Ali:
A variety of foreign pilots instructed years ago not far from here at one of two (former) international aviation schools. A number of pilots, or with others, also worked for years at one our regional affiliate airlines. They had a variety of pilots from other countries (Can., western Europeans, South Africa...). I sometimes hit tennis balls with one of the former IPs who taught at the school which accepted students' large money deposits, until the day before it suddenly closed down.
But I have no idea how they were 'sponsored' by the airline (as described to me by a pilot from northern Europe), or whether all were married to US citizens.
I wish you luck with any good flying jobs over here, or elsewhere. They have become very difficult to get into over here. The marketplace, even for very experienced pilots, has become very overcrowded the last few years. Four of our pilots, who have various type ratings (737 required, and one FO I flew with also has experience both flying and instructing in the E-3 AWACS: 707 type-rating, and FEDEX had no time to talk to him the last time he was laid-off. And he might get laid-off again! Many of these guys are OVER-qualified for FEDEX: that might be the problem...and they are "mission-oriented"...) and over fifteen years of experience in higher performance turboprops and heavy 121 jets, were turned down by Southwest after the first interview. At some of the most succesful US airlines with the highest pay, one, two or three personal recomendations from other pilots (who have flown with you) are required, and at one company, the Chief Pilot becomes involved in this process. Even one or two successful low cost carriers (AirTran has B-717s and B-737s) might be asking their pilots for pay cuts! And at one of them, JetBlue (Emb-190/A-320), each pilot decides to sign a five-year contract (no union), or if not, they must leave?
At least the younger pilots have many more years to watch the market for pilots improve, but when, if ever, will fuel prices go much lower and stay down?
Last edited by Ignition Override; 10th February 2006 at 06:53.