Originally Posted by
Messerschmitt
Thank you for your insight.
Once I reach the 100h PIC, I'd need an additional 50h PIC (so almost double since I currently need 65h to reach 100h on fixed wing), to be able to request PICUS from my company, except that would easily take a few years, and that only if PICUS no longer expires after 12 months (I heard rumors Transport Canada removed the expiry due to COVID, but they could always re-introduce it, if they didn't already, which would make it impossible to get 100 PICUS in one year). The PICUS program is Canada is almost impossible unless you are with a small company that can dedicate a lot of time with the PICUS, huge difference compared to the EASA PICUS which I understood it's extremely easy to log at any airline. My understanding was also that with my hours, once I have a ATPL(f) I would be hireable at many airlines in EU and can easily unfrozen it from the right seat.
Ah I'm sorry to hear it's that complicated in Canada. It is true, logging PICUS under EASA is comparably simple. The airline you're employed with just needs some paragraph in their OM-A regarding this issue. For my operator, it basically says that an FO does the same things as a commander during our operation and if CM1 signs the remark field of my logbook I may log that particular leg as PICUS time.
I'd say your understanding is correct. With an ATPL(f) you can apply for many airline jobs in Europe. Of course given the fact that you have a citizenship of or other permanent right to live and work in any EU member state.