Japanese trying to become a pilot

[Tendon Pilot]

Hi all.
So I am a 25 year old Japanese citizen living in Tokyo, trying to become a pilot overseas.

Little background about me:
-Born and raised here in Japan and was in American international school from elementary to high school
-Graduated university from America with an aerospace engineering degree
-worked for ANA as an aircraft mechanic mainly with Boeing aircraft
-I'm more comfortable speaking in English than Japanese (I'm fluent in English to the point that some people think I am from the States)
-I tried the jisa-yousei, Japanese cadet program, here in Japan but I always get weeded out at 1st stage (SPI Japanese Test)
-I recently went for pilot assessment and interview for Emirates Flight Training Academy and passed everything (Physics, Math, COMPASS test, Psychometric test) but training cost was too high and I wouldn't get any license like EASA so gave up
-This is nothing but flew 1.5 hours of Piper Warrior III in Buffalo, NY and 1 hour Piper Archer in Honolulu, HI.

I have been researching here and there, and still am but I just want some advice/help from fellow aviators out there on whether I have ANY chance of getting a job interview in any airlines overseas or even as a CFI. Or do I only have a chance in Japan?
I know that on the other thread, people were saying that JCAB only recognizes FAA PPL conversion and from there I have to work my way up to CPL in Japan to fly but just wondering if there is any opportunity to work overseas.

[bringbackthe80s]

Main problem is the visa, probably the US is your best bet.

[lee_apromise]

-I recently went for pilot assessment and interview for Emirates Flight Training Academy and passed everything (Physics, Math, COMPASS test) but training cost was too high and I wouldn't get any license like EASA so gave up

Who the hell cares about EASA? It's not like EASA is more useful than other non-EASA licenses in non-EU countries.

I have been researching here and there, and still am but I just want some advice/help from fellow aviators out there on whether I have ANY chance of getting a job interview in any airlines overseas or even as a CFI. Or do I only have a chance in Japan?

One of many options are to go for F-1 visa route in US and get 1,500 hours as a CFI. Some US regionals are hiring F-1 visa holders. Whilst you are doing it, apply for a green card lottery next year.

I know that on the other thread, people were saying that JCAB only recognizes FAA PPL conversion and from there I have to work my way up to CPL in Japan to fly but just wondering if there is any opportunity to work overseas.

You can go to a flying school in Canada as well under a student visa. Once you complete CPL and FI rating, you get 2 years work permit. You can work in Canada as a pilot and once you reach 1450 hrs of working time (Pilot, Flight Instructor) including ground time, you can apply for Canadian PR as well. Then you can apply for jobs at Canadian regionals such as WestJet Encore, Jazz, SkyRegional or Porter etc etc.

[Tendon Pilot]

Visa is really a big problem for me. Applied for green card lottery program last month so will see how that goes.

[Tendon Pilot]

Didn't know that regionals hire F-1 Visa holders. This is the part I did not look into but is it possible to get 1,500 hours as a CFI before F-1 visa expires tho?

I was also looking into Canadian flight school but what I am worried is the weather. Of course it will depend on some areas but some Japanese pilot who went there for training said that the flyable months were roughly 3 months due to weather conditions.

[lee_apromise]

Didn't know that regionals hire F-1 Visa holders. This is the part I did not look into but is it possible to get 1,500 hours as a CFI before F-1 visa expires tho?

I was also looking into Canadian flight school but what I am worried is the weather. Of course it will depend on some areas but some Japanese pilot who went there for training said that the flyable months were roughly 3 months due to weather conditions.

If you work as a CFI in FL or AZ, I think it is doable. You wanna get 500 hrs jet before F-1 expires so that you can move onto somewhere like EVA in Taiwan.

Yeah that 3-months comment is nonsene. Winter is bad for sure but there are many opportunities in Canada like medevac, charter, instructing etc etc.

[Tendon Pilot]

Thank you for letting me know the possible route. I just need to research which school can offer me F-1.

With what you said about Canada previously, now I am just thinking which pathway to choose.
It looks obvious to go for Canada but at the same time I feel like California, Arizona and Florida can get me to where I want quickly :confused:

[Tendon Pilot]

lee_apromise thanks for the private message! Just had a look at it. I cant reply to you because my message board says it's full.

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[me179]

Hi Tendon Pilot,

As I understand, you are still looking where to start your training. Let me give you some advices out of my own experience. Currently it is the best time for landing on a pilot job, compared to the resission few years ago and the desperate situation for new pilots at that time:

Start with this priority order:

1. Cadet Programs at Airlines which will sponsor your training (or partially sponsor it)... As I know, Cathay Pacific has one, ANA and JAL also for Japanese citizens. I know, you didnt pass at ANA, but can you apply again after a year?

The essential point here is not the training itself, but the the assured emplyment after the training. Try this website: https://www.flightdeckfriend.com/ it has an overview of the current programs world wide.

2. Reputed Schools with airlines reference.. Like some schools in Germany and the UK associate with major airlines like Lufthansa, Eurowings, British Airways or Easyjet. But here you should choose carefully, as you don't have the right to work in the US or the EU, but also you should supply the school with the sufficient funds for the training... For European airlines you should have a residency and work permit in Europe, not a visa for a short stay! So it is not worth the effort to do it in Europe. And who cares about the EASA license, if you are flying at a non EU operator!

3. Independent flight schools, and work on your hours towards your career from down the ladder till you land on a job at a local operator. Countries like the USA, AUS, and Canada do facilitate visas and work permits after the training to work as an FI or even at a local small operator to build up your hours.

But what I would like to know is why wont you start your training at Emirates school. You mentioned that you passed their assessment. If they will offer you a position at Emirates later on, then you can easily get a loan form the bank, that's not the big problem here. After you get employed you can easily pay it back. I think it has nothing to do with what kind of license, as you dont have a license yet. Banks will be happy to offer you the loan if you tell about the position at Emirates.

For more questions, just feel free to ask,
Anata gambarimas,
Gambate Tendon Pilot San

Mike Alfa 179

[cappt]

Might give these guys a call. Probably not cheap but you will get all the training and 1500 hours with visa help.


https://www.pea.com/international-students/u-s-visas/

As far as I know the work visa being used at the U.S. regionals is the special issuance one for Australians only.

[Tendon Pilot]

Thank you so much Mike Alfa!

1. I cannot get into Cathay because their cadets needs to hold HK permanent resident. I cannot join ANA as well because I was told by the department that they will not hire ex-ANA employee once they quit. I do not know how much that is true but that is what I was told. Even though I can apply, I still will have to face SPI test which I am not confident at all.

And you are definitely right about the employment. That is what I have been worrying about and thought about it backward. For Japan, all I can get from the USA is FAA and convert it to Japanese PPL and work my way up to Japanese CPL. Now that is costly too and I REALLY prefer to work overseas than here in Japan.

2. I have checked CAE and L3. They are sure good school and sure it will cost but, even though other's get a chance with the interview, what is my chance of getting a job in EU? Probably slim chances because I do not have any right to work there... So that is out of my list.

3. This last one if my only hope. Some of the people here were really nice enough to tell me that I can become a CFI and build hours in Canada and USA. But for USA I need F1 visa to work as a CFI and only some school give out F1 visa so looking into Canada for more opportunity instead.

The reason why I decided not to stay in Emirates Flight Academy is because the license and cost was part of the issue but the biggest one was employment. They straight up told me there is no guarantee that student will get a job from Emirates and flydubai and those two airlines was just interested in the program. Really no official talk about flight academy student joining the airlines.

Arigatougozaimasu Mike Alfa 179
Just doing a lot more search

[Tendon Pilot]

Thank you so much cappt! I did have a look at this school before! In terms of working, I might only have slim chance of getting hired as CFI in USA...

[cappt]

I think you would have a very good chance at getting on as CFI with the school you choose to train at. You will finish out the visa term with 1500hrs, hopefully some multi engine time in there also. The question is what to do next?
U.S. route: U.S. regional or cargo-not likely due to visa restrictions=return to Japan.
Canada route: Train then regional or cargo=experience=go overseas and make $$. From the above post this sounds likely after being granted permanent status, with your education and training this should be no question but I’m not Canadian so..
Return to Japan route: convert to ppl and test for cpl, more money, will you be employable with 1500hrs in Japan?
What about China with FAA CPL multi & 1500hrs?
The wild card-go to U.S. for training, are you handsome and charming? (JK) ;)

https://flyhaa.com/admissions/international-students/f1-visa/

[Tendon Pilot]

Yes, I am thinking of CFI route in Canada at this point.
If I do go to USA route (which I REALLY want to) there is only slim chance of me getting a job. Which means going back to Japan and only be able to convert my PPL into Japanese and work back my way up.
Canada might be give some chance and I have read that other Japanese have went there to train.
It will be nice to work for Jetstar Japan and all but the cost is just a biggest problem and I prefer to work in global company.
Hmmm... did not look into China...
I might be handsome and charming like those pilots on instagram haha JK Really really wild card is go to USA for sure.

[Tendon Pilot]

Hey lee_apromise! Sorry I could not receive your message because my inbox was full.

I guess new people cannot have a message storage?

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[me179]

After u reach 1500 hrs, and for any reason you have to leave USA / Canada, don't get frustrated, there are still many chances out there which will get you in a jet. Let me mention two:

1. Indonesia: Try to log as much Multi Engine and / or Turboprop time during your time in the USA/ Canada. Those hrs are more valuable than a Single Piston. Apply at operators like www.susiair.com and you'll increase your experience rapidly there with a great experience and sunny beaches. They will take care of our Visa and you'll upgrade to command on the Caravan C208 in 2 years. U can then change operator in Indonesia and earn 5000 USD in mountain flying, if this kind of operations suits your life style. But if you had enough from flying Turboprops, then at 3000 hrs, with 1000 hrs PIC, doors open for you at Airlines or at Corporate operators. Guys from Susi went to Cathay, Vietnam Airlines, Dragon Air, Qatar... and many many airlines after their C208 experience in Indonesia.

2. Africa, similar to Indonesia... many western guys there flying safaris and all that sort of operations... some more hrs on twin or turboprop and you'll be marketable at many airlines or corporate jets.

During your training, you'll get to know people, you will get advices, you will build your experience technically but also socially... don't give up. The first job is the most difficult one to get.

Let's know how things go,
Gambatte,

Mike Alfa 179

[fatbus]

As long as you are will to bounce around for a few years (Aasia, Africa , ME ) to gain some good time things will open up for . Regardless of license, EASA only if you have the right to live and work in EU . Same applies to other countries, mostly!

[Tendon Pilot]

Hey Mike Alfa 179
Thank you so much for another valuable information.

1. I will probably have to get a Multi Eng after my CFI in Canada. Have you worked for Susi Air before?? At this point I really do not mind Corporate as well! I am just hoping I win the green card lottery next year.

2. Did not know about Africa so maybe I can look into those too.

Again thank you so much. Will keep you updated too.
Arigatou Gozaimasu

[Tendon Pilot]

fatbus, bouncing around for few years will be the key I guess! The visa status does throw these beginner pilot around for sure...

[A350HK]

Hey Tendon,

CX have a second officer program that might be of interest. You will need to have ATPL theory completed, MEIR and also 500 hours.

[Tendon Pilot]

Hey Tendon,

CX have a second officer program that might be of interest. You will need to have ATPL theory completed, MEIR and also 500 hours.
Yup, also saw that one before too but thank you for sharing that information as well! I think that is another goal that I can set. ATPL and MEIR and 500 hours on top sounds so far...

[Yoohj]

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give me a line ID here is my ID airyoohj93

[Vaero]

Hi there Tendon!

The topic you bring up is one close to me. My country doesn't have a national cadet program at the moment and I am in limbo because I already payed for training at an EASA institute without any guarantee of a job or prospects so I'm left doing other jobs to make up for it. I'd like to support the advice you got before: Never join any training that doesn't get you a job because getting one after without an EU or US citizenship is next to impossible. But don't give up! You seem to be more qualified to fly than some people I already know flying so I suggest you google "MPL programs". An MPL might be expensive, but with a guaranteed job at the end, you're at a better place.

Forget Emirates Academy because it's trash but check out Etihad Flight Academy. I am not sure of the details but the academy has been growing despite Etihad's overall troubles. They advertise an MPL program so check that out but the one I suggest you look is the Air Arabia MPL program. They have people from various nationalities in the program and I know the students in this course are currently flying as First Officers for Air Arabia throughout the Middle East and Asia. They have no major complaints on the treatment or anything, although pay is initially low.

Aside from that, you can even check the Czech Training Center. I don't think they restrict for citizens yet.

I wish you all the best!! :)

[hitansh]

I am training at CAE Phoenix with JAL Cadets, my reviews about them.
pros :
1. They get paid around $3000 per month as stipend.
2. Company sponsored living and training cost.
3. Additional training on Citation Jet.
4. Separate instructors with more experience and attachment to the company.
5. 6 months English training provided as well.
6. Great Support from JAL Staff.
7. Good future prospect with both narrow and wide body in JAL.
cons:
1. Lifetime Bond!!! Failure to comply will lead to payback of all the training and living cost. I.e. several Hundred Thousand dollars and possible loss of job opportunity in any Japanese Airline.
2. Japanses culture highly infact overly disciplined, doesn't suit other people.
3. Failing twice in any checkride will result in expulsion from the programme and all your flying hours will go into dump, as this is a MPL programme.

Good Luck.

[Tendon Pilot]

Thank you so much Vaero and I apologize for super late reply!

I actually got into car accident on the day you replied my thread and currently in physical therapy now :rolleyes:

I will definitely look into MPL programs and Czech Training Center!

[Tendon Pilot]

Hey hitansh

Thanks for the reply and I apologize for late response due to my surgery...
I'm glad you gave me those raw info. Most of the info is what I found online or learnt while I was working as mechanic at ANA.
I did apply for their MPL programme before and failed their 1st stage group interview.
Your "cons #2" is another reason is one of the reason why I left mechanic because I'm completely Americanized (not that I am lazy or anything but the Japanese culture there did not fit me"

[iggy]

I apologize for late response due to my surgery...

I have no info to provide regarding initial license studies, but I strongly suggest you check with the relevant authorities the consequences of the surgery on your future Initial Class I medical before dropping a cent into your license.

Hopefully it will be nothing but just in case. Good luck!

[spitmarkIX]

Hello Tendon pilot
Have you looked at the Skymark Airlines cadet program. It might be worth looking at as it is not as restricitive as JAL.
Cheers

[Tendon Pilot]

Hello Tendon pilot
Have you looked at the Skymark Airlines cadet program. It might be worth looking at as it is not as restricitive as JAL.
Cheers

Unfortunately I have not looked into it as the application is already closed. However, again, going back to my experience with cadet program with JAL, the SPI test will definitely disqualify me from the program, as my first language is English (went to American school in Japan and not Japanese school). Thank you for the heads up though! :)

[Tendon Pilot]

I have no info to provide regarding initial license studies, but I strongly suggest you check with the relevant authorities the consequences of the surgery on your future Initial Class I medical before dropping a cent into your license.

Hopefully it will be nothing but just in case. Good luck!

Yup! Definitely! Planning to get a JCAB and Transport Canada Medical check done some time this summer!

[av8beyond]

Yup! Definitely! Planning to get a JCAB and Transport Canada Medical check done some time this summer!
Hi Tendon Pilot,

From the info you originally posted about yourself, I see that you:

-Graduated university from America with an aerospace engineering degree
-worked for ANA as an aircraft mechanic mainly with Boeing aircraft

I have experience with both the Canadian and the US systems; I hold pilot licenses from both countries, but am a citizen of neither. I will make a suggestion that may be quite different than the others you've received.

Your best bet if you want to work as a pilot in Canada is to try and get a job offer there first as an aircraft engineer, i.e., in the same field in which you worked in Japan. With the job offer in hand, it should be relatively easy for you to apply and get Landed Immigrant status in Canada (permanent residency) since you already have at least 1 year's work experience in the field that you will be pursuing in Canada. Once in Canada as a PR, you can work for a while as a engineer while getting your pilot ratings, then quit the engineering field and find work as a pilot with no restrictions.

The reason behind my suggestion is that it is almost impossible to emigrate these days to a western country as a pilot, but Canada will happily take engineers. Immigration Canada maintains an "Approved Professions" list, so you can check for yourself. Google: National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Cheers and good luck.

[Tendon Pilot]

Hey av8beyond,

Thank you so much for the advice!
That advice is really different from others but it does make sense.
The thing is I will be starting my flight training starting next week but I guess it doesn't hurt to do some more research on working as a engineer.
I heard that there is shortage in flight instructor in Canada but do you have any info about that?

[svktcyln]

Hi Tendon Pilot ,
I read your questions from years ago and the valuable answers given to these questions like a story..What did you decide and most likely your training is over now, I hope you got a job in the US :)
Your experiences can be a guide for those who are looking a solution, like me.

[Tendon Pilot]

Hey svktcyln,
Long story short, I am currently a flight instructor ready to apply for the airlines in Canada under work permit. I am about to start my permanent residency process.

Here is the breakdown by years:
2019-2020: PPL
2020-2021: CPL
2021-2022: Flight Instructor training
2022-Present: Flight Instructor

[bringbackthe80s]

JCAB Atpl can be converted from another ICAO Atpl through an airline, but only after you have considerable experience. Anything before that (eg from a FAA CPL) will be very expensive and requires a lot of training in Japan.
I recommend you go to the US, get CPL asap and try to stay there as instructor. You’ll get a visa for that as many have done already. Afterwards you can get into a regional if things stay as they are now, and in the future Japan will be an option for sure.

[jbking]

Stay away with JCAB unless we can get into JL or NH but we all know there is zero chance.
You won’t survive in the company as someone who went to international schools all the way from kindergarten.

[WingZeroJP]

Hey svktcyln,
Long story short, I am currently a flight instructor ready to apply for the airlines in Canada under work permit. I am about to start my permanent residency process.

Here is the breakdown by years:
2019-2020: PPL
2020-2021: CPL
2021-2022: Flight Instructor training
2022-Present: Flight Instructor

Hi Tendon Pilot, currently I'm in a similar situation as you were back in 2018. I'm not Japanese, British/Filipino but with Japanese Permanent Residency. I already got my PPL back in Florida in 2023 and am now looking at continuing my training. I'm considering going back to the same Flight School to get my ratings up to CFI and then looking at my job options to instruct and build time, either in the US, Canada or anywhere else for that matter. I'm still trying to figure out the career path.

If you have the time, I'd greatly appreciate hearing the long story of your flight career. Especially what visas and license conversions you had to get to work in in the US/Canada?

Thanks in advance. Regards.

[ThunderLizard]

Keep at it. And whatever you do, don't listen to PPRUNE trolls who say you can't do this or that.

For example, if someone tells you you'll never be able to get a job in Japan with only an FAA license and no JCAB, just remember that loads of guys who have never even been to Japan get hired by Air Japan etc and they all eventually got a JCAB license. It's true you don't want to try to convert FAA to JCAB on your own, but it will be taken care of when you join a Japanese airline. And if the naysayers on here come up with something like just work in an office and fly a Cessna on the weekend, ignore them completely. I got "advice" like that from trolls trying to pull everyone around them down like crabs in a barrel decades ago when I started out. So glad I didn't listen. Stick to your plan. がんばって