A tricky question !

[KD5UEN]

Let's say that I'm a international student at OSU, ACU, OU, NSULA ...wherever! Currently working my non-aviation degree, but still a private pilot (my certificate has been issued from a foreign PPL license), I would like to fly during the weekends. So, I decided to visit the local FBO to get some info about the rates to fly on a C172... That's fine, rates are 4 times cheaper than in my own country eek! ! As an AOPA member, I'm trying to improve my knowledge of those aviation skills by reading some good lines on a particular subject, talking to some flying fellows... For sure I wanna learn more. More than fly a nice C172 around the municipal airport, just for fun. But my status right now in the US is a "foreign student under F1 visa". ' doesn't matter, NOW, I would like to reach the next step: to work on a IFR Commercial certificate... and maybe further more! The background of "my" story done, here are my questions:

1/ Do you think that (as a commercial pilot wanabee) it would be much more easier to work on my non-aviation degree first, and then, as soon as I graduate, start my flight training next? (I mean during college working on an IT degree it might be hard to manage both..)

2/ Let's say that I passed the CFI ratings! Well done.. But I would like to know what are the requirements to become a freelance flightinstructor? I'm an AOPA member, but I don't know if I'm on the "Mentor" list I could teach some students (for free..) due to my foreign status there in the US. In other words, could I fly as a CFI during the breaks all along the year even if I don't have my legal resident process already done (I'm in..)?

It might be confusing, and for sure yes it is

Any inputs would be very appreciated... Studying in the US, flying during the vacations or others breaks seems to be very exciting and what a great achievement to gain the ATP rating almost at the end of your college classes

KD5UEN

 

[cessna_driver2]

As a freelance CFI there isn't much different than someone who is hired on at a company. (other than a steady pay check.) I'm not sure how the Private would convert over or how your instrument, commercial, and CFI would effect your private ticket.

Are you able to work with a student visa? Technically as a Freelance CFI you can be considered a self-employeed person.

So that may twist things up.

Call FSDO. You can get the number out of the AFD for you area.