Aviation Pacific

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Requirements

What is an I-20 and how do I get one?

An I-20 is a document issued by Aviation Pacific which authenticates that you have been admitted for flying training to the school. To get an I-20, fill in the on-line application form and arrange to pay the required fee. The payment should be wire-transfered to the school account. When the money has been received (including the prescribed fee), the I-20 will be issued to you.

Please read the instruction before you fill in your application form.

Where do I pay the VISA fee?

At the nominated HDFC bank.

Click here for complete instructions

Can I undertake flying training if I have a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 Visitors VISA has been issued to you to visit the USA.

For flying training you require an M-1 VISA. It will be unlawful if you undertake flying training while you are in the USA under another VISA.

Can I reapply, if I have been rejected an M-1 VISA?

Yes you may, and you will be required to follow the same procedure for the initial issuance of the VISA. However, you must clearly show, how conditions have changed for the reason your visa was initially refused.

Can I work while I am training at Aviation Pacific?

Unlike students on an F-1 VISA, under the provisions for an M-1 Visa, a student is not allowed campus work at present.

What is SEVIS and how do I complete the SEVIS requirements?

SEVIS is an acronym for Student Exchange Visitor Exchange Visitor Information System. The system is on-line and can be completed on the Internet. Click here for more information

What is TSA and when should I start my TSA application?

Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You should start TSA once you have been granted a VISA. You must complete the submission of the required information. Your flying training cannot commence unless you have been cleared by the TSA. Click here for more information.

What are the TSA requirements I need to follow while I am under training?

The M-1 Visa granted to you, is for your flying training only at Aviation Pacific. As a full time student of the school, you are required to remain in close contact with the school authorities at all times. The school is obliged, under the law, to inform the authorities if you have been out of contact. After you report for training, please ensure that you are in compliance with all TSA regulations.

DGCA Medicals

Where can I get a list of DGCA Class 2 Aeromedical examiners?

You can get a list of the Class 2 Aeromedical examiners from the DGCA website. This list is arranged in the four major regions of India. Scroll down to your region and arrange an appointment with any doctor. You are not obligated to visit the doctor in your region. You may choose any doctor convenient to you.

Click here for the complete list.

What happens if I cannot get back in time to renew my DGCA Class 1 medical examination?

If you are still under flight training and cannot get back to renew you Class 1 medical, then under the rules, you may write to the office of the DGCA and request for an extension for the renewal of your medical. Under normal circumstances, renewal is possible up to 2 years, beyond which you have to re-initiate the whole Class 1 medical process from the beginning. At Aviation Pacific, we provide the required documentation for this.

Can I undergo flying training in the USA without doing my DGCA Class 1 medical?

Technically speaking, you do not require a DGCA Class 1 medical to start training in another country. However, you must clearly understand that you are putting to risk the entire effort of securing an FAA license and the financial investment toward this effort. It is always advisable to clearly determine your medical fitness before investing in flying training.

What is a PMR number?

A PMR (Previous Medical Record) number is a permanent file number assigned by the office of the DGCA, wherein all your previous medical records are maintained. This number is allotted to you when you submit your medical papers for a Class 2 medical certificate, referred to as the Medical Assessment Form.

DGCA Examinations

What is the validity of the DGCA ground exams ?

The examination is valid for 2 years. You will be required to complete the required flying within this period.

How often are the DGCA exams held ?

Flight Crew Examinations conducted by Chief Examining Officer (CEO) are normally held four times in a year in the months of January, April, July and October. The information regarding the tentative date of commencement of examination for each Session, last date for submission of application for allotment of Computer Number and application for Written Examination for a Calendar Year is given from time to time on the DGCA Website.

Where are the exam centers?

General papers of CPL Examination are conducted at:

Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
IGRUA
Kanpur
Kolkata
Mumbai
New Delhi.

What type of exams are these and what is the passing percentage?

A candidate who secures a minimum of 70% marks in the written examination of a particular subject will be declared PASS.

What is a computer number and how do I get one?

The Computer Number is a permanent number allotted to a particular candidate for appearing in any of the Flight Crew Examinations conducted by Chief Examining Officer. The application for allotment of Computer Number can be downloaded from the DGCA website. The duly completed Application Form along with requisite documents should be forwarded to:

Director of Airworthiness (CEO), O/o the DGCA,

East Block III, Level III,

R.K. Puram,

New Delhi - 110066.

The last date of submission of application for each session of a calendar year shall be as given on DGCA website. Incomplete / incorrect Application Form shall be liable for rejection.

For more information click here

How do I apply for the examinations?

Application Form for written / oral examination can be downloaded from DGCA website. The dully filled in application along with requisite fees should be forwarded to:

Director of Airworthiness (CEO), O/o the DGCA,

East Block III, Level III,

R.K. Puram,

New Delhi - 110066.

Incomplete / incorrect Application Form shall be liable for rejection.

For more information, click here.

What is the examination fee and how do I pay?

Examination Fees @ Rs 500/- per paper in the form of Demand Draft shall be payable to:

"PAO, DGCA, MCA, New Delhi. "

No candidate will be permitted to withdraw his candidature after submitting / depositing his application in CEO and any request for adjustment of this fee for future examinations will not be entertained.

Flying Training in the U.S.A.

I am already in the USA on another VISA, are the procedures different for me?

You will still require an M-1 Visa and are required to comply with TSA requirements to undertake flying training. All the DGCA requirements with respect to medicals will apply. It will always be advisable to return to India and determine whether you are declared fit as per the DGCA Class 1 medical examination standards are concerned.

Can I do my flying training outside India?

The DGCA has accepted flying being conducted in one of the contracting states, meaning countries that conduct flying training under ICAO's recommendations. The USA, Canada, Australia, Philippines and South Africa are some of the countries where Indian students train. The USA is the most popular destination for flying training.

What is 'Shared Time' , is it acceptable according to Indian Rules?

Very briefly, Shared Time is where two pilots log PIC flying hours on the same flight. No, the DGCA, as well as some other regulatory authorities, do not accept 'shared time' being logged. This is also by our understanding of the Indian Aircraft Rules 1937 and the CAR issued form time to time.

At Aviation Pacific, there is NO shared time logged during training

Can the cost of my flying training escalate?

The cost of flying training projected, is estimated on the minimum hours you would need to reach the required standard of proficiency, for attaining a flying certificate. Training under FAA Part 61 requires a minimum of 250 hours of flying training.

Since not all students are equally talented, dedicated, focused and skilled, or for that matter, have the same aptitude for piloting skills, the individual cost of training is prone to differ. Also, every student would reach the required level of proficiency at different intervals of time.

While estimating the cost for flying training, it would be useful, to make provision for additional expenditure, in the event you may need the additional flying time. It is extremely important to remain focused and remain on call for flying training at all times.

At Aviation Pacific most students have been able to complete the training in the stipulated time frame of approx 252 hours, however, the individual duration to accomplish the required goals has varied.

FAA Medicals

Do I need an FAA medical certificate if I already have a DGCA Class 1 medical?

Yes, you will need an FAA medical certificate before starting flying training. Each regulatory authority requires a licensee to be in compliance to their own medical requirements.

Can I get an FAA medical certificate in India?

Yes, a few doctors in Mumbai have been authorized to conduct and issue FAA Class 1 and Class 2 Certificates.

How much does an FAA medical certificate cost in India?

Approximately Rs. 4500 to Rs. 5000. These charges are at the discretion of the doctor.

What are the various types of FAA medical certificates and what do I need for a CPL license?

For holding an FAA CPL, a minimum Class 2 medical is required. However, most students prefer to take an FAA Class 1 medical certificate.

How long does it take to get an FAA medical done?

This medical examination in normally completed within 2 hours.

Can you arrange for an appointment for an FAA medical appointment?

Yes, contact us for arranging an appointment for an FAA Class 1 medical appointment.

U.S. Medical Insurance

Is a medical insurance required for flying training?

Yes, under U.S regulation all international students are required to have a valid medical insurance policy. This insurance is required to cover hospital and other medical cost in the unfortunate event that such a contingency arises. This medical insurance can be taken in India or in the U.S.

You may check the cost of medical insurance in the US before taking up a policy here in India.

Is a flying training risk covered under a normal medical insurance?

A standard medical insurance policy that is available in the market will not cover flying risks. In other words, if you are hospitalized on account of an accident arising out of a flying incident, then those costs are not normally covered under the standard insurance policy. If you need flying risk coverage, you need to specifically mention this to your insurance agent. An additional premium is chargeable for this additional risk coverage. More..

Getting to Aviation Pacific

How do I get to Aviation Pacific after I land at Los Angles Airport (LAX)?

An inter-city airport coach service operated between LAX and Oxnard Airport. Departures are every two hours. All your baggage can be carried in this bus. When you reach Oxnard airport, you should take a taxi to the hotel; which is quite nearby.

Click here for more information.

Keep a receipt of the above expenses, as these would be reimbursed to you.

What are the accommodation options?

There are three accommodation options:

Channel Islands Inns & Suites: Located in Oxnard has been contracted for student accommodation

Family stay accommodation: This is an arrangement where you would live in with an American family and have an individual room. The cost of accommodation is the same, however all meals are provided with the accommodation.
Private Apartments: This is an arrangement essentially made by the students themselves after they have settled in for a while. A few student together rent private accommodation and stay together. This arrangement has the effect of lowering the cost of accommodation.

Students will be entirely responsible for their conduct and adherence to the local laws or any damage to property during their stay while under training. It would be wise to learn and understand local social laws before leaving for the U.S.

To ask a question, fill out our Enquiry form and someone will answer your questions.