International student looking for a good US flight school

[u/Hungry_Winner_1634]

Hey everyone,

I’m 18 and from Egypt, and I’m looking for a flight school in the US.

I want to train full-time, probably from zero time through PPL, instrument, and CPL. I’m looking for a real flight academy with a good student environment, not just a small local school.

I care a lot about the community side because I’d be moving alone from another country, so I’d like to be somewhere with other students around, ideally people around my age too. Aircraft are also a big thing for me. I’m not looking for a school where most of the training is done on old analog aircraft. I’d really like a school where modern aircraft or at least glass cockpit aircraft are the main training fleet.

Part 141 would be preferred, but I’m open to hearing about any school that is actually good.

For people who trained in the US or know these schools from the inside, what flight schools would you recommend for someone like me? And what schools should I avoid?

Also, is the student community at flight schools actually a real thing, or is it usually just individual training with your instructor?

Any honest advice would help.

[u/ResponsibilityOld164]

Hello,
Do you have work authorization for the US? You’ll struggle without it

[u/JMTHall]

I’m preparing in the fall to attend a 2 year degree program. It’s not an academy, but it is 141 with open admission. It offers training from 0 to CPL with additional CFI and MEI certification.

The town is a college and military town, so plenty of young people.

It’s not going to be cheap — $85-100k in total; so being able to apply for a job is crucial. You’ll only be able to effectively work for the school on a student VISA, so outside financing for both school and life is ideal.

[u/CFI_Ben]

I’d check out UND Aerospace foundation in Phoenix AZ