Hi all,
I grew up in New Zealand and Taiwan and hold both citizenships. I've always had the passion for flying, and even went on to work part-time in the skydiving industry in the US as a coach/packer for a couple years after high school. I'm 22 now and decided to further that passion and become a pilot. I plan on enrolling in New Zealand's Massey University Bachelor of Aviation program to get all the ratings plus a degree. While there are many flight schools in New Zealand that are cheaper and faster, I need the bachelor degree because Taiwanese airlines (EVA Airways/ China Airlines) require it. Thus my plan is to graduate Massey with the BAv when I'm 25, head back to Taiwan and apply for EVA and CAL as a self-sponsored CPL holder.
First,
AFAIK, EVA and CAL are still recruiting local fresh CPL holders. I'd like to have someone with real knowledge of either airline to confirm that. It seems too good to be true that someone with 250 hours will be in the RHS of a B777.
Second, besides EVA/CAL and their subsidiaries, there is absolutely no GA in Taiwan. If I don't get into either of them, I pretty much have to go back to New Zealand and work my way up GA, regionals, then finally legacy after perhaps 20+ years in the industry. Again, I'm asking someone who worked at EVA/CAL either as a local or an expat to provide some input as to how you got the job. Will a Cat-C flight instructor rating and another 100hr (~350tt) help my chances? Massey offers the rating (upon selection) during the 3rd year of the BAv degree.
Finally, is my plan worth a shot or not? I guess I'm lucky to have a Taiwanese passport so there might be a chance of flying jets early in my career. Hats of to the fellow NZ kiwis grinding their way up the ladder.
I appreciate any input given on the subject. If you had been in a similar situation, what did you do and how did it work out? And if you were to be in my shoes, what will you do?
Cheers mate
