Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and obtain your M-1 Visa
CFA will provide you with the I-20 form via mail (such as FedEx) which will arrive at your permanent address provided to us in your application. Once you receive your I-20 form you must pay the I-901 fee online at www.fmjfee.com. This fee maintains the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Call your local U.S. Embassy to make an appointment to apply for your M-1 Visa.  This process could take several weeks, depending on demand. To prepare for your appointment, you must bring the following:

• Original I-20 form issued from California Flight Academy.
• Valid Passport with expiration date of at least 6 months past your intended period of stay.
• Proof of payment for the I-901 SEVIS fee.
• Proof of financial certification and evidence of ties in your country.
• Please visit www.usembassy.gov or contact your local U.S. Embassy to ensure you have all the required documents.

Complete the Alien Flight Student Program with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
To complete this process, you must:

• Go to www.flightschoolcandidates.gov and click on “Create New Student Account”.
• Complete the required information and ensure it matches your passport information.
• After creating your account, login and create a training request. If you are attending CFA for the Commercial Pilot program including the Private Pilot License, you will list “Private Pilot” as your first course and “PPL” for the course ID. When asked for the aircraft used, please list all of the following: Cessna 152, Cessna 172 and PA 28-161. If you are enrolling in an advanced course at CFA, please list “IFR” for Instrument Rating, “CML” for Commercial, “MEL” for Multi-Engine Landing or “CFI” for Certified Flight Instructor.
  
  Note the finger printing and medical examination requirements can be completed once you arrive in the U.S.

If you need additional assistance with this process, please complete the Request Information Form above, or feel free to contact your Admissions Advisor at info@flycfa.com or call (619) 448-2212.

As an active duty personnel or veteran of the U.S. Military, California Flight Academy is honored to assist you and your family in achieving your educational and career goals. CFA is approved for active duty and veteran military personnel who qualify for G.I. Bill benefits. These benefits are awarded in addition to state and/or federal financial assistance for which you may qualify.
 
The first step is to complete the Request Information Form above or speak to an Admissions Advisor at (619) 448-2212, or Apply Now to your program of interest to begin the admissions process.  Once you begin the admissions process, California Flight Academy will assign you a dedicated and knowledgeable Financial Aid Officer who will assist you in determining the benefits you qualify for, as well as help you develop a financial plan that fits your needs. 

Military Resources and Information
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is available for individuals who served on active duty for at least 90 aggregate days on or after September 11, 2001 and are still serving or were honorably discharged from active duty, released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporary disability retired list, released from active duty and transferred to the Fleet Reserve/Fleet Marine Corps Reserve or released for further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces. You may receive up to 36 months of assistance covering up to 100% paid tuition. The amount received is based upon the length of the service given. NOTE: the VA does not cover housing, books and supplies. To find out more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill and your qualifying amount, visit the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

This benefit may also transfer unused Post 9/11 GI Bill (TEB) benefits to your spouse or children generally after 10 years of military service or 6 years of completed service and a commitment for an additional 4 years. Get more information about TEB benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty is available to those who entered active duty after June 30, 1985, have been honorably discharged, have a high school diploma or GED and had military pay reduced for this specific benefit. Up to 36 months of assistance is available and is valid for 10 years after active military service. Find out more about the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty.

Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
The Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve is available to those who are a member of the Selected Reserve, which includes: Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Eligibility for this program requires a six-term commitment signed after June 30, 1985, completion of your initial active duty for training (IADT), receipt of a high school diploma or equivalent before completing IADT and remaining in good standing while serving in the Selected Reserve. Up to 36 months of assistance is available and eligibility usually ends the day you leave the Selected Reserve. Get additional information on the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
The Reserve Education Assistance Program is available to certain reservists who were called or ordered to active military service in response to a national emergency or war after September 11, 2001. Eligibility for this program requires a minimum of 90 consecutive days of service unless injured or became ill while in the line of duty. Up to 36 months of assistance is available with an award amount between 40 percent and 80 percent of the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty rate. Get additional information on REAP.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
The Veterans Educational Assistance Program is available to those who entered the military after January 1, 1977, did not enter into a contract with the Armed Forces under a delayed entry program and elected to contribute to this benefit program. Contributions to the benefit will be matched by the Government on a 2:1 basis. Up to 36 months of benefits are available depending on the number of monthly contributions to the program. This benefit must be used within 10 years from the date of release of active duty or the contribution amount will be automatically refunded. Get additional information on VEAP.

Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA)
The Survivors and Dependents Assistance program is available to dependents of qualified veterans. To qualify, you must be a son, daughter or spouse of a veteran who died or was disabled while on active duty or if the veteran is considered Missing in Action (MIA) or captured while in active service. If you are a son or daughter of the veteran, this benefit must be used between the ages of 18 and 26. If you are the spouse of this veteran, eligibility will last up to 10 or 20 years following your eligibility date. View details on Survivors and Dependents Assistance. 

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees the VA will pay for is determined based on a number of items, including your state of residence and years of service, among other factors. Please submit the form above or contact CFA Admissions at admissions@flycfa.com for assistance.

How to Apply for G.I. Bill Benefits

The process to apply for military education benefits consists of the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Release/Discharge, Report of Separation or Record of Service.

Step 2: Apply for benefits through the VA.  Note that you may apply online or by filling out a paper application.  If you need assistance completing your application, please contact a California Flight Academy Financial Aid Officer by calling (619) 448-2212 or contact a VA Education Case Manager at 1-888-GIBill1.

Step 3: Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA and send it to your Admissions Advisor at California Flight Academy.

Step 4: Complete the California Flight Academy admissions process.
 
After you attend your first class at California Flight Academy, our Financial Aid office will process and certify your enrollment dates through the Veterans Affairs office.

For additional information, including a complete listing of military educational benefit options available to you, please visit www.gibill.va.gov, or contact a CFA Admissions Advisor today at info@flycfa.com or call 1-619-448-2212.

Graduate Testimonial

“I am a veteran that trained at California Flight Academy. I was able to use my VA benefits (Montgomery GI Bill) to help cover the cost of my Instrument and Commercial License here. The staff accurately calculated my hours and submitted all of my paperwork to the VA on time every month. I was reimbursed just a few weeks later. I highly recommend this Academy to Veterans who want to begin a career as an airline pilot. I am now thinking about taking the CFI, CFII and ATP courses with CFA because my benefits cover this too - this school has it all!” - John Stapleton, CFA Graduate

Your pursuit of higher education is one of the most important investments you'll make. And once you've decided to take your future to the next level, the first step in financing your education starts with self-reliance – exploring personal and family resources for funding your dreams. After you've identified your personal resources, the next step is to investigate financial aid opportunities, as well as other financial assistance programs that can supplement your financing.
 
At California Flight Academy, we can help you take full advantage of all financing that's available to you. Since every student’s financial situation is unique, we will assign you an individual Financial Aid Advisor to assist you in determining your financing options and to help you finalize an affordable financial plan that works for you. The investment starts now, and the rewards last a lifetime! Learn more about financing options and financial aid below:

Tuition

Programs at California Flight Academy are broken up into 4 Phases as highlighted below:

• Phase I: Private Pilot License (PPL)
  50 Flight Hours*
  Tuition: $7,930**
   
• Phase II: Instrument Rating
  50 Flight Hours*
  Tuition: $8,475**
   
• Phase III: Time Building
  95 Flight Hours*
  Tuition: $11,675**
   
• Phase IV: Commercial Multi-Engine Rating
  27 Flight Hours*
  Tuition: $7,595**

Additional Courses, Services and Fees are as follows:
 

For further assistance, please complete the Request Information Form above, or contact a CFA Admissions Advisor at info@flycfa.com or call 1-619-448-2212.

California Flight Academy is an equal opportunity institution committed to providing a diverse academic environment for its students, faculty and staff, regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, gender, sexual identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran's status, pregnancy, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.