Upon arriving in San Diego County, California, Mihdhar and Hazmi were to train as pilots, but spoke English poorly and did not do well with flight lessons.
Saavuttuaan San Diegoon, Mihdharin ja Hazmin tehtävänä oli kouluttautua lentäjiksi, mutta he puhuivat englantia heikosti eivätkä menestyneet lentotunneilla.