Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 3/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi

My Name is Jasper and i'm an Indian by nationality. but i reside in the United Arab Emirates, i have done most of my schooling here and i'm currently in the final year of college doing BBA Majoring in Finance. I Currently work for the Emirates Airlines as a Senior Admin Assistant, it is here where i started being fascinated about being a pilot. I would really like some guidance relating to the training programs, and about various internships that i can apply to, i would be done with my BBA by Jan 2009, and would like help to give me a head start with my applications, could you please help me.

Regards
Jasper

ANSWER: Sorry, I am not familiar with UAE requirements for pilots and pilot training. I am only familiar with training requirements in USA.

Good Luck
Ismar


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi

i'm sorry for not making my question clear early on. i have already checked and in the UAE pilot training is only provided for the local citizens, so could you please tell me of my options in the US, since i'm not a citizen in the US i would like to know what i have to do and the eligibility criteria i have to fulfill and how can i enroll for an intership as a cadet pilot with any of the major airlines

regards
jasper

Answer
OK, in order to start with pilot training in USA as an foreign citizen, you have to go through TSA aproval process. Takes pretty much around 1 month, usually depends how fast you fill an online application and send them all required documents and do fingerprinting. Process is usually done within 3-4 weeks.Before you complete TSA process you will have to have also an USA student visa, because that is requirement for pilot training. All this will be pretty much completed by school before you start your flight training and before you arrive in USA. Once completed you will be able to start with full time training for Private PilotLicense and continuewith Instrument rating and build hours toward an Commercial Pilot license. You will complete also commercial Pilot license and add an multi-engine rating to CPL. Usually this kind of program although very complex it will be costly to you. Generally cost for this kind of program "from zero to hero" how we call in USA usually cost in proximatelly between $50,000-80,000, depending on school to school. This would fulfill requirements to be in intership with smaller airline too. But this program really gets you to start flying an an airline crew memeber right after completation of training. Some of the schools are guarantee that you will have chance to get interview or even get hired right away after completation of program as an First Officer with small reginal airline.

Good Luck
Ismar