Transferring between airlines in China.

[WJAPilot]

If a foreign pilot completes a contract with one company and wished to change companies within china is it difficult?

Would the ATPL medical and type ratings be recognized by the new company?

[ClimbSequence]

Sorry mate, not possible.

Once you take the medical check with a company, they have the rights over it.
The only chance you have is that such company release your medical and based on the fact they had invested a considerable amount of money, it is very unlikely they will do it.

I know some guys who flew for a cargo company in Shanghai and the company release their medical when they reduced their capacity and dispose from them.

[WJAPilot]

I had heard something about that and understand that mid contract it might be tough - but at the end of a contract?

you have to do CAAC medical again - the ATPL again ?

Cheers

[Guam360]

ATPL test is valid for 2 years, will require the original copy with the red stamp if yours is still valid.



Non Criminal Record is valid for 6 months since the day it was issued by your local police station.



The total flight hours certificate and the no accident/incident record will be applicable.

[WYOMINGPILOT]

It is possible but not easy to change contracts at the end of a completed contract. The CAAC will require a letter of release from your previous airline and your training records, the soft blue log book normally retained by your Standards Dept. will go with you to the new airline. What usually happens is the new gaining airline negotiates and pays a fee for this new right but only if the previous company thinks you have completed your contract in good standing. Leaving midstream in a contract only happens usually when you are terminated and then they are usually happy to release you. The ATPL is valid usually for at least 5 years and will remain in effect. The new gaining airline will send you in for a new medical. In my experience in China it is best to just be silent up until the end of your contract with your employer but about 3 months prior start the process of getting a new position at another carrier. Some airlines have arrangements with other sister or parent companies where they have legitimate anti-poaching arrangements in place and prohibit pilots transferring between these sister or parent companies it just depends upon the airline. It is not easy but it is possible.

[WJAPilot]

Perfect Thanks Wyoming.

Cheers

[Blueair]

Hi, WJAPilot, if you end of the contract, your airlines should issue a release letter and safety evaluation letter for you, this is the rule from CAAC now. When you sign with the airlines, this should be a term in the contract.

You may need to do the medical exam if the new airlines required, you do not need do ATPL exam again while you having a Chinese ATPL license.

[WJAPilot]

Thanks Blue -

WJP