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International Flight Training Academy

You are welcome here.

Aviation is a global community. And so are we.

For the last four decades, thousands of pilots from more than 75 countries have started their career paths with HAA, earning us a global reputation as one of the world’s largest airplane and helicopter flight schools. More than anything else, the history of flight has been about connecting countries and communities across the globe. And our aspiring pilots choose this career path in part because of a desire to see the world and connect with other global citizens.

With the F-1 visa program, students have the opportunity for up to 23 months of work authorization after their training, typically as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), to build the flight hours that employers require. And our joint EASA/FAA programs for both airplane and helicopter students create truly global pilots, with the ability to fly professionally in any license-accepting country across the world.

Visa Programs

We’re proud to offer international flight training students the choice to train on either the F-1 and M-1 visa. Very few flight schools are approved to provide the application paperwork for an F-1 visa which provides international students with the opportunity for up to two years of internship/work authorization post-training in order to build the flight hours that employers seek.

The F-1 visa program is designed for professional pilot training, either airplane or helicopter, from zero hours to initial flight instructor rating. The F-1 visa is issued for both the professional pilot airplane and helicopter programs and may be extended if the training is not completed with valid reasons. Upon completion of the CFI rating, students may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students are required to have a pilot job prior to applying for CPT. CPT will be approved in three month increments for a maximum of 11.5 months. Ninety (90) days prior to completion of CPT, the student may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Once the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has been received, the OPT period is 12 additional months, and the student may apply for work as a commercial pilot in the United States. If employment is not started within 90 days of the start date on the EAD, the student’s visa will automatically be ended and they must leave the country. The student must leave the country within 60 days after expiration of the EAD. CPT/OPT may be an internship as a pilot at Hillsboro Aero Academy or an externship at another flight school or aviation company.

The M-1 visa is used for both short-term vocational education experiences, e.g. Private or Commercial Pilot Certificates, as well as full professional pilot programs. The M-1 visa may be issued for a maximum of 12 months, but you may apply for an extension of up to 12 months for a nominal fee. When on an M-1 visa, a student cannot change to an F-1 (academic) or employment visa.

International Regions

Asia-Pacific

HAA’s pilot training programs adhere to the standards set by aviation regulatory agencies in multiple Asia-Pacific countries, including Vietnam’s CAAV. We’re also proud of our longtime partnership with Korea Aerospace University to train pilots for Korean Air.  We’ve built a welcoming community for students from the region, with many student support resources to ensure their success.

Our strong history in the region is the result of:

    • Partnerships formed with many APAC-based airlines, producing more employment opportunities for students from the region
    • Our Asia Program, with staff dedicated to ensuring the quality of the experience for APAC students
    • A strong reputation among our pilot graduates from the region
    • High representation from the region among our Certified Flight Instructors
    • Our Hillsboro Campus location outside Portland, OR, with its large and diverse Asian community

Europe

We’re proud to be the only flight school in the US with both the ability to offer the paperwork to apply for an F-1 visa and airplane and helicopter training programs certified by EASA, the aviation authority for the European Union.

HAA’s established reputation in this region is the result of:

    • Partnerships with well-established operators in Europe
    • Joint EASA/FAA programs that provide considerable cost and time-savings for students
    • EASA Program Manager who oversees our European students and guides them during the training process
    • An EASA-approved testing center that offers testing 6 times per year
    • High representation from this region among our Certified Flight Instructors
    • Flight conditions that resemble those of central Europe, with broad valleys and rugged mountain ranges, variable weather, and temperate climate

India

HMAP is a strategic partnership for the countries of India and UAE between Hillsboro Aero Academy and Maharaja Aviation, an Indian aviation company, to deliver professional and industry-aligned pilot training. This collaboration reflects our commitment to develop highly-skilled pilots and providing them with qualifications the aviation industry is seeking. HMAP sets a new benchmark for integrated pilot training for cadets from India and the UAE, fostering safety, efficiency, and professionalism. Maharaja Aviation provides complete, in-country personalized guidance and support to aspiring pilots to facilitate a smooth admission, visa application, and training experience at HAA’s campuses. Under HMAP, cadets are also supported by Maharaja Aviation’s team of professionals in the DGCA/GCAA qualification process. Cadets who will become pilots under HMAP will be enrolled as a member, at no additional cost, in Maharaja Aviation Pilot Placement (MAPP) database to enhance their aviation opportunities.

For enrollment information, please contact Maharaja Aviation at:
Email: admissions@maharajaaviation.com
Phone: +917738500869
Website: Maharaja Aviation

International Flight Training FAQs

Can international students apply for a U.S. visa to train at HAA?

Yes. Students have the opportunity to apply for the F-1 or M-1 visa. F-1 visa applicants may also be eligible for up to 23 months of work authorization after training, typically as a Certified Flight Instructor.

What makes HAA a strong option for international pilot training?

HAA provides pathway opportunities to becoming a professional pilot through joint EASA/FAA training programs, global partnerships, and a strong international student community representing more than 75 countries.

Which regions does HAA serve for international flight training?

HAA welcomes students from Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, and beyond. The academy has dedicated regional programs, partnerships with airlines, and staff focused on supporting students through their training journey.