JW411- Thanks
I did contact the Defence Security Services in Washington and was told that a security clearance was available, but only if sponsored by a company or US government agency. Hence, one must first be hired to be able to apply for a security clearance.
Am I dealing with the right people?
Check 6
The facts are that this particular company has said that it is the contract, and not any country that demands the flight crew be US citizens. However, common sense and the information I am getting is beginning to point to a stipulation for a US security clearance, not citizenship. It is also suggesting that foreigner's clearances take longer (although I don't believe this would be true in my case) thereby making their recruitment more problematic. Ergo, the question: Is it legal to deny the opportunity of employment on this basis? How would this fit in with US Equal Opportunity laws?
To go back to your point that some European countries require pilots of US contract aircraft to be US citizens, I am completely puzzled as to what benefits the nations who have made this rule can be reaping, if only the US is subject to this rule, and even that the US government would allow another country to indirectly dictate to a US company whom they may employ?
Do these countries demand the same of other nations i.e. British operators must have only British pilots or that Irish operators have only Irish pilots?
Case in point, can you imagine what an impact on civilian operations of say Cathay, Emirates or Ryan there would be if the UK said, “Right, I’m very sorry but only your own nationals may operate your aircraft into our country.”?
I have noted on another thread that all foreign nationals wishing to obtain a type rating in the US must now also receive a security clearance. If companies start rejecting foreign applicants under the pretext that getting a security clearance will significantly devalue a green card for a US based flying career.
If I have not misunderstood this information, it is very troubling news for myself and other green card holders.
Last edited by CAVU; 19th May 2002 at 16:52.