Scudrunner,
Just a thought, but have you ever thought fo working in Japan. I am DHC-8 driver from Canada and am working for an airline in Japan on the DHC-8 q400. They will be looking for more guys in January and a type rating is not required. This can also be an on going contract with room for advancement to the left seat especially if Jazz starts calling back.
The salary is $7000.usd/month. Actually it is $4000.00 for pay, $2000.00 for living allowance and $1000.00 for commuting if you choose. The $3000.00 in allowances are tax free and the $4000.00 is taxed at a 20% tax rate. Contracts last for three years and there are ways to get out of them if need be. Work schedule is aprox six weeks on twenty days off. For a total of 108 days off/year.
I can hear every one saying ``Yeah the money is great but the cost of living is through the roof`` Don`t believe a word of it. The Pay and allowances is more than enough to cover it and still save lots o cash.
Look on
www.hawaiiaviation.com or parcaviation.com.?@They are the two contract companies handling this job and are very professional. If it is not advertised yet stay tuned it will be.
This is the second overseas contract I have done. The company treats us really well. It is a great experience both culturally, and from a flying stand point. You`ll be operating great equipment and learning from some very experienced retired 747 drivers. You`ll also come out with a Japanese ATPL. Training is a bit of a grind, but would look good on a resume.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.