From Czechia to USA:
David's Time Building Experience
A Childhood Dream Takes Flight
Since I was little, I’ve always been fascinated by airplanes. I used to spend hours watching them and wondering how such huge machines could fly. I also remember spending countless hours on a flight simulator on my computer—even though I had no idea what I was doing back then, I absolutely loved it. That early passion stayed with me, and later, as I discovered my love for travel too, becoming a pilot just made perfect sense.
Choosing the USA and Flying Academy for My Training
I saw it as a great opportunity to combine two dreams—flying and visiting the USA. I wanted to gain experience in a completely new environment, especially in busy and complex airspace like in California. Flying in the USA offers a different kind of challenge compared to Europe, and I knew it would help me grow faster as a pilot.
One of the reasons why I choose Flying Academy was definitely the opportunity to build flight hours in the USA. I also liked the international environment and the school’s solid reputation. What really made a difference for me was how flexible they were—they helped me combine my flight training with a full-time job, which was very important for me. Everything felt well organized from the beginning, and the staff were professional, supportive, and easy to talk to. That gave me confidence that I chose the right place to start my pilot journey.
Preparation and First Impressions
The first thing I had to take care of was converting my license and getting the FAA validation. That was essential for being able to fly in the USA. I also went through theoretical preparation with Flying Academy instructor from USA to get familiar with USA airspace, communication, and local procedures. On my own, I spent some time listening to Live ATC from local airports in the area where I was going to fly. It really helped me get used to the fast-paced English radio communication and improved my confidence before arriving.
Besides that, I made sure all my documents were in order, like my ESTA, medical certificate, logbook etc.
My first impression was really positive. Everything looked just like I had imagined—the city, the atmosphere. It felt a bit surreal at first, especially seeing places I had only known from movies or pictures. The people were friendly, and the environment felt open and welcoming. I was excited and motivated from the very beginning, and I immediately knew that this was going to be a unique and unforgettable experience. But what I was most excited about was finally getting into the airplane and starting to fly. After all the preparation and traveling, I couldn’t wait to sit in the cockpit and experience flying in the USA for the first time.
How Time-Building Helped My Growth
The Time Building in USA helped me grow not only as a pilot, but also as a person. Flying in busy and unfamiliar airspace gave me a lot more confidence and made me much more comfortable with radio communication and navigation. I also improved my decision-making, especially when dealing with weather and changing conditions. This experience gave me the flight hours I needed, but more importantly, it gave me valuable skills that I’ll carry into the rest of my training and career.
Memorable Flying Moments and Challenges
There were many moments, but one that really stands out was the first time I took off and saw Los Angeles from the air. I remember just being in awe of the view—the city stretching out to the ocean and the feeling of complete freedom. At that moment, I realized how far I had come and how lucky I was to be flying over such a unique place. It was a mix of excitement, pride, and pure joy—something I’ll never forget.
What I enjoyed the most was the freedom to explore. Flying in the USA especially in California, gave me the chance to visit so many different types of landscapes—coastlines, mountains, deserts, big cities. Each flight felt like an adventure, and I loved being able to plan my own routes and truly enjoy the experience. It was a mix of training and discovery, and that combination made every hour in the air feel exciting and meaningful.
Lessons Learned and Advice for EU-based Pilots
I would definitely recommend it. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in a completely different flying environment. You’ll get the chance to fly in busy and well-organized airspace, improve your communication skills, and build confidence in situations that go beyond standard training back home. On top of that, the cost of flying is lower.
My advice would be: don’t underestimate preparation—especially radio communication and understanding U.S. airspace structure. Spend some time listening to Live ATC before you go, and take the ground briefing seriously. The better prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy the flying and get the most out of the experience.
I came to the USA right after finishing my PPL, so I didn’t have many hours of solo flight experience before starting my time building. That’s why one of the biggest lessons for me was learning how to really rely on myself in the air. Flying in the U.S. taught me to take full responsibility for every flight—from planning and weather checks to in-flight decisions. I had to learn to stay calm under pressure, communicate confidently in busy airspace, and make smart, safe choices. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me much more independent as a pilot. That experience helped me grow faster than I expected and gave me a strong foundation for my next steps in aviation.
Experience with Flying Academy’s Fleet, Instructors, and Cost-Effectiveness
I was really satisfied with everything. The aircraft were in great condition and always well maintained, which made me feel safe and confident during each flight. The instructors were experienced, supportive, and easy to communicate with. The facilities were also excellent—clean, accessible, and open to students whenever needed. I also really appreciated the mechanics, who were always ready to help and answer any technical questions.
I think the cost/value ratio in the U.S. is very good. Flying hours are generally cheaper, and in my case, accommodation was already included in the package, which saved me a lot of money and planning. Of course, how much you spend overall depends on your lifestyle and how much you want to explore outside of flying—but purely from a training perspective, it was a smart investment. I got to fly more, experience a different environment, and improve my skills faster, all for a lower price than I would’ve paid at home.
Future Plans and Final Thoughts
It’s a great way to gain experience in busy airspace, improve your English communication, and grow as a pilot. The flying is more affordable than in many parts of Europe, and the whole experience pushed me forward both professionally and personally. I’d recommend it to anyone serious about their aviation career.
The next big step for me is to complete my ATPL theory exams. After that, I’ll start working on my Instrument rating and also Multi-Engine training, which are all essential parts of becoming a professional pilot. The time-building experience in the U.S. gave me a strong foundation, and now I’m fully focused on completing the rest of my training to reach my goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
This experience gave me a much deeper understanding of what it really means to be a pilot. It’s not just about flying—it’s about responsibility, good decision-making, and staying calm even when things don’t go as planned. Flying in the USA challenged me in the best way and helped me grow. It also strengthened my motivation to keep going and confirmed that becoming a commercial pilot is truly the right path for me.
