Hey Everyone,
I’d love to get your honest opinion on something.
I’ve been a pilot at American Airlines for two years, currently flying the Airbus A32F with 600 hours on type (right seat). I also flew the Boeing 737NG/MAX with over 6,500 hours in two different countries, outside the U.S.
All my flying experience has been as a First Officer. The pandemic hit just as I was completing my upgrade on the 737 at a previous airline.
Even though I’m flying for American Airlines, I don’t have U.S. citizenship—just a GC. However, I do have Italian citizenship.
I’m 39 years old, and my childhood dream has always been to fly for KLM.
OK, AA is a fantastic company to work for, offering great pay and benefits, but I haven’t really adapted to the lifestyle and culture in the U.S.
I love the Netherlands—I’ve been there several times and have always been fascinated by KLM ever since I first saw an airplane. I hold FAA and Transport Canada ATPLs, with ICAO English Level 6 on my Canadian license. I don’t have the EASA license since I never thought it would be possible to join KLM without being fluent in Dutch. But now that they’re opening opportunities, I’d love to know if I’d be eligible to apply with my current FAA and Transport Canada licenses.
I’m motivated to learn Dutch and even willing to convert my license to EASA. I’ve heard that one have up to two years after joining a company to complete the 13 subjetcs for the EASA theoretical exam.
Also, even though I don’t yet hold an EASA license, I’ve already scheduled my EASA Class 1 medical in the Netherlands for March.
Any insights from you would be greatly appreciated! And yes, I absolutely agree that learning Dutch is important, even though it’ll take some time since it’s not an easy language.
Thanks, and safe flights!