South Korean Pilot Program

Are you from South Korea and interested in becoming an airline pilot?

We have designed Epic Flight Academy’s South Korean Pilot Program to train pilots under the Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA) with structured flight training. We take you from zero experience to a successful career as an airline pilot. The program supports students who speak English as a second language. The aviation industry requires the ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently for most employees and all pilots. Therefore, our flight school students have access to English tutoring to develop Aviation English skills during Ground School training.

How many South Korean students has Epic trained?

Epic has trained thousands of international students from 80+ countries for jobs in aviation. This includes many from South Korea. We provide a complete pilot program for South Korean students to reach their dream airline job. For example, Epic graduate Tae Hyun Hwang flies for Eastar Jet. Most importantly, the demand for airline pilots is at an all-time high. Therefore, aspiring aviators are seeking the most cost-effective and time-efficient program to receive flight training and begin their airline pilot careers.

What are the requirements to begin the South Korean Pilot Program?

• First, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Also, you must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Next, students must be able to obtain an FAA medical certificate.
• Most importantly, you must be proficient in English.
• Additionally, you must hold a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration.
• Furthermore, will need to apply for and receive an M1 visa.
• Finally, you must be available to be a full-time student 5 days per week.

Check Flight School Eligibility!

What is the cost of the program?

Can I transfer to your flight school?

If you have already logged flight training hours, we can accept you as a transfer student regardless of how much training you have had.

What are the hiring requirements for airlines in South Korea?

Depending on the airline, additional time building flight hours may be required. Generally, South Korean airlines require a total of 300 hours. Therefore, our students typically need an additional *160 hours of time building if they finish their commercial training within the estimated 140 hours described in the cost breakdown.

*Pilot-In-Command Time Building: 160 Hours

View Pilot Hiring Requirements for these South Korean Airlines:

Below are links for hiring requirements for top airlines in South Korea. Note: These requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the airline. Therefore, refer to the airline directly for the latest information. 

• Air Busan
• Eastar Jet
• Air Inchean
• Air Pohang
• Asiana Airlines and Asiana Airlines Cargo
• Air Seoul
• Jeju Air
• Jin Air
• Korean Air
• Korean Air Cargo
• T’way Air

What is the KOCA South Korean Pilot Conversion process?

Once South Korean students complete their FAA pilot training at Epic, they will need to officially convert their licenses to meet the requirements of the Korean Office of Civil Aviation. For the FAA CPL Conversion to KOCA, follow these steps:

At Epic Flight Academy:

• Minimum 250 flight hours
• 250 hours PIC

Once back in South Korea:

• Complete Medical Check (White Card)
• Wireless Communication Test
• Korean Aviation Law Test
• Aviation Knowledge Oral Test
• Real Flight Test

How much do pilots earn in South Korea?

If you’re thinking about attending flight school in order to become a commercial pilot, it is a good idea to research pilot income in South Korea. Pilot salaries vary among airlines as well as pilot experience and type ratings. The reported base salary in 2019 for pilots in Korea averaged 62,557,607 (KRW) per year. This is equal to $51,371 (USD). A new pilot’s starting pay is typically around 43,691,753 (KRW), and an experienced airline pilot would earn approximately 78,235,746 (KRW) each year. Many airlines in Korea also pay bonuses to pilots. It is important to research airlines pay rates and benefits when you are deciding where to work as a pilot. You can also read our article about pilot salaries to learn about pilot wages in other countries and other salary information.

Relocation & Transportation Assistance

We understand that selecting and applying to a flight school, and arranging travel and housing, if necessary, can be very stressful. However, our pilot training facility assists you in arranging each detail, As a result, your transition here is simple and easy. Visit our Student Life section for more information on our student amenities, transportation, events, and activities.

What else should I know about Epic’s South Korean Pilot Program?

Transferable FAA Pilot Programs

Epic’s flight training courses are the leading United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Professional Pilot courses. All Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA), including the Korea Office of Civil Aviation. This agency recognizes FAA-issued certificates. FAA approved flight courses are the key to pilot career opportunities. This is because they require English proficiency and successful completion of an ICAO Level 4 English language endorsement. Most importantly, airlines that fly routes between countries with different native languages require you to speak English.

Virtual Online Flight Academy

Epic Flight Academy provides important resources for its international flight students. For instance, our Online Virtual Flight Academy lets you connect with your FAA Flight Instructor and classmates before you arrive here in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Likewise, the online, interactive pilot training course helps you develop aviation skills and build a knowledge base of aviation terms and resources. Above all, you have an advantage when you begin attending Epic’s Ground School. For example, we share training videos on Cessna 172s, aircraft systems, aircraft performance, FAA regulations, and the New Smyrna Beach Airport. South Korean Pilot Program students can start their training from home. Also, you can try our free Demo Online Course.

Aviation Skill Development (ASD) and Private Pilot Ground School

Epic is the only flight school to offer this unique ASD course. For example, during this phase of flight training, ground school students will build on the information they gained from the Virtual Flight Academy. Additionally, they start flight simulator training. In other words, the purpose of ASD is to familiarize students with the Cessna 172 and the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Most importantly, ASD increases students’ safety and awareness.

What if I have other questions?

Certainly, you can view the most Frequently Asked Questions for international students. Also, you can also post questions and comments in our Pilot Forum. Most importantly, we are here to help and look forward to answering your questions. You are welcome to contact us anytime!