Routes Into European Bizjets.

[Dupre]

Just asking for all your advice on how to get into flying Biz Jets in europe (NJE sounds great but I've got an open mind!)

I'm currently flying piston singles in Africa - around 1000TT at the mo. I'm loving it and still have at a year on my contract - but I want to start making some plans in advance. I hold a UK passport and have enjoyed living in europe in the past. My problem is that I don't have any JAR or MCC time, and very little IFR/Multi time (70hrs actual IMC, 33hrs twin).

I can do a JAA fATPL when I get to europe (though I'll need a loan!) - but my question is this: Should I try to get some work in a light twin for a year or two first, to boost my IFR/Multi/JAR ops time? Or is it possible to buy a type rating and jump into the RHS (another big loan, don't really want to do it - and not looking to turn this thread into a "pay or don't pay for TR" debate).

One last question - I have the option of moving to a turbine soon (Caravan) - but it comes with an 18 month bond. How important is turbine time for europe considering it would be single engine, day, vfr time?

Thanks in advance!

Dupre.

[Duck Rogers]

I've taken the liberty of re-naming this thread to reflect general information on european bizjets. If you have specific NJE related questions please don't start another NJE thread, just post in one of the current ones.

Thanks.

Duck

[jetopa]

The Caravan isn't a bad ship at all, but what every potential employer is aking you about is ME-turbine time and even more important: jet-time. So, do whatever it takes to get your hands on a jet. But: flying a King Air, for example, for a living is not a bad thing and I know people who never have done anything else and who are quite happy with it...Think about, what most likely will give you the best quality of live in return for your investment.

[Doodlebug]

Opportunities to enter the bizjet-world in the EU with the FAA licence are far and few between. Do you hold a JAA licence? If not, obtaining one is your first priority. Why not build some turbine-time while saving some money and getting that licence sorted. Best of luck and enjoy that flying now - it's what you will miss one day!

[pilotbear]

Well I am afraid that is not necessarily the case. VP-C, VP-B and M reg all take FAA licenses for validation and there are loads about.:ok: I know loads of pilots in Europe with only FAA licences. I use my FAA more than my CAA/JAA:ok:

[Doodlebug]

Pilotbear: My mistake, misread Dupre, he wrote 'fATPL' and not 'FAA ATPL'. (doing that a lot lately. Note to self: drink more beer)

just getting my coat...

[BizJetJockey]

Once you get a JAR licence, you could always think about applying to a company that operates several types for a position on a Navajo or a Chieftain for starters and then progress onto something like a Kingair AND/OR Citation.

I know of several companies that operate all these types on their AOC and 75% of the guys there started on the piston twins and are now on the Citations etc.

Try Synergy and Skydrift to name but a few!!!:ok:

[Dupre]

Thanks for the replies - some food for thought :ok:. Yes, I do enjoy every day flying in Africa - it really is great fun!

jetopa: Very true - it's the lifestyle I'm after... certainly doesn't HAVE to be a jet!

Bizjetjockey: Thanks for that info - any idea what typical min. requirements are for flying a piston twin in Europe?

Cheers!

Iain.