Lots of good info regarding visas and work permits in the US on this forum -
http://forums.british-expats.com/vie...b39e663d78cc00 It would depend on what type of visa your wife will get. Very few visas allow the spouse to work. Even an H1 visa doesn't allow the spouse to work, unfortunately.
Basically, what we found was that you can only work once a work permit has been issued to you as part of the greencard application process. That process normally takes up to 3 years, with the work permit arriving about half way into the application process.
But check the immigration website, it has quite a lot of info on it.
www.uscis.gov Also, the airlines generally won't take you without a green card - they don't need to, they are inundated with Americans trying to get a job. I had to wait nearly 4 years after we moved here before I was eligible to work. It was a long wait, but I was fortunate to be involved with an aviation organisation that has a need for volunteer pilots, so was able to stay current while giving something back to the organisation. Otherwise I don't know what I would have done
Having said that, I came here very ignorant of the immigration rules, so you already have a headstart
Hope this helps a little. Good luck with all your plans.