Originally Posted by
Global Aviator
Alas if I was a young lad I would be striving for 1500 hours and running to the states, unless that horse has bolted...
Think about it, 1500 hours, get a jet FO seat, flying in a first world country with now decent money with cost of living. What? 3/4 years upgrade, yes if we were Aus 10/15 years ago but now even LCC what 10? Years? Surely 457’s won’t be DEC? Or will they.
Why do Aussies go the expat option? Money? Yes, career progression? Yes? Lifestyle? Maybe? But no it’s not Aus....
So many countries have or allow expats because they NEED THEM, aka UAE. Does AUS? No there are enough blokes belting around in GA that should get that airline chance, ok maybe then GA will need 457’s, but give he local bloke a shot first.
And as for expats returning to the bottom of the seniority list, yep if enough coin saved, otherwise why?
Remember life’s not perfect anywhere and it’s becoming less and less perfect in the lucky country.....
Upgrades in the regionals in the US are basically as soon as you can meet the captain requirements ie 1000 hours part 121 time. So initial training takes about 3 months and then another 12 months to get your 1000 hours part 121 and then upgrade right away in an Emb145, 175 or CRJ.
We are so short of captains that basically any iligeble FO that meet captain mins are being displaced (forced upgrade) to captain in recent vacancy bids. I fly for a wholly owned regional of American Airlines.