Enrique757,
"Is this a case by case basis or not?" - Do you have "where to live" in Panamá?.... If not, they will provide housing and transportation.
How long does it take from the time you start school to when you ge your legal papers ready for working?" - Don't worry about that. You will start the training and the migration process take up two months.
First, you will receive Temporary Resident ID, valid from 3 months to a maximum of 1 year.
The approval of the migratory process, wich grants residence as a Panamian Aviation Employee might take between 12 and 18 months and is valid for 5 years.
During training (6 months) your pay will be $1033.75, consisting of:
- Salary - $850.00*
- Production Premium - $183.75
*This amount is taxed according to Panamanian laws.
Once checked in the line your pay will be $3023.75, consisting of:
- Salary - $1700.00*
- Per diem – Guaranteed in 66 hours -$1,140.00.
- Production Premium - $183.75.
- Additional hours above 66 are paid $36.25 each.
They said that F/O flies about 84 hours a month.
*This amount is taxed according to Panamanian laws.
They do not have training bond.
To rent a good apartment it will be between $750 and $1200.
I heard from a Captain that you MIGHT take up to 11 months to start the IOE.
The traffic in PTY is really hard. I recomend to live close to Tocumen. Not downtown, otherwise you might take up to two hours to go to Tocumen during the rush time.
Copa still hiring F/O's, but you need to meet the requirements. 1000 TT for EXPAT's, Commercial License and English level 4 or higher.