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Hi Captain Lim,
I have just browsed through your site and it's really useful. I am a final year medical student and aspire to be an international airline pilot. I am due to graduate in March, 2010 and I need your advice in the following points:-
a. Which is the best of the best flight school for International students in the USA?
b. Is it better for me to work as an instructor to build up my hours or should I return to my home country and apply for the airlines as I do not intend to spend extra money and not being hired after that?
c. As an Arab from Egypt, which airlines can I apply to?
d. Does my medical degree be an advantage when I apply for a major airline or shall I consider having a degree in aeronautical science, for example, to stand a high chance of being hired?
David Tharwat
Hi David,
a. There are many flight schools to choose from in the USA. Below are some of them from my site here.
United States of America
1. Flight Safety International
Web: http://www.flightsafety.com/
2. Western Michigan University, International Pilot Training
Web: College of Aviation
3. University of North Dakota
Web www.avit.und.edu/f1_Home/index.php
4. University of Illinois
Web: www.aviation.uiuc.edu/main/
5. EMbry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Web: www.erau.edu/
6. Purdue University
Web: www.tech.purdue.edu/at/
7. Parks College
Web: parks.slu.edu/index.php
From some of my readers, they claim that EMbry-Riddle Aeronautical University above is among one of the best. However, it may take a longer time to graduate with an ATP as it comes with a degree as well unless one opts for the accelerated course.
b. Building hours as an instructor is a good option but getting an airline job in the USA is pretty difficult for a foreign citizen unless you are also a PR (Permanent Resident) of the country. Your chance of getting a job back in Egypt is much brighter than staying back in the USA as the hours and experience you acquired there is normally recognized back in your own country.
c. If you go back to your country, Egypt Air should be your first choice.
d. If you have the aptitude and attitude to be an International airline pilot, any degree would do. A medical or aeronautical science degree would definitely be an advantage but a good airline today looks further than just degrees! 
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