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Nationally Accredited Flight Training Academy
Phoenix East Aviation, Inc.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I want to train to be a commercial pilot. What courses do you offer for me?
A: Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) is an approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 & 61 flight school. You can study and train for the following licenses: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument Instructor/Multi-Engine Instructor, as well as training to achieve Instrument, Multi-Engine and jet ratings. Request Flight School Information
 
Q: Why is an "FAA approved" flight school important for me?
A: Phoenix East is one of the few flight schools in the U.S. to have special FAA approval for a Commercial Pilot "Train to Proficiency" course. We are also allowed by the FAA to give students FAA flight exams right here in the school. The FAA evaluates and re-evaluates our flight instructors to make sure our exams meet their standards.
 
Q: Phoenix East is located in central Florida. Are there advantages for me to train there?
A: You bet. There are many advantages to our location. With approximately 350 flying days a year, you are assured of being able to fly according to YOUR preferred schedule rather than weather-dependent scheduling - and even complete your training faster, if you like. Our location at the Daytona Beach airport also gives you quick access to all runways to get you in the air faster. Great weather, easy access. Request PEA Flight School Information
 
Q: I'll be on a budget while training. What about living expenses in Daytona Beach?
A: That's another advantage to Phoenix East training. Not only is Daytona Beach a great life-style location, with perfect weather and easy access to miles of beautiful beaches to enjoy, but the cost of living is considerably lower than many other training locales. You can rent a great apartment for $500-800 a month; we'll help you find a place, and also help you find a student roommate, if you wish, for even greater savings on housing expenses. Beautiful beaches, great weather, lots to do - and it's very affordable. Not many other schools can offer such attractive living and learning.
 
Q: You say Phoenix East is a nationally accredited school; what does that mean to me?
A: PEA is nationally accredited through the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). This guarantees that the courses are continually reviewed for high quality. ACCET reports to the Department of Education on the proficiency of our students and graduates. You are therefore assured that your training is consistently of the highest quality. In addition, if you wish to study for a B.S. degree at the same time, PEA partners with colleges and universities that will allow you to do that. Phoenix East is also approved by the Florida Dept. of Education as a certified vocational rehabilitation school. National accreditation, such as Phoenix East has achieved, also assures you of the flight training academy’s financial stability, a very important factor. Phoenix East was recently re-accredited, with a five-year accreditation, the maximum certification granted by ACCET. Request PEA Flight School Information
 
Q: After I'm finished with pilot training, does Phoenix East provide employment assistance?
A: Yes! You can be sure of that. Phoenix East Aviation has partnerships with various US airlines; these airlines are so impressed with the skills of PEA graduates that they offer interviews to Professional Program graduates. Phoenix East has one of the highest employment rates in the industry; we have been training pilots for airlines worldwide since 1972. And to prepare for meeting with airlines, not only do we help you develop your resume, but we also train and prep you for that all-important interview. We are continually in contact with the airlines to make sure our grads are prepared to face the challenges of commercial aviation. As a result, our graduates are consistently selected by major airlines and corporations throughout the world.
 
Q: I realize that the more flight hours a first officer candidate has, the easier it is to be hired. Can PEA help me build even more hours to speed the hiring process?
A: Absolutely. We regularly hire our qualified graduates as flight instructors, making it possible for you to build hours easily.
 
Q: OK, let's talk about cost. How do you compare with other schools?
A: PEA offers exceptional training at value prices. For example, our one-year Professional Program I cost is $39,121 plus an additional $10,075 for the Private Pilot License, if you are a zero-time student. Compare that to other schools that charge you up to $80,000. We know both quality training AND cost are important to students, so Phoenix East works very hard to maintain the efficiency of operation that keeps our prices low - and we pass on that savings to you. Phoenix East has arrangements with Wells Fargo and Sallie Mae for educational loans for students that qualify. Request PEA Flight School Information
 
Q: I am not a US citizen and wish to train in the US Do you accept foreign students?
A:

Phoenix East welcomes foreign students. A significant percentage of our students are from countries throughout the world; we foster this cultural diversity because we know it provides an especially enriching learning environment. Many of our instructors are also from outside the US, which adds an extra element of training ease for foreign students. All our instructors have been trained in the US

We provide special support to foreign students, starting with visa assistance. PEA is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue M-1 Visas for students who wish to obtain their Private Pilot, Commercial, or Airline Transport Pilot's licenses, or Instrument, Multi-Engine or Certified Flight Instructor ratings, including Certified Flight Instructor Instrument or Multi-Engine Instructor ratings. PEA is also authorized by the U.S. government to issue the F-1 Student Visa for trainees in approved courses and programs, such as the Professional Pilot Training Program. The F-1 Visa allows non-citizens employment opportunities. In addition, our Admissions Officers are available to help you find housing, transportation, banking resources, etc. to make your stay in the U.S. as comfortable and rewarding as possible.

 
Q: As a military veteran, I'm eligible for GI benefits. Is your commercial training program approved for educational reimbursement?
A: Yes, that's another advantage of PEA training. We help our veterans properly submit the necessary V.A. documentation for reimbursement. The VA will reimburse you up to 60% of your flight tuition for students eligible under Chapters 30, 32 and 1606.
 
Q: How long has Phoenix East been training commercial pilots?
A: Training pilot candidates for airlines worldwide has been our business for over 30 years. Founded in 1972, PEA has gained recognition as one of the finest pilot training facilities in the world. Our founder was a retired US Air Captain and the former Chairman of the Presidential Aviation Advisory Board; he is also past Vice President of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA). Our President, as well as our Chief Operating Officer are experienced, multi-rated pilots also. Request PEA Flight School Information
 
Q: I'd like to take a tour of your facility? Is that possible?
A: Not only is that possible, but we encourage your visit, so that you can see for yourself the caring attitudes and enthusiasm the instructors and staff have for student pilots. An Admissions Officer will brief you on details of instruction, as well as give you a tour of the facility. But we go one step farther - and this is unique for many pilot training schools - we allow you to independently interface with current students and ask any questions you'd like.

   

The Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) was formed in the early 1990's to unify the regulations surrounding aviation within the European Union.

Prior to this, countries within Europe had completely different regulations regarding the issue of flight crew licenses and the operation of aircraft. The advent of the Joint Aviation Regulations (JAR) in 1999 resulted in changes in uniform rules and licensing requirements across the European Union.

JAR was initially resisted by some countries; not all EU members were willing to convert to operations under the JARs. But currently nearly all countries in Europe have become part of the Joint Aviation Authority.

   
Q: Who is the JAA?
A: The Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) is an associated body of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of the European countries who have agreed to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures. This co-operation is intended to provide high and consistent standards of safety and a "level playing-field" for competition in Europe. Much emphasis is also placed on harmonizing the JAA regulations with those of the USA.
   
Q: What License do I need to fly in Europe?
A: In order to fly in a country that is part of the JAA and also to fly a aircraft which is registered in a JAA member country, you need to hold a JAR Flight Crew License (JAR FCL). Many students convert their FAA licenses to the JAR FCL when they return to their home country.
   
Q: Based on my experience and since I already hold a ATPL, can I convert?
A: No, there is no simple way to convert your current ATPL to a JAA license. You must complete the theoretical knowledge course, all the written tests and the JAA flight requirements.
Courses Offered
Professional Programs
FAR 141 and FAR 61
Glass Cockpit Training Course
Airline Dispatcher Course
India Program
Accreditation & College Credit
Employment / Recent Hires
Frequently Asked Questions

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“"My name is Jason Prestigiacomo and I’m a First Officer for United Express Airlines, operated by Air Wisconsin Airlines. I’m currently based in Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport flying the CRJ. This assignment was made easier because of the flight training I received at Phoenix East Aviation, Daytona Beach, Florida. Career instructors like other flight schools do not run the flight department at PEA. Former airline pilots run it. These pilots have built up thousands of hours in some of the world’s largest and most advanced airliners and know first hand how to make the transition into the airline industry. All of the training is based upon airline standards, which makes things much easier when you step into your first airline or corporate job.

I looked into other flight schools and selected PEA because of their laid-back operation and job placement statistics. I attained all of my certificates and ratings at PEA, and then took a job with them as a Flight Instructor in 2001. If your goal is to become a Boeing 747 Captain or just a weekend pilot, Phoenix East Aviation is the school for you."



Jason Prestigiacomo, First Officer CRJ, United Express

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