It seems that I need to adjust my priorities compared to my plan that I made in December.
Currently, due to my job, I have to remain in Moscow, which means I am unable to fly at the moment. Moreover, obtaining US visas has become more challenging, and the risk of not being granted an F1 visa is quite high. Therefore, it seems safer to pursue my FAA CPL now, utilizing my M1 visa, and potentially postpone or even abandon the FAA instructor programs – CFI/CFII/MEI. It’s worth noting that the FAA CFI(I) license is only useful within the US.
To meet the minimum requirements for the CPL, I need approximately 100 more flight hours, including around 15 hours of complex aircraft time (retractable gear, constant-speed prop, flaps) and 2 hours of night flying. With dedicated effort, this is an achievable goal within two months. I have already made good progress in preparing for the written test, so I can make the most of my free time for flying.
I have reached out to a Polish flight school regarding their EASA ATPL theory classes, which are scheduled to start this October. This aligns perfectly with my current schedule.
Therefore, my new plan is as follows:
- Obtain FAA CPL under the M1 visa before the end of this summer;
- Complete EASA ATPL theory before spring 2019;
- Obtain EASA IR (Instrument Rating) after passing the ATPL theory exams;
- Obtain EASA CPL after acquiring the EASA IR.
Naturally, I will make an effort to secure a job immediately after obtaining my FAA CPL, although it appears highly unlikely for a new pilot with a FAA license who is not a US resident. I was aware of this challenge from the beginning. However, for now, it’s better to focus on obtaining my license rather than pondering too much about the distant future. I will address that when the time comes. Life presents its challenges, and flying is enjoyable even the way it is!
Leave a Reply