How to Enroll as an International Student
Overview
Our program, specially created for international students, is an accelerated program that has been designed to take you from zero experience all the way to commercial pilot in 6 months. This fast-paced course will prepare you for a variety of jobs in the United States and other countries.
The course is broken down into 3 phases:
Private Pilot: 35 hours / Cessna 172
Instrument Pilot: 35 hours / Cessna 172
Commercial Pilot: 120 Hours
Student Life
Ocean Aviation is located in one of America’s finest resort towns, Ocean City, Maryland. While students are studying with us we expect them to dedicate a large portion of their time to study, however, we also understand the need for recreation.
Our world-class beaches are a perfect place to go after class. We are located right next to Assateague Island Park, Maryland’s premier state park with many trails, and camping available. Food shopping could not be easier with a fresh grocery store nearby. For a night out, there are plenty of restaurants offering many unique dishes to visitors of Ocean City.
Enrollment
As a Foreign Flight Student Enrolling in Ocean Aviation’s International Flight Training Programs, procedures for applying for flight training in the United States may seem difficult. We are here to help you throughout the process.
Complete Our Online Application. Our application for enrollment can be found right on our website. Once your application is received by our enrollment office, our staff will review your application. Our admissions office will contact you and you will be asked to submit a copy of your passport. You will also be asked to submit proof of funds. The M1 visa is a student visa. It does not allow you to work in the United States. Therefore, we are required to request proof that you have funding available to complete the course plus room and board. You will also be required to have health insurance while in the United States.
Submit $795.00 I20 Processing Fee. Once you are notified via e-mail that you have been accepted into our flight training program, your next step will be to submit your $795.00 application fee. Ocean Aviation will provide instructions for wiring once you are accepted. The I-20 application fee is non-refundable. Once we receive your application fee, we will send you an admissions letter as well as a student agreement and an I-20 form. All forms will be sent to your home address by express mail.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVIS I-901. Once you have received your I20 from Ocean Aviation Flight Academy, log onto the Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVIS I-901 Fee processing website, https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/paying-the-i-901-sevis-fee. Here you can review and pay your I-901 fee.
Sign and Return your Flight Training Agreement along with your initial deposit. Once initial deposit is received, your class schedule will be created, assuring you a position in the class of your choice. The student flight training agreement and initial deposit must be returned no later than thirty days prior to your class date. Paragraph #18 of your student agreement states the funds you will need to place on an account.
Complete Your TSA Screening. In order to receive flight training in the United States, foreign students must complete a United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Flight Training Security Program (FTSP). Simply click on the US Department of State Website, https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home and click on “Registration Options > Candidate Portal” on the top right of the page.
Here are a few items that students usually need assistance in completing…
- Pay directly to the TSA the $130 processing fee.
- You MUST give your Last Name and Your First Name
- Training Request Course Name: Initial
- Aircraft Type is the particular aircraft model you will be flying to earn your rating, for example, Cessna 172
- Category is 3; this signifies aircraft under 12,500 lbs.
- You will also need to upload a clear color copy of your passport and your visa.
TSA Fingerprinting Regulations. The TSA requires fingerprinting of all international students prior to beginning flight training. If you can secure your fingerprints prior to your arrival, this will enable you to begin your training with little to no delay. If your fingerprint is not processed prior to your arrival to the United States, we can make arrangements for fingerprinting to be accomplished on the day of your enrollment. Additional charges will apply for transportation to fingerprinting.
Arrive in the United States and Begin Training for Your New Career. Students arriving in the United States must report to Ocean Aviation Flight Academy within two days of entry into the United States. We will be ready to greet you and begin your new adventure of becoming a professional commercial pilot.
STUDENT MUST PROVIDE ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO TSA UPON ENROLLMENT INCLUDING CURRENT PASSPORT, STUDENT PHOTO, AND ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUESTED. OCEAN AVIATION MUST RETAIN THESE RECORDS FOR FIVE YEARS.
Financial Information
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program require that all foreign students provide proof of funds prior to being accepted into our flight school. Therefore, please provide a bank statement indicating that funding for your flight training is available.
Funding for your flight training will be required as per your Student Training Agreement