In 1986 I was employed as an FAA Check Airman and DC-10 captain based in JFK for a Part 121 carrier.
One night, my boss decided to sell the DC-10s.
I was told to go home and wait for a DC-8 course.
In the meantime, I had an interview with Fedex. The job offer was for the F/E's panel on their DC-10 and, at their rate of progress, it was going to take me at least 15 years to get back into the left seat. At the age of 45, I was too old for that idea.
Now, I am absolutely not complaining about that for such was their company seniority system.
If I was a TNT pilot right now and one of UPS or Fedex were to take over, I would be very worried about my future.
My advice would be to get the Belgian unions to insist upon an EASA AOC.
There are not many US pilots who are willing to convert to an EASA license.
In my 20 years with TNT, we only had one American captain who managed to leap through all of the hoops. (If you are still there John, maybe this is your moment of glory)!
Last edited by JW411; 23rd Feb 2012 at 18:05.