Originally Posted by
Comanche
I'm currently on the equivalent of approx 180k USD working 650 hrs a year on average, but if I take into account the generous retirement allowance it's the equivalent of about 220k USD with 6 weeks of paid leave, based where I want to be and unmatched job protection (France). Without any doubt, I agree that this is on the upper scale of what you can take home working for any European airline and it may well be worthwhile moving if you work for an airline in Europe with a pay towards the lower range.
Having said that, considering that it would take 18+ months to get the greencard and a job, at age 50+ one may never even become a captain again. As far as I'm concerned, it's too big a gamble, considering potential economic downturns or other events. If I were 30+ working for another airline I'd probably make the jump though.
I totally understand that. Having to wait another 18 months at age 50+ doesn’t place you exactly at the front end of the hiring curve. You would still be able to upgrade early ( after you have flown 1000 hours in the right seat). But you most likely won’t have the seniority progression that someone has who got hired maybe 2-3 years ago. Coming here to the US would give you maybe options you wouldn’t have if you stayed in France. Be it flying wide bodies or having way more time off with more/similar money than flying in Europe. I also did the move in my 50’s and don’t regret leaving my very good job in Europe with 20 years of seniority. With the right attitude one can manage to fly from the right seat even after being so many years a Captain. 😃