“I did what I could, and it’s out of my control…” I’d been asleep about two hours before being awakened by the call. We had a long day and an early departure in the morning for Saudi Arabia. “I did what he could, and it’s out of my control,” said the heavily accented voice on the other end of the call. Our landing permit was denied due to a visa issue, according to our caller.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Khalid, Prince Sultan’s special guide with Captain Judy Rice during her round-the-world flight
What happens when you don’t have a visa?
The Saudi Arabia visa office had now denied our entry for the third time. I was in the United States for the first two denials, allowing time to visit the Embassy and locate Prince Sultan. And now, less than five hours before our intended Saudi Arabia landing, this presented a challenge to resolve.
Tourist visas did not exist in Saudi Arabia at the time of my world flight. Prince Sultan’s granted a special visitor pass because we were his guests. The Prince is an avid pilot, and he owns numerous aircraft. It was through his camaraderie that we were able to land and visit his lovely country.
I was now wide-awake and started making phone calls, the first to Rey’s cell phone. Rey was the Prince’s personal assistant. He reported that most of the palace was on holiday, including the Prince. He promised to do his best to locate the Prince. It was even later in the night when I received a call from Prince Sultan apologizing, stating the matter was resolved. So, I slept soundly for the remaining two hours knowing we were on the way to Saudi at sunrise.
Do all countries require visas?
Visas are a critical requirement for pilots to enter a country, even for a guest of a Prince. Special clearance was required as a security measure. During my world flight, most visas were either a tourist visa or special visa. Governments typically issue tourist visas, which are generally issued for a short stay and often include specific requirements while in the country. Another example of a special tourist visa would be my flight into Cuba. Cuba granted a tourist card listing prohibited areas for visitors.
Do visas guarantee entry into a country?
As I nearly experienced in Saudi, they do not guarantee the visitor entry into a country. This is true for all countries, including the United States. The immigration official at the port of entry determines eligibility into their country. Entry for international students into the United States requires one of two visa options, the F1 and the M1.
What is an M-1 visa?
The government issues an M1 to students who are going to attend a non-academic or vocational school. Epic has approval to issue the M1 as a technical and vocation program. The government does not permit M1 students to work until they complete training. It is very difficult to receive M1 work approval. It is costly, and fees are non-refundable with a long response on denial or approval, and work is permitted for only a short time in the field of study. We encourage you to prepare ahead of time for your visa interview.
What is an F-1 visa?
The F1 allows employment in the United States for full-time students attending an accredited college or university. Students must maintain a full course load as a full-time student. The government may grant the student part-time employment, but only on-campus and with limited hours. Also, the work must be practical training not available in their country.
There are many types of visas in the United States and other countries. People sometimes hire special legal advisors to assist with understanding the process for obtaining a visa. Epic provides the M1 Visa to its students, and we support you with the highest quality flight training programs.
Editors may update content periodically to ensure all information remains current.
I also intend to apply for an EAA Aviation Foundation Flight Training Scholarship to support part of my training costs. Before beginning the enrollment process, I would appreciate clarification on the following: Do you accept international students from Uganda and issue Form I-20 for the appropriate student visa? Could you provide a detailed estimate of the total cost of completing the full training pathway from zero flight experience through PPL, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Licence, and Multi-Engine Rating? What is the expected duration of the entire program if undertaken on a full-time basis? Would your academy accept funds awarded through an EAA Aviation Foundation Flight Training Scholarship? What amount of financial proof would I be required to demonstrate before you can issue my Form I-20? What application, enrollment, I-20 processing, SEVIS, training deposit, or other upfront fees would I need to pay? In the event that my U.S. student visa application is unsuccessful, which deposits or fees would be refundable? What accommodation options are available or recommended for international students, and what approximate monthly living expenses should I budget for? Are there any additional requirements for international students, such as TSA approval, FAA medical certification, English proficiency testing, or other documentation? Could you also provide information about the typical training schedule, aircraft availability, and average number of flight hours students require to complete the program?
So I need to get passport first and how do I get admission to study at USA and can I get scholarship base on my certificate or I'm to finance every thing
Hello, I am an Indian student interested in FAA CPL and CFI training. Could you please confirm: 1. Is your flight training program approved for an F-1 student visa?
2. Are international students eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after completing the CFI/CFII program?
3. Have you previously hired Indian international students as paid flight instructors under OPT?
4. What is the typical monthly flight time for newly hired instructors? Thank you.
Yes, I have a few questions:
What is the total estimated cost from zero experience to CFI, including all fees (flight hours, fuel, exams, materials)?
Are there any additional or hidden costs not included in the published tuition?
Do you offer any scholarships, discounts, or financial aid options for international students?
If I indicate that I do not currently have full funding, are there any opportunities for reduced tuition or payment plans?
Do you assist international students with the M-1 visa process step by step?
Is housing available for students, and what are the monthly living costs?
What is the average time required to complete the full program?
What are the job opportunities after graduation, especially for international students becoming flight instructors at Epic?
I only have a tourist visa and have been to the U.S. three times in the last two years. I would like to know if I need any kind of authorization to take the course. Also, I’m concerned that I might not have enough funds to support myself in the country and cover the course fees, so I’m willing to work or contribute in some way to the School or to the funders.
I have a few questions: 1. What is the total cost for 60 hours of hour building?
2. Can I complete the 60 hours in approximately 12 days if flying 6 hours per day?
3. What visa type is required for this training?
4. Do you provide accommodation for international students, and what is the cost?
5. Can these flight hours be credited toward future CPL/ATPL training?
6. What aircraft are available for hour building?
My name is Saleh Alghwiri, and I am a retired military pilot with extensive aviation operational experience. I am currently exploring the transition from military aviation to civilian aviation through FAA certification and professional flight training in the United States. My background includes military flight operations, aviation coordination, mission planning, and operational safety experience. I am particularly interested in understanding the most efficient pathway for converting my military flight experience into FAA civilian licenses and ratings. I would appreciate more information regarding: * FAA conversion options for former military pilots
* Credit for previous military flight experience
* Commercial Pilot and Instrument Rating pathways
* Multi-Engine training requirements
* Estimated training duration and total costs
* International student support and visa process I am highly motivated to continue my aviation career internationally and would value the opportunity to discuss how Epic Flight Academy can support this transition. Please let me know the next steps and any documents required for evaluation. Thank you for your time and assistance. Kind regards, Saleh Alghwiri
Phone: +44 795350383
Email: [email protected]
1. What is the realistic, average total cost for an international student to complete a zero-to-MEI program at your school, and do you offer a pay-as-you-fly structure rather than requiring large upfront block payments? 2. Regarding F-1 visa sponsorship, does your academy hire its own graduates as flight instructors, and is there a defined, reliable pathway for international students to actually build hours working under CPT and OPT? 3. Could you provide details on the specific make, model, and average age of your primary training fleet, as well as whether you handle your aircraft maintenance in-house? 4. When you provide a comprehensive financial quote, does that estimated total accurately reflect external expenses such as FAA written exams, DPE (examiner) checkride fees, and the aircraft rental for the checkrides themselves?
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About the Author
Captain Judy Rice
Captain Judy Rice is an aviation legend. She is best known for circumnavigating the globe in a Citation Mustang while engaging 20,000+ students in 24 countries on her Think Global Flight in 2015. She even broke a world speed record on this flight and was accompanied by astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin for much of the trip.
(L-R) Edwin Sahakian, John Friedman, Buzz Aldrin, and Judy Rice: Burbank, CA to Burbank, CA World Flight 2015
Epic Flight Academy named its library in honor of Captain Judy Rice.
