Northern Ireland Jobs

[JaredYng]

Does anyone know how difficult it is to get a job in Northern Ireland or Ireland? I fly in the US and have an FAA license and would need to convert.

Does anyone know if any companies will pay for the conversion on a contract basis or anything like that?

My experience is about 3,200 total time helicopters, 1,800 turbine time, and 340 night. I can give more specifics if it helps.

Appreciate any advice and input.

[Bravo73]

Do you have a EU passport or a work visa valid for the UK (or Eire, if you're getting your Irelands and Northern Irelands confused)?

[JaredYng]

No, I have neither of those and I realize Norther Ireland is different from Ireland. I'd live in Belfast but could commute to Dublin. Just trying to sort things out.

[tu154]

Are you also aware that the economic crash hit Ireland particularly hard and almost all the pilots had to emigrate for work? There are very few jobs north or south.

[JaredYng]

I am not aware, wow thanks. This is why I'm asking around!

[tu154]

Ok then, the odds are fairly stacked against you. No one is going to pay for your conversion to an EASA licence, and you'll find that process is painful. But you make your own luck in this world and who knows, by the time you are ready to go with your EASA licence things could be busy again. The one school left down South is ticking over nicely and a few aircraft are reappearing out of the woodwork here and there.
The work permit thing would appear to be a show stopper though, unless you have an in by means of passport or marriage.

[JaredYng]

I appreciate all of your help and valuable information. I kind of figured that's how it would be but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask around.

[Finnrotor.com]

JaredYng, I wouldn't waste my time for a research more than you have done already. You're in the US and have much more chances / choices there than we Europeans have here locally. Excluding maybe offshore..

Especially if you're into flying utility, this side of the bond is pretty restricted. Short term fire contracts are available in Southern Europe but you need to speak local language to survive there. Same thing in every country here. Again, offshore excluded…

Let's put it this way; If I could find a way to get myself (legally without marrying a Yank) into the U.S. I'd be there tomorrow. For me, there wouldn't be a single reason to stay here. Not any work related reason at least.

[JaredYng]

That certainly puts things into perspective for me. I guess she'll have to move here!

[Fat Magpie]

Did anybody mention it rains a lot...an awful lot, almost daily.

[Self loading bear]

Rain will probably count as a pro to Jared:
No work
New love
The more reason to stay in bed...
When it is not raining: the fishing is fantastic!
SLB

[Huwey]

JaredYng.... Have worked in NI Heli industry for land 9 years. I have clung on with tips of my fingernails to stay as Belfast is home. This year I had no choice to end NI HELI job and go work in mainland GB For Heli company and commute to NI when off duty. Last man out turn the lights off please! The message is this not the place to be if you want to keep flying and earning at the same time....

[JaredYng]

All very good to know. Not what I wanted or expected but I'm sure glad I asked. Thank you everyone.