Phoenix East Aviation is Going to South Korea!
SAC has been a leading flight student agency in South Korea, since its establishment in 2008, connecting aspiring pilots with flight schools across the United States. SAC specializes in both advising and training future pilots, offering programs that include flight theory and simulator training. With a strong focus on providing students not only with world-class training, SAC has established itself as a trusted partner in aviation education and has worked with Phoenix East Aviation since 2022.
When a student from SAC expresses interest in becoming an airline pilot, SAC takes a personalized approach to ensure success. The team at SAC develops a tailored plan based on each student’s goals, as well as key factors like age, financial resources, and educational background. If a student chooses to pursue flight training at Phoenix East Aviation, SAC provides thorough support during the application process, including preparation of the initial PEA application as well as the F-1 or M-1 Visa applications. To ensure a smooth transition to flight training, SAC offers ground school options in Korean, based on FAA-approved textbooks, flight training with a Cessna 172 Skyhawk G1000 glass cockpit, and FTD simulator. Recognizing that some students may not be fluent in English, these services help ease any language barriers and set students up for success in their flight training. For those students aiming to pursue a career as an airline pilot in the United States, SAC also offers guidance and support in obtaining Permanent Residency, further enhancing their opportunities in the aviation industry.
At SAC, there are no mandatory qualifications or prerequisites for students before applying to PEA. However, for students with limited English proficiency, SAC strongly recommends taking a language course in the U.S. prior to enrollment at PEA or dedicating time to extensive language studies in South Korea. This ensures that students are well-prepared to succeed in their flight training and can fully engage with the curriculum once they begin their training.
For South Korean students looking to train at PEA, the visa process varies depending on the program. Students seeking a Private Pilot certificate before enrolling in an Aeronautical University typically apply for an M-1 Visa, as their training duration is under a year. Those pursuing PEA’s Professional I or Professional III program will apply for an F-1 Visa, and are eligible for one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon completion of their flight training. Once a student receives an I-20 form from PEA, SAC offers comprehensive assistance with the visa application process. This includes providing a detailed list of required documents tailored to each student’s situation and conducting one-on-one sessions to help them prepare for their Visa interview with the U.S. Embassy in South Korea.
Many South Korean students tend to favor PEA’s Private and Professional I program due to its cost-efficiency. These programs offer a practical and affordable pathway to becoming professional pilots, making them a popular choice for students seeking high-quality flight training without the higher costs associated with more options. The Private and Professional I program provides students with a solid foundation, allowing them to progress toward their career goals while managing their financial commitments effectively.
Through its partnership with Phoenix East Aviation, SAC continues to support aspiring pilots like Junho Gwak in achieving their aviation dream. Junho, who came from South Korea with no prior flight experience, embarked on his journey at PEA, progressing from his Private Pilot License (PPL) to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII). Reflecting on his experience, Junho shared, “the most rewarding part of my training was the Commercial Pilot course. It truly shaped me into the professional pilot I am today.” He credits SAC for easing the admission and visa process, allowing him to focus on flight training. “SAC made the process smooth, reliable, and transparent,” he said. Comparing training in Korea and the United States, Juhno highlights the advantages of the U.S. aviation infrastructure, noting, “many Korean students had never performed RNAV instrument approaches or flown in Class B airspace due to stricter regulations.” For those considering applying to PEA through SAC, he offers this advice: “Flight training is demanding – you don’t want to exhaust yourself with paperwork before even stepping into the flight deck. SAC provides invaluable resources, including ground school and simulator practice, to help you get a head start.” With SAC’s guidance and PEA’s top-tier flight training, students can follow their dreams to become a flight instructor, like Junho, and turn their dreams into reality.
South Korea’s aviation industry has been making a rapid recovery since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, there were approximately 8 to 10 rounds of hiring for new First Officers, and even more recruitment is expected in the coming year. However due to the three-year hiatus in pilot hiring during the pandemic, a large backlog of applicants has made the job market highly competitive. The intense competition is expected to last for the next 3 to 4 years. Despite this, South Korea is not the only option for skilled candidates with strong knowledge, technical abilities, and English proficiency. For those willing to pursue airline jobs internationally, opportunities are available across the United States, Europe, and Asia. SAC plays a crucial role in connecting South Korean candidates to these global career opportunities, helping them navigate the competitive landscape of the aviation industry.
In May, Amelie Coleman, the Admissions and Marketing Director at Phoenix East Aviation, will be traveling to South Korea to host a series of flight training seminars in collaboration with SAC. These seminars will highlight the strong partnership between PEA and SAC, focusing on the opportunities and initiatives they offer aspiring pilots. Attendees will have the chance to learn more about PEA’s flight training programs, the benefits of this partnership, and how SAC and PEA work together to support students in achieving their aviation career goals. Stay up to date for more information regarding this upcoming trip by following Phoenix East Aviation on all social media platforms.
Are you interested in learning more about SAC and PEA’s partnership, or looking to start your flight training? Contact PEA’s Admissions Department for more information by emailing info2@pea.com
