What happens after Career Pilot School?

[British Wannabe]

The accelerated program at CPS looks great and from what I have read on jetcareers everyone is more than happy with the program. But my question is as someone who is a British Citizen applying for a green card to live and work in the U.S. what happens once you graduate?

It seems at CPS they will do a great job at getting you the licenses but do they help with getting your first job at a regional?

I`ve looked at other companies that have preferential terms with several airlines and are able to get you into them. One flight school will get you directly into the airlines without ever needing to instruct if you pay a huge amount of money for their program?

I understand its easy for any flight school to say how much they can do and alot can be down to marketing to get you in but even on CPS website they say they have no agreements nor do they want them!

Thats great in one way because they have a great program and are confident with what they do but I can`t help feeling like if I graduated, they have done their bit and thats that. Now go find yourself a job!?

I am not expecting to be spoon fed a job just because I would be paying over $60k for the program but at this amount of money you want the reassurance of them heling you to achieve your first position.

Apologies for the long post, just grateful to hear how the process works at CPS and what to expect?


Danny

[Patrick]

Danny-

You mention some excellent points and concerns. The first question I have for you, is are you looking for an airline job or an instructing job out of school?

We do not have "hiring alliances" with any airlines. Some schools will promise you an interview, and they will make good on that promise, but it is only that- an interview. It is up to you to get the job.

The schools that "promise" you a job are giving you a lot of marketing to get you in and out and we simply do not do that. Unless you are referring to the schools that will then let you PAY to have a First Officer position, there are no guarantees in this business.

With regard to Career Pilot School, I will assure you, that you will receive very personalized attention during your time here, and after you complete the program we will work very hard with you to find you a job- whether that means you want to instruct, fly as SIC in a part 91 or 135 operation, or make it to the regionals.

We care about each and every one of our students, whether they are pre or post graduate.

Please PM me to discuss this further, or drop me an email at patrick.lee@careerpilotschool.com

[unclenobby]

Danny, do you have a valid work permit for the US?

It is my understanding that you can come over here and learn to fly on a J-visa and have some very limited opportunity to work on that Visa (maybe as an instructor at the school you attend) , but I doubt a regional or other outfit will look at you without a passport or greencard (a company can sponsor you on a H visa which is valid for 2 years and can be renewed 2 times. The H visa carries restrictions however as you cannot change employers freely. But why would a company go through the paperwork etc when they can get an equally qualified US citizen for a lot less hassle).

I do not want to sound discouraging but would just like to let you know of possible obstacles you may encounter. Make sure you know the score on visa issues before you fork out the big money.

Best of luck

[Patrick]

M-1 Visas are for student use, J-1 Visas are for employment. In this case, it sounds like he will have a green card which will enable him to obtain employment within the US.

Your point is well taken, however with the current rate of hiring at the regionals, this is less of an issue than it may seem (that is my understanding at least). I do know of a few non US citizens flying in the states on green cards. Right now, they simply cannot get enough pilots.

[unclenobby]

Agreed, if he has a green card he's golden!

It's not apparent however from the post above if he has one, can get one, or is just pure hoping to get one.

I've been through the process and know "getting one" is not as easy as it sounds. It means either being sponsored by an immediate family member who has a green card(parents or siblings), getting hitched to a citizen or legal resident, winning it in the green card lottery (yes this exists) or some kind of amnesty for illegal aliens.

[nkoenig]

Originally Posted by unclenobby

Agreed, if he has a green card he's golden!

It's not apparent however from the post above if he has one, can get one, or is just pure hoping to get one.

I've been through the process and know "getting one" is not as easy as it sounds. It means winning it in the green card lottery (yes this exists) or some kind of amnesty for illegal aliens.

Green Card Lottery?? WTF?? Some govt we have..

[British Wannabe]

Just to clear things up about my situation and a green card. I am not using the `green card lottery` as a means of obtaining permanent residence.

I have immediaite family who are sponsoring me who are U.S. Citizens, I will not know more about my case until another few weeks have passed as I am waiting for the immigration lawyer to return from their holiday.


Danny

[Patrick]

Keep us posted on how you make out with immigration!