fly in us

[nikitown]

I'm an European F/O with 6000h on 737(from the 200 til the 800) and my wife recently got a job-offer in the states as a broker in Ny. She'll have a working permit and they promised her I'd also have one.
So my question is:
how easy will it be for me to find a flying job on 737 or heavier a/c?
How much can you make on average?
thanks
Jan

[captjns]

First, you need to confirm that you too will be able to get a right to work visa in the US. That will probably be one of the hardest hurdles to overcome.

Then, you must get an FAA ATP for the B737. Rather than suppositions, contact flight training facilities directly. While I do not endorse any of these facilities, you can start with the following:

PAN AM International Flight Training Academy
Higher Power Aviation.

Then the last hurdle... getting a job. About the only us carrier that you would have a chance with may be Vision Airlines, a B737 operator. Miami Air International is another carrier, but given the fact that you would be in the US on a work visa, you would not qualify for certain clearances required for Miami Air flights.

Copa Airlines, a Panamanian airline is actively recruiting DECs on their NGs. Perhaps your JAA Certificate would be acceptable to their operation.

But first and foremost, you need to personally contact your wife's company and her immegration attorney for complete details.

Good luck with your quest, and I hope all works for you. By the way enjoy the Carnegie Deli... the best corned beef on rye on the planet:ok:.

[JPJP]

I've been down this road. Albeit as an Australian with a NZ ATPL and an American wife.

The right to work in the U.S. is crucial. Without it you are a tourist. If there is any way for your wife to leverage your right to work as a condition of her job offer then exploit it.

In the U.S, Part 121 (Airline) Turbine command time is king. Without this qualification your options may be somewhat limited to regional airlines with poor T&C's. If you have Turbine command time and a work authorization your options expand. Your competition expands proportionally as well.

Adding your 737 Type rating and your US ATP will increase your chances considerably. The two qualifications can be combined in one 'check ride'.

The administrative conversion of licenses is relatively easy. It requires paperwork, studying the published questions and answers, followed by a rudimentary flight test. Getting a job is highly competitive as always.

Best wishes. :ok: