Commercial Airline Pilot

The petitioner intends to work as a pilot for U.S. airlines to address the pilot shortage, serve as a flight instructor at flight schools to train new pilots, and monitor aircraft systems to improve flight efficiency. The endeavor also aims to generate tax revenue through professional employment.

The petitioner proposed to continue working as a pilot and started his own company offering pilot services and aeronautical consulting for new pilots in the United States.

The Petitioner intends to continue working in the aviation field as a commercial pilot to help fill pilot positions in the U.S. and train other professionals entering the field. The work focuses on leveraging his expertise as an airplane captain with over 3,000 flight hours.

The appeal was dismissed because the Petitioner failed to establish eligibility for the underlying EB-2 classification as an individual of exceptional ability. While the Director found the Petitioner met four initial criteria (academic record, ten years of experience, professional association membership, and recognition for achievements), the AAO concluded that the totality of evidence did not demonstrate a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the field. Specific issues included insufficient explanation of how flight hours or aircraft certifications demonstrated exceptional ability, lack of corroborating documentation for leadership roles in the Ethiopian Airline Pilot Association (ALP-ETH), and a single paystub being insufficient to establish an exceptional salary.