The F-1 Visa Program Is An Important Part Of The Equation

International students interested in doing their helicopter training in the US, just got a chance to learn in a more comprehensive licensing framework. Hillsboro Heli Academy has received approval to conduct professional helicopter pilot training in accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.

The approval comes through a partnership with Austria-based helicopter flight school RotorSky -- reportedly making them the only helicopter flight school in the US that is able to offer joint FAA/EASA training under the F-1 visa. 
 
This program offers significant time and cost savings for European students. Historically these students have needed to complete separate EASA conversion training in Europe after their FAA training in the U.S. Under the new joint FAA/EASA program, students complete FAA and EASA training on parallel tracks, over an estimated 15-21 months total vs. the typical 24-36 months.

Between the parallel training path and the lower hourly costs, students may save as much as 30-40%, and they are ready to be employed immediately after training rather than delaying their career for EASA conversion.

The F-1 visa program is an important part of the equation.

Most U.S. helicopter schools are approved for only the M-1 visa, which does not allow the student to complete enough training hours to meet the minimums that European employers require. With the F-1 visa, students can continue to earn flight hours in the US for up to 23 months under the F-1 visa’s Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) rules.

Students who qualify can also receive employment as Certified Flight Instructors for HAA while building their hours.

FMI: https://flyhaa.com/