Aviation jobs in Japan

[damo1089]

Hi,
I'm curious if anyone knows anything about the prospects of being a pilot in Japan. I'm pretty into the language and if I could get a flying job there, I could pull out my big book of cliches and kill 2 birds with one stone. I have had a look at the JAL and ANA websites but none even hint at any career opportunities for foreigners. I know i'm probably dreaming, because Japan already would have a hell of a lot of nationals wanting to be pilots, but if anyone has any info I'd like to hear it :)
Thanks

[corsair]

I suppose anything is possible. But I doubt if they would be too happy about having a Gajin as a pilot.

[Mercenary Pilot]

ANA (and their subsidiaries) hire ex-pats through recruitment agencies, they do need pilots right now but you need to have previous experiance as a Turbo-prop captain or have 1000+ heavy jet experience (depending on what position you're applying for). Also for those guys who do qualify, the package isn't really that great unless you really want to live in the land of the rising sun.

:ok:

[SefonSA]

I previously lived in Japan for 5 years & flew there privately at Ryugasaki. I am currently doing an ATPL intergrated course in the UK. Is there any possibility at all of a first officer position for Japanese carriers or the contracting agencies (operating from Hawaii as I understand) or are the regulations/management requirements against me?

Sorry to jump on your thread Damo

[portsharbourflyer]

Sefon,

Mercenary Pilot has already answered your question, it is possible to get ex-pat contract contracts in Japan normally PARC seem to deal with the Japanese contracts. The ANA contract flying Dash 8s out of Osaka only ever seem to employ ex-pat Captains. For the FO positions on the 737 or 757 based Narita, then the adverts seem to ask for 3000 hours total time with significant jet experience.

[BelArgUSA]

Konitchiwa/konbanwa -
xxx
JAL and ANA cadets are Japanese nationals and do train in USA.
ANA runs a school called IFTA (I think) in Bakersfield, California.
This IFTA school also trains cadets for Asiana, Korea.
JAL does same in Napa, California. Facility is called IASCO.
Both schools provide cadets with training to FAA and JCAB standards.
I doubt they train other pilots than their own nationals..
xxx
Expats are hired through agencies such as PARC (Ireland) and Rishworth (NZ).
They are currently hiring (I believe) captains and F/Os for 744 and 777.
Bases are offered in Japan, Europe and USA, for JAL, ANA and NCA.
Probable that the initial crew contract is for 2 years, renewable.
Also a JAL charter subsidiary, based in Honolulu. USA crewing agency.
xxx
Be aware that training is long (more than 6 months for expats)
Even if previously qualified and current with proper type rating.
Training pay is excellent, but hotel rooms provided are minuscule (in Tokyo).
No need to tell you that food is expensive in hotels/restaurants in Japan.
Visits back home are generally not possible during intensive ground training.
They also expect you to live at your base. Commuting not easy.
xxx
That you are learning Japanese language will be a plus at your interview.
I had a Japanese girlfriend who was F/A with ANA, so I knew some pilots.
They expect you to conform to their culture and traditions.
It is part of their training, i.e. learning to bow to instructors the first week.
Finally, because strict training, they have a rather high failure rate.
xxx
But good luck to you.
:ok:
Happy contrails