Best Path to Becoming a Pilot in 2025 and Beyond as a New Zealander
Best Path to Becoming a Pilot in 2025 and Beyond as a New Zealander
Hi, I’m a college student living in New Zealand and want to become a pilot. I’m eligible for Australian citizenship in the next 4 years. I’ve heard that Australia has a bigger aviation market than New Zealand, with higher wages and better working conditions for pilots.
I understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan, so instead of planning everything in detail, I prefer to look in a direction and take steps toward it, even if I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up. I want to choose a career that lets me fly a large jet aircraft (Boeing 737, 787, 777) as soon as possible. Given this, which country and career path should I pursue?
Option 1: Start in New Zealand
- 1-1: Train at a flight school in New Zealand, accumulate 500 hours flying turboprops, and follow the RPPP (Regional Pilot Pathway Program) to transition to jet flying.
- 1-2: Accumulate 1500 hours in General Aviation (GA) and then transition to a First Officer (FO) role at Air New Zealand.
Option 2: Move to Australia
- 2-1: Attend flight school in Australia, accumulate 500 hours flying a turboprop at QantasLink, and transition to jet flying.
- 2-2: Accumulate 1500 hours as a Flight Instructor (FI) or through GA, but uncertain of the next steps after that.
Option 3: Obtain ATPL in Australia and Move to the US (E-3 Visa Uncertainty)
- 3: Complete ATPL training and accumulate 1500 hours in Australia, acquire Australian citizenship, and pursue options to move to the US — potentially using an E-3 visa if eligible (though this isn’t guaranteed and depends on specific conditions).
My Situation
I have no legal, financial, or age-related restrictions preventing me from moving to the United States. I’m young and can acquire Australian citizenship while attending flight school in Australia, making me eligible for the E-3 visa to fly jets in the US after completing the required 1500 flight hours. However, **it’s uncertain if I’ll be able to secure an E-3 visa**, as this depends on the availability of the visa and meeting specific criteria.
I would really like to get a advance