Atlas Air is hiring.
I think it is pretty easy to convert over to an FAA license and the medicals are quite easy, too. So instead of paying $14,000 to fly a 74-8, why not look into coming over and actually BEING paid to do the same thing. Training pay is $1,600/month and first year min guarantee flight pay is $3,750/month.
Atlas is looking for seasoned pilots who will be decent people to fly with on a 16 hour trip. And if it is the 747 that you want, we have plenty (including -8's).
EW
If enough pilots bail out of airlines that pay poverty wages, they will get the message...
Ummm...how would UK, European, or other non-US citizen or non-Green Card holders be able to work for Atlas Air???
They wouldn't.
Just ask the approximately 100 Stansted-based non-US Atlas Air pilots who had their career flushed down the toilet when the base was closed for "economic reasons" in July 2009.
Unfortunately, GSS is a train set operated by Atlas and BA. Its neither the worst nor the best of jobs out there. Like any company, you need to make of it what you will...and if it doesn't suit you...leave graciously for greener pastures rather than become engulfed by the negativity of the situation.
Life will pass you by if you spend your time wishin' and hopin' that the BA secondee situation will be dis-continued.
PG