Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/29/2010

Question
Hi I have a friend who lives in Tehran,Iran.He is 34 years old and interested to become a pilot in commercial pilot education. his name is Vahid. because of problems in communication in Iran and internet blockage in Iran,he asked me to find out for him. He wants to know mainly if the school would offer a visa during his training,and how long is the training and what is the cost of his education?

Answer
Hi,

Thank you for asking this question.

If your friend decides to attend a four year college or university in the USA to pursue flight training to be a commercial pilot, then, that university's or college's International Student Department will work on the visa issues with your friend. Given that the nation involved is Iran, expect that the U. S. Department of State and other federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration will be involved as well.  Remember that all international flight students at colleges, regardless of the nation involved, must also be approved via the flight school by the TSA.  Documents identifying the student (passport, visa and so forth) must be filed via the flight school for this approval.

As far as similar regulations in other nations, I am not sure.  That will have to be checked with each nation for each school he might want to attend.

An easy way for him to get information on which schools in the USA offer flight training is to order a copy of the publication THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE.  It is available from the University Aviation Association at their website of www.uaa.aero or by calling 334-844-2434.  This book lists well over 100 such schools and then you or your friend can contact those of interest to find out about costs and length of study.  A general rule of thumb is that a four year degree at a university or college flight program will cost:

$15,000 to $25,000 per year for regular college costs (room and board, tuition, books)=  A four year cost of $60,000 to $100,000 US for that part plus anywhere from $35,000 to 65,000 US for the flight training part.  So, $95,000 to $165,000 US over four years....somewhat cheaper at a two year degree granting school but a BS or BA degree would be recommended for airline employment.  

Or, if he has a degree already, he can go to a flight school that does only the flight training and get it done in a year or so for about $60,000 to 90,000.  Schools like Flight Safety Academy, Delta Connection Academy, Gulfstream Academy and ATP would be examples.

I wish your friend the best!

David A. NewMyer