiger Air and many more. Pilot will receive excellent recommendation letters from our FTP, Raich Aerospace and Global Air in order to ensure that his/her airline employment application stands out of the competition!
We are confident, that in view of growing pilot deficit in the World, and a unique and robust nature of our ATPL program, Students will be able to obtain airline employment within 2-4 months after completion of their internships.
Summary of the estimated flight training hours
Students will receive the following amount of flight training hours during the licensing phases of the program:
| Hours | Training Type |
|---|---|
| 33 | ICAO CPL to FAA CPL Conversion |
| 50 | FAA CPL Exam Ground School Prep. |
| 120 | TC Flight Instructor ground school (CFI, CFII, MEI) |
| 25 | TC Flight Instructor flight training (CFI, CFII, MEI) |
Summary of the flight training licenses that the students will get
Students will receive the following flight crew licenses during this program:
| License / Rating | Minimum hour requirements |
|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | 200 |
| Flight Instructor License | 225 |
| Airline Pilot License | 1500 |
Summary of the academic courses that the students will take
Academics is offered on the basis of Aviator College, which specializes only on the development and training of future commercial pilots world-wide. Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology is approved through the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools & Colleges, the State of Florida’s Commission for Independent Education and the Federal Department of Education to award two-year Associate’s Degrees in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Flight Instruction.
To earn the Associate’s Degree in Aeronautical Science the student must earn a minimum of 71 credit hours to include: 18 General Education credits, 25 credit hours of lower division ground schools and flight training, 22 credit hours of upper division training, and 6 elective credits. Aviation courses are listed in order of progression.
During this academic program, students will take the following courses:
| Academic Course Name | Academic Credits |
|---|---|
| First Year Flight Training Courses | |
| Private Pilot Ground School | 5 credit hours |
| Private Pilot Flight Training | 2 credit hours |
| Multi-Engine Pilot Ground School | 1 credit hour |
| Multi-Engine Flight Training | .5 credit hour |
| Instrument Rating Ground School | 4 credit hours |
| Instrument Rating Flight Training | 2 credit hours |
| Commercial Pilot Ground School | 4 credit hours |
| Commercial Pilot Flight Training | 3.5 credit hour |
| Commercial Pilot Flight Training Lab | 3 credit hours |
| Aviation Electives | |
| Pilot Career Planning and Interviewing | 1 credit hours |
| Aviation Law | 1 credit hours |
| Aviation Meteorology | 1 credit hours |
| Aerodynamics | 1 credit hours |
| Aviation Safety | 1 credit hours |
| ATPL Certification Training Program Theory | 1 credit hours |
| Second Year Training Courses | |
| Fundamentals of Instructing | 2 credit hours |
| Flight Instructor Airplane Theory | 3 credit hours |
| Flight Instructor Instrument Theory | 3 credit hours |
| Flight Instructor Certification Course | 1 credit hours |
| 141 Flight Instruction Standardization | 1.5 credit hours |
| CRJ Simulator Course Theory | 3 credit hours |
| Jet Transition Course Lab | 1.5 credit hours |
| Aviation Internship I | 3.5 credit hours |
| Aviation Internship II | 3.5 credit hours |
| General Education Courses | |
| English Composition | 2 credit hours |
| Introduction to Speech Communications | 3 credit hours |
| College Algebra | 3 credit hours |
| Critical & Creative Thinking | 1 credit hours |
| Introduction to Psychology | 1.5 credit hours |
| Physical Science | 3 credit hours |
| Total academic achievement for AAS Degree: | 63.5 credit hours |
The academic credits earned during this course (71 credit hours) are regionally and internationally recognized and could be transferred to a local or international college or university for accreditation as a part of your higher education (college degree). Graduates wishing to continue on for a four-year Bachelor’s Degree may benefit from the articulation agreement that is in place between Aviator College and Everglades University. This agreement is for Aviator College graduates who complete their Associate of Science degrees in Aeronautical Science and who apply and are accepted into program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management or Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology. For information regarding the specifics of this agreement please contact Aviator College’s Registrar. Aviator graduates may also attend any other university that accepts Aviator's credits.
We are proud to provide the most comfortable environment for learning!
During the primary stage of training, flight students are required to stay at the FTP campus (6 months) located in Fort Pierce, Florida, and are allowed to move to personal accommodation once they start their paid internship as a flight instructor. The quality of campus accommodation is comparable to any public American college or university campuses, and includes such amenities as swimming pool, dining hall, air conditioning, cable TV, high speed Internet, pilot shop and access to other student services. Students are offered standard shared room accommodation (two people in one room) and have an upgrade option to a non-shared accommodation.
Campus is located only a few minutes walk from the airport and approximately 10-15 minutes from the beach. Please review the campus details here >>>
12 months of standard shared accommodation is included in our ATPL program. After the 6 months lapse, the students are normally allowed to leave the campus accommodation and rent a private apartment with the classmates. Normally, 3 or 4 pilots elect to rent a 3-4 bedroom apartment where each student has a private room
| Accommodation type | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Campus, shared room (standard) | $575 |
| Campus, private room | $800 |
| Off-campus, shared room: | $350 (approx) |
| Off-campus, private room | $600 |
Our programs are not just competitively priced, they pay to students after licensing!
The base cost is a "bare-bone" price estimate based on the minimum required flight and ground hours, minimum accommodation term (12 months) and basic flight equipment. It does not include government fees, living expenses, additional training hours (if required) and internship fees (if applicable).
| Base cost of Full Professional Pilot Program: | $55272.00 |
The above amount is comprised of: CFI/CFII/MEI training flight fees ($11620); academic tuition fees ($30127), 12 months campus accommodation fees: ($6600); books and pilot equipment, key card, mailbox fee, non refundable housing deposit, internet, administrative fee, FAA written exam and flight test fees: ($5175); Global Air int. ferry pilot training and internship reservation fees: ($1750).
| Type of additional service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ICAO to FAA CPL license conversion for non-FAA license holders | 13130.00 |
| BSc degree extension, and pilot internship in the US airlines | $21000.00 |
Also, some students will be eligible to discounts. The discounts include the following items:
| Type of discount | Discount |
|---|---|
| Out of campus accommodation (only for married students arriving with spouse) | $6600.00 |
Due to course duration of 18+ months prior to student's full-time ability to work, applicant must demonstrate approximately $65,000 USD on his/her account upon applying for the Canadian Student visa. This is required to ensure that student has sufficient funds to pay for tuition, accommodation, living expenses (food, transport, etc).
Please note: the aforementioned balance may be presented to the Canadian Consulate as a combination of two or more balances on the applicant's account/s or his/her sponsor's account/s.
We have a flexible payment schedule that does not require students to pre-pay for the program in advance.
Our academy does not require students to pay for the entire flight training program in advance. We have a payment structure that needs to be followed by all students, with some exception. Students must submit the following payments:
| Refundable* enrollment deposit, which is a minimum of 5% of the base training cost ($2765.00) plus academic transcripts validation and certification fees ($550.00), plus HK Ferry Pilot employment serervation fee $1750.This deposit is included in the total flight training program estimate cost and is required for reservation of student's place in campus, classes, as well as fees for processing of paperwork. | $5065.00 |
| CFI flight training, accmmodation fees and goverment fees installment after the arrival in the United States. | $23395.00 |
| AAS tuition installment after completion of CFI licenses | $30127.00 |
| Student will pay the remaining charges, if applied, after completion of AAS degree | $1750, and applicable remaining charges |
Please note: conditions of security deposit refund are outlined in the flight training agreement, which students are required to sign upon enrollment and before any payments are due.
Eligible applicants can receive student loans to cover up to 100% of their tuition and living expenses.
Our company can provide administrative support for students to obtain Financial Aid from their respective banks and financial institutions. Such support is offered by providing conditional employment offer letters and training bond contracts. Read the details here >>>
Please note: Aerocadet does not provide flight training sponsorships. Please read the student loan information located via the above link thoroughly before applying for enrollment.
It is easy to enroll!
To enroll into this program, an applicant must have the following documents:
| Travel documents | Student must a valid, unexpired passport for international travel. |
| Pilot License | Student must have a current Commercial Pilot License with ASEL, AMEL and IR ratings, class I or II medical |
| Aeronautical Experience | 200+ hours. If Student does not have 200 hours, the ICAO to FAA license conversion cost will escalate at a rate of $175.00 per additional flight hour. Student will be responsible to complete the flight hours using the FTP's single- or multi-engine available rental aircraft. |
| Education | Student must be a high school graduate, and must have a full a certificate of secondary education, such as "high school diploma" or "O-levels" or "GED" or equivalent certificates. |
| English test | IELTS General with min score of 5.5 (or better); or TOEFL iBT with min score of 70; or TOEFL cBT with min score of 240; or TOEIC General with min score of 400. |
| Maturity | Enrolling student must be either of 18 years of age, or must be able to achieve this age by the time he/she starts the program. |
| Health | Student must be able to qualify for the FAA class I medical. For the full list of medical criteria and disqualifying conditions please review this section >>> |
| Character | Student must be free of any criminal history, such as criminal convictions or DUIs. If traveled to the United States or the United States (Candian consulate cross-checks Canadian travel records with the U.S. travel records) in the past, student must have had no visa violations, such as illegal employment record or overstay. |
Sit back, relax, enjoy the flight: we are here to help you through this process!
If you need a personal consultation regarding the flight training program, please email one of our highly qualified consultants with a full list of your questions, and receive a structured response within 24 hours.
Take it home!
Download "Pathway" Program PDF Brochure
Don't think this program is for you? That's okay. We have several other program that might suit you better!
Got a question? Hang on, maybe we got an answer for you right here!
Yes, you can. We do not require you to high grades, just a full certificate of secondary education.
Yes, you do.
If you studied in English from grade 1 to grade 10, and this is the official language in the education system of your country (such as in India, South Africa, Kenya, Singapore and so on), you do not need to take an additional English test.
Yes, you do. You are enrolling into an ACADEMIC program, so you need to get an academic English test. Just an ICAO certification is not sufficient for this enrollment.
Very simple. Just go to this link: http://aerocadet.com/requirement#a3 Print out the requirements and take them to your medical doctor. He will screen you in accordance with all the specified on this page criteria and, if everything is okay, you are going to pass the FAA medical test.
The U.S. Department of State, which is responsible for issuing student visas of type F-1 variety, demands to see that you, or your sponsor has at least $67,000 USD on the account. The sum must show on the recent bank statement or an official letter from your or your sponsor’s financial institution. Without it, your F-1 student visa application will be rejected.
Yes, you can! If you have a current and valid ICAO PPL, you can get a discount of $10,200 USD from either the FPAP-1 program or a full AAS degree program.
Yes, shortly after arriving in the U.S, students can apply for work on-campus only. Students are not allowed to work off-campus for the first 12 months from the date of their arrival in the United States. Please note: due to limited availability of non-pilot vacancies on campus, we can not guarantee that students will have an opportunity to work on-campus before achieving their flight instructor licenses.
Yes, in accordance with the CPT program rules, students are allowed to work on-campus as flight instructors. The work hours are limited to 20 hours per week. The pay is limited to $20 USD per flight hour.
Yes, in accordance with the OPT program rules, students are allowed to work for external employers, such as airlines and charter companies. The work hours are limited to 20 hours per week. The pay varies in accordance with specific airline's work rules and pay-scale.
No. All the required textbooks and study materials are included in the program cost estimate.
Like any other college in the US, we do not provide food, and we do not include its cost in the basic program cost ($56,883). However, the approximate cost of living expenses, including food, is included in the total program cost estimate ($67,000). Students normally use the café at the flight center for lunch. Breakfast and dinner is normally cooked by the students using the campus kitchenettes which are shared between 4-6 students. Flight training center has shuttles that takes students to popular grocery shopping places, such as Waldemar or Public supermarkets in order to stock up on the provisions.
Yes, you can! If you have a current and valid ICAO PPL, you can get a discount of $10,200 USD from either the FPAP-1 program or a full AAS degree program.
Yes, shortly after arriving in the U.S, students can apply for work on-campus only. Students are not allowed to work off-campus for the first 12 months from the date of their arrival in the United States. Please note: due to limited availability of non-pilot vacancies on campus, we can not guarantee that students will have an opportunity to work on-campus before achieving their flight instructor licenses.
Yes, in accordance with the CPT program rules, students are allowed to work on-campus as flight instructors. The work hours are limited to 20 hours per week. The pay is limited to $20 USD per flight hour.
You can review the full Frequently Asked Questions section here >>>