A Guide for Flight School Transfers

Switching flight schools can be a pivotal decision in advancing your pilot training, whether you are working towards your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or another training qualification. This change may provide access to enhanced training facilities, more experienced instructors, or a program better aligned with your specific goals. If you are considering transferring to a new flight school, this guide covers everything you need to know to initiate that process. 

Can I Switch Flight Schools?

In summary, yes, it is possible to switch flight schools. The process for transferring to a new flight school may be different for each student depending on where they already are in their flight training. The new flight school will have to determine where to place you in a program, based on your current training status and which milestones you have already completed.

If you are planning to transfer to one of PEA’s flight training programs, it’s best to reach out to us directly. We can help you determine which courses are most suitable for you, based on your current level of training and your aviation career goals. 

Reasons to Consider Transferring Flight Schools

There are plenty of reasons why someone would consider transferring to a new flight school, including:

• Specialized instruction: a different flight school may provide instructors with expertise or teaching styles that better align with your learning needs compared to those at your current school. 

• Better resources: a different flight school may offer a more advanced or diverse fleet of aircraft, enhancing the quality and variety of your training experience. 

• Relocation: you may need to switch to a flight school closer to where you are relocating to.
• Better programs: While all flight schools allow FAA-approved course curriculums, the structure, quality, and additional offerings of their programs can vary, with some schools providing more comprehensive or specialized training options. If you are using a flight training program to start a new career in aviation, attending the best flight school is essential to your future success

After identifying the reasons for transferring flight schools, it is essential to find a program that best aligns with your needs. Additionally, the new program will depend on the training you have already completed and the remaining training required to meet your goals. 

How to Transfer to PEA

To transfer to PEA, contact us directly at +1-386-258-0703 or info2@pea.com. After determining what courses and training you still need, you can apply to continue your training. You will also need to inform your previous flight school of your decision to transfer. Depending on how far along you are in your training, you may need to undergo a flight evaluation that tests your aviation knowledge and proficiency. 

Can Students Transfer Mid-Training?

Yes, students can transfer mid-training. But, this will factor into what program you are placed into in your new flight school. Some students find it easier than others to transfer, based on how far along they are in training and what they still require. PEA works with all transfer students to determine what they still need and how they can switch into one of the programs offered. 

Transferring as an International Student

International students can transfer to PEA when already attending another flight school in the U.S. To transfer, they must maintain their valid visa status. Like U.S. flight school students, international students should contact PEA directly to apply to continue their training. 

How Does Transferring Affect My Visa Status?

To transfer to a new flight school, international students have to ensure that they maintain a valid immigration status through an M1 or F1 visa. An international student’s SEVIS record will be sent from the previous flight school to the new one. This gives students a 60-day window to start classes at their new flight school after leaving the previous one. 

PEA will issue a new I-20 form for international students transferring who require a visa. 

Tips for a Successful Transfer

To successfully transfer to a new flight school, stay as transparent as possible with both the previous flight school and the new one. The new one will require as much information as possible to understand where you currently stand in your flight training to determine where to place you in a new program.

Maintaining communication also ensures that you have a full understanding of what the new program will require, how long it will take, and all other logistics, such as cost and certifications/ratings required. PEA proudly takes transfer students who are ready to successfully elevate their aviation career.