Get command first before going out of my country?

[FlybywireFamily]

Hi guys! Im flying narrowbody 737 for 6 years in my current company and almost 1 year away to command. Any opinion on the saying get command time first on before going as an expat? Or join legacy airlines now and start queue at the bottom and wait for command.

[A321drvr]

Hi,

Lot of variables, really: depending on your current company/country vs. the ones you are looking at. Generally speaking you should be more marketable with at least 1500 hrs PIC in your type.

Cheers

[Ledi43]

depends on your long term goal

[FlybywireFamily]

Hi,

Lot of variables, really: depending on your current company/country vs. the ones you are looking at. Generally speaking you should be more marketable with at least 1500 hrs PIC in your type.

Cheers

Thank you for your input! Currently im on lowcost and looking forward to join if given a chance to a legacy carriers.

[krismiler]

With legacy carriers, seniority is everything and if you want a long term career with a particular airline then get on the list as soon as you can. If you want to go contract flying then get your upgrade and a couple of thousand hours in the left seat before moving on.

Expat airlines such as Emirates and Qatar will take direct entry Captains when needed however it may be easier to join as an F/O and get used to the operation before they upgrade you. Failure rates for DECs can be higher as the training department need to be hard as you are an unknown quantity. You would be less stressed with a couple of years in the right seat getting used to the routes and SOPs, and then undergoing their own training for the upgrade.

[ppruneuser0210]

Depends. Do you think your current company is a good company to work for? If yes then by all means get command there first.

But if you're not so happy with your current airline, in terms of training or anything, and you have a chance of joining a reputable legacy with a WELL-ESTABLISHED career development for expats, go to the later.

Please do your research when going out as expat FO, companies with a lot of local pilots especially if unionised could be a bad place for expat FO career.

Hi guys! Im flying narrowbody 737 for 6 years in my current company and almost 1 year away to command. Any opinion on the saying get command time first on before going as an expat? Or join legacy airlines now and start queue at the bottom and wait for command.