Start Here: The International Checklist

All training can only be accomplished after the applicable steps on the International Checklist are completed. No training can begin in the aircraft or a simulator until you have received your complete clearance from the TSA FTSP.

Download the International Checklist (PDF)

Who is this program for?

It is for students outside the Bahamas who want an FAA licence earned in a structured, professional environment. At Caribbean Air Academy, training runs in Nassau under US FAA Part 61 rules, in modern Cessna 172s fitted with Garmin GTN 650Xi navigators, GFC 500 autopilots and Garmin Smart Glide. Every aircraft carries certified life vests, because we operate over water.

Two things tend to matter most to international families. The first is time. Students train in dedicated airspace over the northern part of Andros Island, granted to the academy from 5,000 feet and below, so there is no queueing behind commercial traffic and no ground delay burning fuel on a taxiway. The second is paperwork. No M-1 student visa is required to train here, and flight time is logged automatically through Garmin Pilot, which produces the GPS verified digital record that conversion authorities such as the DGCA expect to see.

If you are already in the Bahamas, or you only want a single rating, the standard pilot course tuition prices may suit you better.

Cessna C172E training aircraft N702VP parked on the ramp in Nassau

Which program fits your goal?

Career Track Professional Pilot Program

250 hours, approximately 7 months in Nassau. Built for students heading for an airline cockpit.

Private Pilot, 50 hours, Cessna 172
Instrument Rating, 50 hours, Cessna 172
Multi-engine Rating, 11 hours, Piper PA-34
Commercial Pilot, 139 hours, Cessna 172 and PA-34

Commercial training uses 35 hours of shared time as part of the total time build strategy. Hours shown reflect the package structure.

Instrument Rated (Night) Private Pilot Program

Approximately 100 hours, around 4 months in Nassau. Built for students who intend to own and fly their own aircraft.

Private Pilot, 50 hours, Cessna 172
Instrument Rating, 50 hours, Cessna 172
Night rating support, integrated through the PPL phase
Formal logbook endorsement documenting night proficiency

This program does not include Multi-engine or Commercial ratings. Those can be added later if goals change.

Ground school runs primarily through Sporty's Pilot Shop online courses and can be started remotely before travel. Advanced ground instructor support is available at $45 per hour if needed, paid separately.

What does the India program cost?

Two bottom line options, both covering the Career Track Professional Pilot Program. The only difference between them is the Indian DGCA conversion ground school, which is delivered by our partner DV Aviations. Housing and transportation are included in both.

Without Indian DGCA conversion ground school

$68,628

Indicative equivalent ₹66,56,916

Flight training, $53,789
Flight kit and medical, $839
Housing and transport for 7 months, $14,000

With Indian DGCA conversion ground school

$73,628

Indicative equivalent ₹71,41,916

Flight training including DV Aviations ground school, $58,789
Flight kit and medical, $839
Housing and transport for 7 months, $14,000

Housing and transportation are included

Both options include the housing and transportation package, priced on an expected seven month stay. That covers verified accommodation roughly six miles from the airport and classrooms, plus daily transport between your housing and training events. The academy provides official verification of where you are staying, which matters at immigration.

Quoted separately, on top of the totals above

Visa charges, biometrics and rental agreement, quoted at $1,115
Airfare, meals and personal expenses
Third party items paid directly to the vendor, including TSA FTSP and fingerprints

Rupee figures are indicative and move with the exchange rate. DV Aviations issues the current quotation.

How does enrollment work?

The order below is deliberate. TSA FTSP and entry authorization both take real time, so working out of sequence is what delays students. Expect six to nine months end to end for the full Career Track Program.

1. Submit the application

Complete the online student application with accurate passport details, then notify admissions so we can send your welcome email and next steps.

2. Begin TSA FTSP

Start the Flight Training Security Program immediately. Initial review usually takes two to three weeks to issue a fingerprint request letter. This is the longest lead item.

3. Flight Circle onboarding

We email you a link to create your Flight Circle account. Upload your documents there and confirm the training start window so we can reserve your slot.

4. FAA IACRA application

Apply for your Student Pilot Certificate at iacra.faa.gov. If you have no US address, use the academy as your agent of service and we forward anything that arrives.

5. Choose housing, then pay the deposit

Your housing choice has to be confirmed before the invoice is generated. The initial deposit must clear before we can issue your acceptance letter or reserve a start date.

6. Acceptance letter and ground school

Usually issued within one to three business days of payment clearing. It doubles as your immigration document, and it unlocks your Sporty's online ground school access.

7. Entry authorization or visa

Requirements vary by nationality, so check the official Bahamas sources. Immigration typically grants at least 90 days, and strong documentation supports the full eight months.

8. Travel and start flying

Book flights only after you hold the fingerprint request letter and your acceptance letter. On arrival we arrange fingerprints and the FAA medical, then training starts once clearance is confirmed.

Start Your Student Application

What should you travel with?

Carry these together in one envelope, with copies and digital scans, because immigration may ask for some or all of them.

Passport valid at least six months beyond your planned departure
Return or onward ticket showing departure within the program period
Proof of housing or a local address. We provide verification when you take the academy package
Proof of funds covering training, housing and your own personal expenses
Your academy acceptance and enrollment letter

Students on the Career Track Program should also plan for two travel clearances. The first is the Bahamas one year multiple entry eVisa on a self sponsored track. The second is a valid US B1/B2 visa or an acceptable equivalent, because the commercial phase includes cross country flights into the United States and some testing milestones happen on the US mainland.

How does DGCA conversion work?

The DGCA regularly rejects hand written logbooks over cross country cross checks and arithmetic. Because the fleet runs Garmin Pilot Premium, every hour, approach and landing is recorded and calculated automatically, so you return with a record built for an audit rather than one you have to defend.

Students who did not finish their conversion exam preparation before leaving India can complete it in Nassau. During the final seven weeks of flight training the academy runs intensive in classroom DGCA conversion ground school, timed so the regulatory material and meteorology are still fresh when they sit the exams at home.

On the Instrument Rated (Night) program, the formal logbook endorsement supports a Night Rating on the converted Indian licence. Questions about paperwork are worth raising early, so get in touch with our team before you commit to dates.

India applications: DV Aviations

DV Aviations is our authorized partner in India. They handle the DGCA conversion ground school, exam preparation and student services, and they issue the current quotation.

Contact

Capt. Savio Fernandes
+91 93729 54353

Cell phone
+91 74000 68740

Landline
022 4970 8005

Office

C703, Eastern Court
Tejpal Road, Opp. Vile Parle Station (East)
Above Baristas Café
Mumbai 400057

Open in Google Maps

Meet The Fleet

Below, you'll find some of our featured fleet. We're excited to announce that our fleet will soon expand to 20 aircraft, launching first in Nassau and Freeport in 2026. This impressive lineup will include 16 single-engine airplanes and 4 twin-engine airplanes, ready to provide exceptional service.

Cessna C172E (TAA)
G5/GTN650xi/GFC500
N702VP

Coming Soon

Cessna C172E (TAA)
G5/GTN750xi/GFC500
N703VP

Piper Aztec
N706VP

Piper Seneca II
N705VP

International Programs

Start Here: The International Checklist

Who is this program for?