Ex Military Guy after some career advice

[2muchROSO]

Hi all,
As you can see, not too many posts for me on Prune! More of a reader! I have come to a turning point in my career, have resigned from RAAF, and decided (some time ago) to move into corporate. And I here you say.... oh another Military wa**ker. No I wasn't issued with an obnoctious personallity! And I am willing to clean toilets, and say yes sir to the client!
With 3000hrs and >2k hrs jet command and Australian ATPL, would it be best to go to the USA and get an FAA before applying for jobs, or is it normal to get the FAA when you get a type endorsement?
Also, open to any other ideas to assist me in getting into this world. I am also expecting to start at the bottom and enjoy some time in the RH seat as well! In fact being the bag Bia**ch and coffee boy, and I will take the large one captain, doesn't really bother me too much! (as long they have a nice personality!)
In advance, thanks for your advice.

[Flintstone]

Dear Military W@nker ;)

Been a good few years since I left those fair shores but my sources tell me that the bizjet market there is still not exactly booming so unless you're prepared to head overseas your options will be somewhat limited. I suspect that won't be a problem seeing as you're talking about an FAA ticket.

How/when to get it is up to you. It'll look good on a CV but if you're heading for the Middle or Far East chances are you'll be issued a local validation which can just as easily be based upon your CASA licence. Failing that your suggestion of obtaining one at the same time as your type rating will work too (it did for me).

Most people here will have read all this before but if you'd like some more information feel free to PM me.

[envoy]

Hey 2muchROSO

Your aspiration is a fine one: corporate is the way to go. In my experience it is a much better bet with varied destinations, a smaller team, and greater job satisfaction.

I have been in your exact situation, just a couple of years ago, and I can share my recent experience (hopefully) for your benefit. I too was a military w@nker... I was very fortunate to have already clocked up a fair bit of 'corporate' time before going civilian, so my transition was relatively smooth.

You mention your hours and your willingness to work RHS to get some time up - this is the perfect attitude to have with your flight hours. However, you did not mention multi-crew and multi-engine experience. Despite what you might have flown in the military (I assume fast jets?) you may find this an issue with some employers. A willingness to do your time in the busy seat without playing the primadonna from the start will go a long way to getting your foot in the door.

You are unlikely to pick up work in the USA unless you can find an employer who can sponsor your legal presence there (or you hold a US passport/greencard). However, there are a squillion N registered jets outside of the US, so an FAA licence is worth obtaining just so that you can increase your employability. As Flintstone points out, you can tie in an FAA ATP with a type rating ride. Note that there a number of other prerequisites for the FAA ATP that can take some time to get in place. You can also have the type rating recognised on your CASA ATPL (it can't hurt). PM me if you would like further details on these processes...

Getting a rating is expensive, and it is best if you can find an employer willing to train you and keep you qualified. For example, a GIV rating at Flight Safety can cost USD30K, a G550 type around USD50K. Throw in a month in a hotel in downtown Savannah/Dallas/New Jersey/etc, a hire car plus airfares to the US, and you can see that this is a pretty expensive exercise. For me, this is not the sort of money you want to pull out of your savings without some guarantee of return. Find a benevolent employer!

happy to answer any other questions you might have....

Cheers

[Duck Rogers]

Looks like this forum has a new official term. 'Military ******' :E