IR in the Bay Area

[kiwiZK]

Hi guy's. I am holding a current CPL issued by CAA NZ and trying to figure out what is a good organisation to do my IR in California, preferably the Bay Area. I am not sure if I do the SEIR or MEIR yet. Appreciate any comments on if it is better to do an SEIR or MEIR if I intend to remain in the US and start looking for work.

[MarcK]

I don't know if there are any part 142 schools left, but the local flying clubs, such as West Valley {http://www.wvfc.org/} have instructors and aircraft. What airport will you be near? Drop into the airport office and see what's available. There are at least 3 training operations each at San Carlos, Palo Alto, Hayward, etc.

[Transsonic2000]

Hi,

just a brief note. You mentioned that you hold a CPL issued by NAA NZ. The highest level of pilot certificate issued by the FAA (US) based on a foreign license is a PPL. See link below:

eCFR ? Code of Federal Regulations (http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=97798c1ce95d6614bfbee83d8c390d57&mc=true&node=se14.2.61_175&rgn=div8)

For any higher grade certificate/rating (e.g. CPL/IR) the person must take and pass the respective FAA knowledge test and checkride.

Since you said that you intend to look for a job in the US afterwards, you probably must get a stand-alone (not based on a foreign license) FAA PPL and built up on that. Which means that you have to take the FAA PPL knowledge test and pass the checkride.

I can't help you with flight schools in the SF bay area, but I guess there are folks around here you can help you with that.

[jrmyl]

Also, do you have a right to live and work in the US? It isn't as easy as just showing up and saying I want a job. Come and train for sure, but working is a different animal.

[Transsonic2000]

I have to agree with jrmyl, he's absolutely right! Without having the legal right to live and work in the US (green-card or citizenship) no airline or commercial operator will hire you. There are opportunities to work as an instructor for a limited time (depending on the time left on your visa after completion of your training) but there are only a few flight schools in the US which are eligible to offer this special type of visa. Only Part 141 schools can offer the visa and not all of them do. And one must have done the training with the respective flight school. I'd suggest to do some thorough investigation (not only here on the forum) before taking the plunge.

[custardpsc]

Advantage Aviation Palo Alto is the place for an IR in the Bay Area. Lots of grey haired instructors, nice well maintained aircraft. Am satisfied customer. That is the easy bit. Finding work? sure, if you have a US visa that entitles you and a SSN etc. Otherwise, forget it.