Jobs in South America

[jackdaniels]

Dear Pruners,
I would like to know if moving to south america from Europe would be a good move in the current times. I have been reading this forum for a while and it seems that the only airlines in the market are LAN,AR and possibly TAM. I know that compensation sucks but if I can trade it with a better lifestyle i would def consider it.
tks for your opinion
jd

[EdForce6]

Hi there,

Dont want to sound rude !! but there are a few threads that you can read on the question that you have put out to everyone.

To make it simple, if you not from the country or a resident for a few years, eg: 6 to 8, then there is no point in moving cause you will have a long wait till you can go op's on a airline or even private on a local reg. a/c.

Brazil - you need to know portuguese, be a resident, and if you are not from a country of portuguese origin, eg: portuguese colonies, and you are not married to a brazilian, and a few more things, Then there is not a chance. Well there is, but you will have to wait a few years. You can do some hard core research on this, but the light is still far down the tunel.

Other Latin American countries go the same path with x-pats and non passport holders.

Unless, you get a job offer from a local company (or the local goverments change the regulations) the chances are 1/100. Although you know that there is a growth in the airlines, and the need for pilots is high, this is the facts that you will face.

I hope that i have answered you question, once again there are many threads on these matters that you can read up.

Safe Landings.

Edforce6

[BaronRouge777]

Not correct EdForce and don't want to be rude either. I know of one example: LAN hires expat pilots (same for COPA I believe).

[Levraimatt]

I'm a French citizen, married with a Colombian national and, after a year of bureaucracy and lobbying been able to apply to AVA. It is a long and tedious process, and quite frankly if I had to it again I wouldn't. South America is very much alike old Soviet Union, everything takes forever, people are unwilling, and you really have to fight for everything. There's a real quality pilot shortage in Colombia, but they have no plan on opening the doors to foreigners. AVA is desperate for pilots, each convocatoria sees more than 300 applicants, with only 5/6 making it to an aircraft. They have airplanes grounded for lack of crews but still make it almost impossible for foreigners to apply.

[BaronRouge777]

Hey LEvraiMatt, I am a french citizen too (and US). I applied to LAN and HR did answer with paperwork to fill out. I am not saying I will get a job but they did accept my application.

[perceval]

I see occasional jobs creeping up for which non nationals can apply (besides LAN and COPA) . There was a Caravan job in Guyana a few weeks back , a Float Twotter (and more recently 206 ) in Nicaragua I believe a month or so ago ...etc . It's few and far between but in this field it's always a question of luck and timing anyway ...

[Gusz]

@levraimatt

I would recommend you to talk to a pilot that currently flies for avianca..
If this is your first airline job, ask them about working conditions,roster,benefits,etc. I know avianca is the biggest airline in colombia,but that doesnt mean is the best place to work .
Always introduce yourself to the captain and be gratefull if he/she lets you fly the plane, if you dont do that they would be easily offended!
Key words.... Lo acompano en su vuelo. Y. Gracias por el chance.....
Disclaimer:not a personal attack just check the facts before you make up your mind! Cheers and good luck!

[chevere]

where did you see these jobs advertised ? where do i look? i realise this post was written awhile back..

[Massachello]

I moved from Chicago to Brazil. Airlines in Brazil only hire Brazilian citizens, things are not booming like they were in 2009-2011. Gol and TAM are in the RED, AZUL and Avianca Brasil are still growing but not hiring at the moment. Corporate jobs are there, but its who you know not what you know.