Thanks all. After he advised me of his interest he has gone quiet, perhaps on holiday so I shall pass on when I get the chance. Merry Christmas all.
My mate John is a former C-130 driver and Sqn C/O before he went civy. He's got 737 time so some of the options might rate. It may be that he'd like to retire somewhere other than USA, in which case changing countries at his age requires a job sponsor.