FAA to JAA US Guy Wants to Work in Europe

[muppetdog]

Ok I am doing research on getting a JAA license and trying my hand at working overseas. I have an FAA ATP and around 3100 hours and really would like to make more money they I do in the US and it seems overseas pilots are not for wanting in the bank account area. I guess I am just curious if it would be worth putting the time and money into the conversion to make more money then I am now.

How long does it usually take to study and get the written test out of the way?

How much flying training does it take?

Will I need to shell out for an IR rating to be eligible for a job?

Have you heard of any guys from the US coming over and working in Europe?

Thanks for any help

[Whirlygig]

If you have no entitlement to work in Europe (i.e. you weren't born here), then the rest is academic but, in order, 6-12 months for the 13 written exams, flying training as required to pass CPL skill test and yes, you would have to pay for your own IR (min 15 hours conversion).

We have no shortage of unemployed pilots here thank you, so I cannot imagine that a European operator would support you through a work permit application when they can have a home grown pilot.

The grass is not always greener and whilst you may see higher salaries here, you probably haven't factored in higher costs of living.

Cheers

Whirls

[Peter PanPan]

The conversion to JAR topic has been covered ad nauseam on this forum, relevant information is abundant, assuming that you are eligible for work in Europe.

Concerning your questions:
How long does it usually take to study and get the written test out of the way? Since you are a holder of an ATP you can be exempted from taking ground classes, which is probably not recommendable since the writtens are hardcore (14 written exams)

How much flying training does it take? Up to the school really depending on your proficiency. Pretty sure it has to be on a ME ship.

Will I need to shell out for an IR rating to be eligible for a job? Most likely yes if you are aiming for the Offshore since nowadays Operators don't sponsor IRs anymore.

Have you heard of any guys from the US coming over and working in Europe? Expect from dual citizens or US citizens married to EU citizens, not really.

To sum up: If you are aiming for the Oil Offshore industry (Based on your money comments) and are eligible for work in the EU, you probably ought to get in touch with folks like Bristol Groundschool, Caledonian or GTS and get some quotes, ace those 14 exams through the UK CAA (Despite their flaws probably the most efficient system to go through in JARland in order to obtain your Certificate), do a CPL ride on a piston like the H269, convert your FAA IR onto a JAR IR while it's still feasible (Not much time left) and ideally if you have 500 hours on a frame like the 76, 365, 139, 92, 332 or 225 transfer the type onto or you JAR license and should be in a good spot for a job interview :ouch:

[Rotorbee]

The IRS had a fabolous idea. They let you pay taxes based on your citizenship. Therefore if you happen to be unfortunate enough to have a US passport or a green card, you pay taxes in the foreign country AND the US.
If you come here, the IRS will still be with you. Doesn't help if you are looking for work where there is no shortage of candidats.

[No-ID]

"convert your FAA IR onto a JAR IR while it's still feasible (Not much time left)"

Are you saying that it won't be possible to convert FAA IR into JAR IR in the near future?

Do you have a link with more info on this matter?

[Peter PanPan]

Are you saying that it won't be possible to convert FAA IR into JAR IR in the near future? Well it seems like once EASA fully kicks in on the Licensing side, the current ICAO to JAR 15 hours conversion will be phased out. Can't quote the exact NPA I am affraid but I am sure that some of the forum members can tell us that. Things do look grim on that side though. Not to mention that it will be all MEIR.:{

Do you have a link with more info on this matter? I do not.:uhoh:

[Peter PanPan]

Kinda drifting from the original topic but this should clarify things in terms of IRS for AmCits;):
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/article/0,,id=182017,00.html)

[darrenphughes]

Also, as far as the eligibility to work thing goes, I've heard of people with Irish lineage getting dual citizenship, I don't know how recent the descendants were in those cases, but maybe if you've got some Euro blood coursing through your veins, you'll find a way in around that problem too.

As far as the working over there goes, I'd like to move back at some stage and work the North sea, but there's plenty of guys telling me not to waste my time at the minute, as there's tons of already qualified applicants lined up and ready to go, but the work just isn't there for them. In the mean time, I'll stick to building multi time here.