The only place you need a JAA licence is the EU and then it won't matter what experience you have (ie:1000hrs+) you will have to do exams and convert your licence. The brits may acknowledge your experience but not guaranteed. Again this is regardless of 150hr or 1000hrs twin time.
The impression everywhere I have been overseas is that the FAA licence is a joke. No offence to our US brothers.... thats just the harsh reality. The examination and process is scoffed at generally. However, YES ... it is a great licence to have for working around the planet. As for the visa, that is only applicable (to my understanding) if you complete an instructor rating after your licence. You are entitled to 1 year to earn a living after the IR.
The same rule applies to Canada. It was introduced after the yanks started to pull a lot of candidates south and slow the canuk industry down.
If you are under 27 - 30 you can apply for a one year work visa in NZ, OZ and CA. Just do not tell them you are doing it for flying. It is intended for working holiday types. There are no restrictions to what you do thou...
Your NZ licence is easily converted into OZ. The two licences are accepted in either country without conversion and both licences are readily converted into the canadian version at a little cost.
Total flying in NZ 150hrs
Total in OZ 120hrs (?)
Total in Ca 105hrs (!)
There are ****** all mountains in OZ. Only BC has mountain training in CA. NZ offers a broad spectrum of all aspects of helo flying in a small country.
Do your exams at Motueka (nelson aviation college) Have a chat to Andy Smith there. Everybody who is anybody, does the theory at Andy's school there (his fatherinlaw is Walter Wagdendonk of the aerodynamics book fame....) Where you do the flying is up to you.
All the best
