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What Happens After You Apply to Phoenix East Aviation: The Admissions Process Explained

By Brock Willes on Oct 21, 2026 15:10 PM |

Figuring out how to apply to flight school is one thing; navigating what comes after you apply is sometimes less clear.

At Phoenix East Aviation (PEA), our admissions process is intentionally designed to be seamless and straightforward. Each applicant is connected with a dedicated Admissions Officer who guides them through the process, ensuring all documents are submitted properly and all deadlines are met.

This post serves as a step-by-step guide to the PEA flight school admissions process, outlining what to expect from your first inquiry to your first flight training activity.

Before You Apply: Research and the Discovery Flight

To turn your dream of becoming a pilot into a reality, you have to enroll in a flight school training program. However, there are several options to consider. Typically, the application process begins with a research phase in which students compare different flight school requirements, program scope, costs, and training environments.

A discovery flight can play an important role in your research. This short, introductory experience gives you the opportunity to take to the skies alongside a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in the same type of aircraft you will fly once you begin your training. A discovery flight provides you with key insight into the training environment, available aircraft, caliber of instructors, and overall experience at the flight school. While discovery flights are not required for incoming or prospective students, they are strongly recommended for domestic or local students who can visit Daytona Beach in person.

International students generally aren’t able to travel for a discovery flight, but there are other options. For example, international applicants can use virtual meetings, campus tours, and personalized guidance from the Admissions team to choose the right flight school.

Step 1: Reaching Out to Your Admissions Officer

Your flight school admissions process begins by contacting the PEA Admissions Department via phone, the Contact Us form, or simply starting your application online. From there, you will be matched with a dedicated Admissions Officer who will serve as your single point of contact from inquiry through enrollment.

Ultimately, enrolling in flight school is a multifaceted process, and there are several steps required to get your training off the ground. Your Admissions Officer can provide personalized support by:

Answering questions about training programs.
Providing clarity about course pricing.
Outlining PEA admissions requirements.
Explaining housing options.
Offering guidance to international students about the visa application and I-20 process.

Once you have decided to enroll, your Admissions Officer still serves as your primary contact. Our students appreciate that they have a dedicated person they can refer to, as it helps alleviate feelings of isolation that can occur between application and enrollment.

The Admissions Officer will remain in touch with you and provide ongoing support, reducing the confusion that sometimes accompanies applying to flight school. By prioritizing clear communication and timely updates, our Admissions Officers help all students feel confident and prepared before their aviation training begins.

Step 2: Meeting the Requirements and Submitting Your Documents

After you submit your application, your Admissions Officer will collect your required documents, confirm your acceptance, and guide you through the initial enrollment requirements.

U.S. students will need to submit:

Completed flight school application
Birth certificate or passport
Driver’s license
High school diploma or latest degree or transcripts
$95 registration fee

International students will need to submit:

Passport
High school diploma or latest degree
Proof of funds
Registration fee
I-20 and visa processing fees
Sponsorship documents (if applicable)

Keep in mind that no college degree is required to begin flight training. Applicants need to have a high school diploma or equivalent credential.

There are numerous documents required to enroll in flight school, but PEA has developed a system that makes it easy for applicants to collect and submit all necessary information. Your Admissions Officer will work with you to ensure you have all the materials you need and that everything is submitted by the deadline, helping you begin your training as quickly as possible.

Step 3: Visa Processing for International Students

The U.S. Department of State requires any foreign national who wants to study in the U.S. to secure a student visa, such as an F-1 or an M-1 visa. PEA is one of only four U.S. flight schools authorized to issue both F-1 and M-1 visas, making it an appealing destination for international students who want to become pilots.

Here’s what you need to know about each visa:

The F-1 visa covers up to 12 months of paid flight instruction work authorization after training. It requires enrollment in a Professional Program.
The M-1 visa covers study only. Extensions are approved by the government.

Generally, the M-1 visa is the student visa for vocational schools, but due to PEA’s accreditation status, we’re also able to offer the F-1 visa, which is a popular option among international students.

Regardless of the visa that you pursue, it takes about two to three months from the time you submit all of your documents until the time you can enroll. You also have to submit the I-20 and visa processing fees.

Step 4: Your Enrollment Appointment

With your documents submitted and your application processed, you are ready to begin training. This next step in the journey starts with an enrollment appointment, which is scheduled by your Admissions Officer.

During your enrollment appointment, you will:

Meet with our Student Services team to learn more about resources available to you and how you can become a vital part of the PEA community.
Receive your student ID badge.
Complete your FAA medical certificate and TSA application (if applicable).
Receive personalized housing assistance, if needed.
Receive all training materials and textbooks.
Review and sign your Enrollment Agreement with the Admissions Officer.

The tailored support services at PEA set our flight school apart from other training facilities in the country. When you enroll, you get personalized assistance with FAA medical scheduling and TSA processing. In addition, we will match you with Daytona Beach living accommodations, helping you learn more about places that have availability and align with your budget.

Combining administrative support with holistic student services, PEA strives to make sure your experience is positive from the moment of your first inquiry until your training is complete.

Step 5: Meeting Your Instructor and Starting Ground School

With your application processed and your enrollment secured, it’s time to start ground school. Once you are enrolled, your assigned flight instructor will contact you directly to introduce themselves and schedule your first training session. At PEA, we typically encourage students to enroll a few days before their ground school begins. This allows you time to settle in, become familiar with the school and your new environment, and prepare for the start of your training. Ground school generally begins the following week, giving you a smooth and comfortable transition into your aviation journey.

From here, you will start earning certificates and ratings while progressively working toward your flying goals. PEA’s Professional Programs provide both domestic and international students with the skill set, ratings, and flight hours needed to pursue jobs in the aviation industry. Through a rigorous combination of hands-on training and scenario-based instruction, students gain the fundamental flying skills needed for informed decision-making in dynamic flight conditions.

Uncover the Benefits of the Streamlined PEA Admissions Process: Apply to Flight School Today

Knowing what to expect when applying to flight school can help you feel more confident submitting your application. At PEA, the flight school admissions process is intentionally built to remove guesswork. You get a dedicated Admissions Officer, clear flight school enrollment steps, and ongoing Student Services support.

Applying to flight school is a major step forward, and that can be both exciting and a bit daunting. But it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. PEA provides the structured support needed to ensure you have a positive experience.

Start your flight school application today.