No Euro Experience

[BCASFlyboy]

I am hoping some people might be willing to help me out with some advice or suggestions.

I'm currently living over in Canada, and am a King Air 200 Medevac Captain. I have 2250 hours and a Canadian ATPL, I also have a Boeing 737-200 Type Rating. Unfortunately, here in Canada, it takes a long time to get to a place where you can fly any kind of jet (WestJet - 4000 hours, etc.), or get to a place where you can actually have a real career.

I just turned 24 years old and I have a 4 year degree (Business), and my E.U. Passport - I also speak English and basic/conversational French

I'd love to come over, but I have not been able to find anything - I only have a growing pile of rejection letters. I hear so much about people getting on jets with 500 hours, B737 Captains at the age of 24/25, etc. and it is frustrating to know that while I've been flying for 5 years here in Canada, I'm just spinning my wheels as compared to other countries.

I don't have any idea where to go from here. I'd like to get my JAR Licences, but don't know what would be required, and/or who I should be talking to. I have a limited amount of information in respect to getting my licence validated, but nothing really too helpful to go on.

Does anyone have any advice that they could pass on? Any companies that would consider me? I would really like to get the opportunity to live in and experience Europe (and get out of Canada before the frigid winter temperatures hit - although I have heard that Russian companies are crying for people and would consider it to get some jet time).

I look forward to hearing from anyone. Thank you very much.

Cheers.
:ok:

[RobertFL]

Why dont you wanna live and work in canada thats where I assume you are from ?

[click]

'cause the grass is always greener on the other side.:}

And fertilized with sh1t....from personal experience, I would suggest you stay put in Canada and don't bother anywhere else. I did what you're contemplating and trust me, it ain't worth it. If I was back in Canada, I would kiss the ground every morning and every night and thank the almighty that a country like Canada exists. You don't know what you have until you lose it.

And fer krissakes don't even contemplate Russia.

[half mile]

Hey BCAS,

As a west coaster, I was in a similar situation this spring after freezing my a$$ of in NW Ontario all winter. I finally decided to take the plunge and convert my licence to a JAA ATPL. I have talked to a lot of guys ahead of me who have done very well - Ryan Air, Easy Jet etc. with little or no jet time. I am sitting my first set of exams in September which I have done via distance learning through Bristol, who I would highly recommend.

If you have an ICAO ATPL with 500hrs on the BE-20 the conversion is relatively straight forward. You will require the following:
1) CAT 1 Medical - initial must be done at Gatwick I would recommend doing this first, instead of finding out later that you didn't pass and you have wasted a bunch of time and money.

2) Pass all 14 written exams - there is no ground school req't if you already have an ICAO ATPL you just need to study, sign up and write the exams. They are challenging, but nothing 6 months of hard core studying can't take care of. Look at www.bristol.gs for info on distance learning.

3) For the flying - with the 500hrs on multi-crew aircraft you are exempt from any MCC Courses (CRM, SOP's style training). You will require a letter from your employer that the aircraft you fly is indeed operated two crew. The 200 is accepted for this, but is otherwise only recognized as a single-pilot A/C in the UK. Unfortunately your 737 type rating won't do you an good unless you have 500hrs on type. To complete your training there are two routes: you can do your CPL, MIFR training over again at major expense in the UK. Or what I have decided to do, is complete a type rating which will satisfy all the JAA ATPL req'ts, as well for little extra cost make yourself much more marketable. Or even better, convince a company to type you on their equipment!

Don't listen to any negative comments from guys on here. I have personally talked to 10 individuals who have done this and have absolutely no regrets. Canada will be a great country to work in as a pilot in 2-3 years, but 'til then this is by far the best route!

For more info look at the Canada Forum and search "conversions" there is a lot of useful info.

Cheers!
:ok:

[click]

I've walked the walk, you guys are just starting out. Have a pleasant journey.
My comment about Canada was meant in terms of everything else. You may be peed off about the flying for 8 hours a day but the other 16 are a breeze because everything functions. Try it anywhere else where you will be happy for the few hours that you are flying but extremely annoyed the rest of the day.

[CanAV8R]

Boys,

I was in the same boat BCAS as you a few years back. I came here with just over 3000 hours all turbo time. Got hired as a DEC on a large turbo prop and now been a year on a 75/76. For people to take you seriously you need to be done the conversion.

Recruitment is on going here and this fall will be busy. Although things are starting to roll in Canada I would still consider a job here. If you need any other info PM me.

Good luck.