Australian pilots can work for US regionals.

[going_up]

Originally Posted by havick

Anyone that is interested in the E3 in the USA should first ask anyone here on pprune recommending a company whether they're receiving a referall bonus (usually 5k) for getting an applicant on board. Then make your own deduction after that.

As it stands right now the best company in the US for an E3 visa applicant is Piedmont. I fly for Envoy (on a green card), therefor I can make the recommendation of Piedmont totally un-biased as I don't work for them and as such don't receive a 5k bonus cheque for getting bums on seats.

For me to get a referral bonus, I wold have to send you an email link, you would then need to apply via said link. Its not actually 5k at all if one were to refer a pilot at Skywest, its much less than that. My recommendation is to apply directly via the Skywest website, and feel free to ask me questions regarding life at Skywest, whats the real deal, etc. Speaking of bonuses Havick, I know for fact that yourself can receive a referral bonus IF you have contact with the people in Piedmont's HR. That being said, in the interest of all fairness, I do not know if you have such contacts, but I know it is possible. I know this because I was called from two different regional asking me about my experience with the E3 and how it was accomplished over a year ago. Of which I confirmed I was on the E3 visa, and nothing more as these airlines snubbed me big time when I approach them back in mid 2015.

For all potential future E3 pilots in the US, Skywest has the most E3 visa pilots in the US, the first ever E3 visa pilot, and a wonderful training program. I won't BS. I found out that Piedmont has got their act in order and can process E3 LCA's. Which is great to see. Why are certain airlines offering massive sign on bonuses? Yet Skywest is not? Sort answer, the company's reputation fills classes! Any Australian pilot with common-sense could put two and two together ask the same thing! Why would a company offer massive bonuses if they are already a great place to work and have pilots knocking on their door? Skywest is filling classes and we are not hurting. It is truly a wonderful place to work, and I am proud to be the first E3 airline pilot in the US with a big thanks to Skywest.

I am curious Havick, this is a honest question btw, but why are Piedmont having real trouble filling their classes? Buddy of mine joined Envoy not long ago, Envoy's classes seem to be going fairly well.

I'm trying to remain objective here, but if you want to know the ins and outs of SkyWest and the E3, email me. We already have 30 plus E3 holders online and working.

[bafanguy]

Originally Posted by going_up

...but why are Piedmont having real trouble filling their classes? ...Envoy's classes seem to be going fairly well.

Is PDT actually having trouble filling classes ? I understand the -8s are on the way out but are they still operating some of them ? They are shown on their company website.

And Envoy's classes are going more than well according my inside source.

[havick]

Originally Posted by going_up

For me to get a referral bonus, I wold have to send you an email link, you would then need to apply via said link. Its not actually 5k at all if one were to refer a pilot at Skywest, its much less than that. My recommendation is to apply directly via the Skywest website, and feel free to ask me questions regarding life at Skywest, whats the real deal, etc. Speaking of bonuses Havick, I know for fact that yourself can receive a referral bonus IF you have contact with the people in Piedmont's HR. That being said, in the interest of all fairness, I do not know if you have such contacts, but I know it is possible. I know this because I was called from two different regional asking me about my experience with the E3 and how it was accomplished over a year ago. Of which I confirmed I was on the E3 visa, and nothing more as these airlines snubbed me big time when I approach them back in mid 2015.

For all potential future E3 pilots in the US, Skywest has the most E3 visa pilots in the US, the first ever E3 visa pilot, and a wonderful training program. I won't BS. I found out that Piedmont has got their act in order and can process E3 LCA's. Which is great to see. Why are certain airlines offering massive sign on bonuses? Yet Skywest is not? Sort answer, the company's reputation fills classes! Any Australian pilot with common-sense could put two and two together ask the same thing! Why would a company offer massive bonuses if they are already a great place to work and have pilots knocking on their door? Skywest is filling classes and we are not hurting. It is truly a wonderful place to work, and I am proud to be the first E3 airline pilot in the US with a big thanks to Skywest.

I am curious Havick, this is a honest question btw, but why are Piedmont having real trouble filling their classes? Buddy of mine joined Envoy not long ago, Envoy's classes seem to be going fairly well.

I'm trying to remain objective here, but if you want to know the ins and outs of SkyWest and the E3, email me. We already have 30 plus E3 holders online and working.

To answer your question about me supposedly getting referall bonuses for PDT, no you have to work for the AAG company to get the referral bonus. I am absolutely cleaning up with referral bonuses at Envoy with the rotary transition program being an ex helicopter guy myself.

As for why PDT, I've already answered it in previous posts related to travel benefits (mainline travel benefits not contract airline bottom of the bottom on the non rev list), pay, upgrade times (as soon as you get your 1000 part 121 you're good to go).

PDT and envoy are not having trouble at all filling classes. I think PSA is the only wholly owned regional that is hit and miss with class sizes.

By the way I never said that Skywest was **** and not to go there at all, I'm
simply suggesting there are better options on the list. Skywest still sit in the top 1/3rd of my list of recommended companies for E3 applicants. Mesa being on the absolute bottom of the list. Skywest is the like the Cobham or Alliance of Australia whereas Piedmont, PSA and Envoy are equivalent to the Qlink/VARA of Australia but with jets and a contractual flow through to mainline, just to put things in perspective.

And to be factually correct Skywest didn't have the first E3 visa pilot, many helicopter and fixed wing firefighting companies have been utilizing the E3 pilots a long time before Skywest ever jumped on board.

[...still single]

Originally Posted by havick

As it stands right now the best company in the US for an E3 visa applicant is Piedmont.

I disagree.
The best regional for an E3 applicant is whichever one suits the individual.

I fly for Gojet (who also accept E3 applicants) because I like their domiciles, and driving to work is a big plus (versus jumpseating to work). Piedmonts bases of Philly, Roanoke and Salisbury are not places I want to live -nothing against them, just not my 1st choice.

Others may may want to fly the E-175 or live on the west coast (Skywest).

Horses for courses.

[havick]

Originally Posted by ...still single

I disagree.
The best regional for an E3 applicant is whichever one suits the individual.

I fly for Gojet (who also accept E3 applicants) because I like their domiciles, and driving to work is a big plus (versus jumpseating to work). Piedmonts bases of Philly, Roanoke and Salisbury are not places I want to live -nothing against them, just not my 1st choice.

Others may may want to fly the E-175 or live on the west coast (Skywest).

Horses for courses.

Are you on an E3 or were you already living in the US prior to working for gojet? That makes a big difference on the points you touched on.

I think the biggest points that really count for an E3 person is:
1) travel benefits (are they mainline benefits or bottom of the list contract airline). Try going back to Aus or bringing family over to the US on non mainline travel benefits and see how many days you get bumped.
2) pay
3) upgrade time
4) live in base. This is easy no matter which airline they work for as they have no roots anywhere in the US in the first place so driving to work will be easy to do no matter which airline they work for.

You are right though everyone will have different priorities/circumstances I'm just pointing out to be wary of people getting you on board simply for the referral bonus and bump in seniority.

[going_up]

Originally Posted by havick

To answer your question about me supposedly getting referall bonuses for PDT, no you have to work for the AAG company to get the referral bonus. I am absolutely cleaning up with referral bonuses at Envoy with the rotary transition program being an ex helicopter guy myself.

As for why PDT, I've already answered it in previous posts related to travel benefits (mainline travel benefits not contract airline bottom of the bottom on the non rev list), pay, upgrade times (as soon as you get your 1000 part 121 you're good to go).

PDT and envoy are not having trouble at all filling classes. I think PSA is the only wholly owned regional that is hit and miss with class sizes.

By the way I never said that Skywest was **** and not to go there at all, I'm
simply suggesting there are better options on the list. Skywest still sit in the top 1/3rd of my list of recommended companies for E3 applicants. Mesa being on the absolute bottom of the list. Skywest is the like the Cobham or Alliance of Australia whereas Piedmont, PSA and Envoy are equivalent to the Qlink/VARA of Australia but with jets and a contractual flow through to mainline, just to put things in perspective.

And to be factually correct Skywest didn't have the first E3 visa pilot, many helicopter and fixed wing firefighting companies have been utilizing the E3 pilots a long time before Skywest ever jumped on board.

Good points Havick! I agree with you on many of them. Each airline has their own merits. Mesa being at the bottom? I 100% back you on that one. My comment on the E3 pilot item was that Skywest was and is the first ever RPT (Part 121) carrier to employ an E3 visa holder as a line pilot. New candidates are lucky now that they have options to choose from, go back a year, only Skywest was offering the E3 entry. Pretty much every regional besides SkyWest and Envoy would give me the time of day. So I know for a fact that I was the first E3 RPT (Part 121) guy here as no one except those to airlines wanted to hear from me in a pilot shortage, let alone knew that the E3 existed. No one including Envoy and Skywest knew about the E3.

As for flight benefits, I have American, United and Delta benefits for me and my family. I know that PDT and Envoy board at a higher priority, but most of the AA flights I have been on are damn easy, plenty of empty seats. The AA priority never bothered me. But having great Delta benefits and good United benefits are AWESOME! If you are looking at getting family across to visit of your are heading home from the US for visits, United is the way to go! Why? They service LAX-MEL, LAX-SYD, and SFO-SYD everyday. Delta only serves LAX-SYD as does AA. That is Skywest's shining point, our flight benefits.

As for upgrades, I've been here for less than 2 years, I can upgrade now. But I want to renew my E3 first (in a couple of months) so that I can fly my backside off and not worry about renewing my visa.

[Icarus2001]

I think that it is well worth quoting this from above...

looking at the skywest website you might need a second job
$36.50 x 76 hours a month = $2774 gross x 12 months = $33 288

33 288 - 932.50 - 3595 = $28760 per annum NET after federal taxes (15%)

about $550 a week.

I would work on 11 months not twelve as you may need a holiday. So USD$2774 for 11 months gives you USD$30,514pa which is about AUD$38,838pa

Just think about that for a minute...AUD$38K as a jet FO.

Perhaps the cost of living is a little less in the USA but not by that much!

[going_up]

Originally Posted by Icarus2001

I think that it is well worth quoting this from above...

I would work on 11 months not twelve as you may need a holiday. So USD$2774 for 11 months gives you USD$30,514pa which is about AUD$38,838pa

Just think about that for a minute...AUD$38K as a jet FO.

Perhaps the cost of living is a little less in the USA but not by that much!

You are quoting minimum monthly guarantee. All major airlines pay in a very similar way, including Cathay Pacific and all US carriers. Basically, if you sit on the couch and earn 5 hours or anything less than 76 CREDIT hours, then you are still paid the minimum of 76 hours at your hourly rate.

Your pay is based on credit hours, not block time, as with pretty much all airlines. As for the holiday, that's what vacation (annual leave) is for. Or you can do what most do, bid your schedule to have large blocks of days off in a row, no annual leave lost and no real loss of pay.

Many hard working guys average 110 credit hours a month. So first year pay is $37.71/hour. Even if you only do 90 hours, you are still making $3,393.90 not including tax free per diem which the company website clearly states is $1.90/hour. That usually adds up to around $500/month. So even taking it easy, you'll make just shy of 4k/month. If you want to fly more and work harder, I find 110 credit is easily achievable, thats $4,148.10 + $500 = $4,648.10.

Keep in mind, many regionals quote earning 50-60K in your first year, they are not lying. But they have to add your first year bonuses in to that figure to make it so high. I did not receive a bonus from Skywest when I joined and made 48k first year and will make over 60k USD this year. The issue is that once your first year bonuses are gone at other regionals, you loose that 20K bonus that kept you afloat in your first year.

As I've said previously, most Australian's back home looking online at all these regionals offering big first year bonuses to get you in the door, yet Skywest does not offer anything except for the $7,500 bonus if you have part 135 and typed. Why would they do that and still have a growing pilot pool twice the size of any other regional in the US? Would it be nice for Skywest to be hurting so bad that we need to pay massive bonuses? Sure, for joining pilots. But its pretty awesome working for a place with such awesome crews and strong company financials with a positive future outlook.

[havick]

As an FO at Envoy I'm crediting 140-150 hours most months (actually flying about 90-100) and still have about 11-12 hard days off each month. I usually trip trade to get an 8-9 day block off in the middle of the month but that's just personal preference.

Once I hit my 1000 hours part 121 I will upgrade and credit the same amount of time with ease given the crew shortages here USA wide.

Almost all the regionals are like this and it's only going to get better on the pay side. It's not unrealistic at all to be earning 150k USD + at envoy within 2 years of starting. I'm sure Piedmont is the same along with a handful of other regionals.

To me the flow to mainline and east coast basings played a big part in choosing envoy. At status quo I should flow to mainline under 5 years from joining envoy if not sooner, and that's assuming I don't get picked up outside of the flow somewhere else. That being said I have a green card and as such are eligible for the flow through, it's a grey area for E3 holders whether they can also flow
through to mainline AA. It hasn't been tested yet, technically it can happen but realistically I think ALPA will shut it down just like they did with Envoy hiring E3's.

[going_up]

Originally Posted by havick

As an FO at Envoy I'm crediting 140-150 hours most months (actually flying about 90-100) and still have about 11-12 hard days off each month. I usually trip trade to get an 8-9 day block off in the middle of the month but that's just personal preference.

Once I hit my 1000 hours part 121 I will upgrade and credit the same amount of time with ease given the crew shortages here USA wide.

Almost all the regionals are like this and it's only going to get better on the pay side. It's not unrealistic at all to be earning 150k USD + at envoy within 2 years of starting. I'm sure Piedmont is the same along with a handful of other regionals.

To me the flow to mainline and east coast basings played a big part in choosing envoy. At status quo I should flow to mainline under 5 years from joining envoy if not sooner, and that's assuming I don't get picked up outside of the flow somewhere else. That being said I have a green card and as such are eligible for the flow through, it's a grey area for E3 holders whether they can also flow
through to mainline AA. It hasn't been tested yet, technically it can happen but realistically I think ALPA will shut it down just like they did with Envoy hiring E3's.

That's pretty awesome figures! I average at least 110 credit/month with penalty pay rates on a couple of trips I pick up each month which all adds up, as I am sure you know pretty well. Having a green card would be awesome! I wish I was lucky enough to get one. You're in a good spot!

I think you are right with regards to the flow thru for E3 visas. I remember reading that you need to be a resident or US citizen. E3's are a non-immigrant visa and as such, are not residents.

[VH DSJ]

Originally Posted by Icarus2001

I think that it is well worth quoting this from above...

I would work on 11 months not twelve as you may need a holiday. So USD$2774 for 11 months gives you USD$30,514pa which is about AUD$38,838pa

Just think about that for a minute...AUD$38K as a jet FO.

Perhaps the cost of living is a little less in the USA but not by that much!

That's based on the minimum guarantee but if you choose to work over time and pick up flights, especially the split duties and the red eyes which pay time and a half or higher, then you can actually credit around 120 hours a month. My last few months where I am now off standby and hold a line, I have credited well over 100 hours. Add per diem for the month which is not taxed, then this is an an extra $800 of so. $4870 USD a month is realistically possible or $53K USD pa. I'm not trying to sugar coat this, but just trying to be realistic.

[havick]

Originally Posted by going_up

That's pretty awesome figures! I average at least 110 credit/month with penalty pay rates on a couple of trips I pick up each month which all adds up, as I am sure you know pretty well. Having a green card would be awesome! I wish I was lucky enough to get one. You're in a good spot!

I think you are right with regards to the flow thru for E3 visas. I remember reading that you need to be a resident or US citizen. E3's are a non-immigrant visa and as such, are not residents.

2hr EDCT's into LGA and JFK certainly help my cause. But the last 4 months I've credited 140-150 without fail, the delays and credit time will only increase when winter hits.

[going_up]

Originally Posted by havick

2hr EDCT's into LGA and JFK certainly help my cause. But the last 4 months I've credited 140-150 without fail, the delays and credit time will only increase when winter hits.

haha! The silver lining to EDCT's! my 110 credit average does not take into account of time and a half penalty rates and the 5 weeks off this year. I have found it to be pretty good money here at Skywest and at most regionals. Looking forward for the upgrade in a few months!

Just curious, are you loading up your schedule and timing out often in order to get such high credit? 140 hours is working it really well! Good on ya! The most i've hit was 150:10 in a month. It was nice! It was only dues to getting displaced and picking up a 20 something hour four day on top.

[havick]

Originally Posted by going_up

haha! The silver lining to EDCT's! my 110 credit average does not take into account of time and a half penalty rates and the 5 weeks off this year. I have found it to be pretty good money here at Skywest and at most regionals. Looking forward for the upgrade in a few months!

Just curious, are you loading up your schedule and timing out often in order to get such high credit? 140 hours is working it really well! Good on ya! The most i've hit was 150:10 in a month. It was nice! It was only dues to getting displaced and picking up a 20 something hour four day on top.

Yep, kinda like counting cards. Gotta keep the deck stacked in your favor.

I'll time out due to delays, then I'll be removed from flights due to timing out. Then I'll lose flying due to flights cancelling, then I'll go back and pick up the original flying at OT rates plus m my original line value because I now have spare hours up my sleeve (essentially triple dipping). That's in conjunction with bidding lines with transition conflicts etc

There's also some lines with 20-21 days off crediting 75-82 hours. So plenty of opportunity to do an extra 4-5 days OT at 200% which block 20-30 hours (credit 40-60) and still have half the month (hard days).

It's kind of funny, it's almost like playing a chess game with crew scheduling which in itself can give more satisfaction than the flying itself.

[Jet Hopper]

I am an Aussie on E3 and work for Piedmont. It's funny reading all the dicks on here who want to put all the E3 holders down because of whatever were saying. Bottom line is we are all having a ball in our our regionals, earning a livable wage but with great prospects and free jet training, no bonds and a pretty reasonable free flight package. Ive got mates at Skywest and they love it, Ive got a mate at Endeavour and he loves it, I'm at Piedmont and Im enjoying it. Whatever any pilot in Oz thinks we're the ones flying jets with no training bonds and upgrades to captain in about 1 to 2 years. Plus we don't have to deal with any moronic Aussie HR people who keep pissing on Pilots like they are sub human and putting us through hell to get jobs that they then turn around and say we need more pilots for whilst not giving the jobs to us. That's the insane part, not wether one guy wants you to join Skywest because he is or isn't getting a small referral fee. Seriously guys it's so stupid how we continue to have a go at people. Do your own homework and go or don't go but if someone wants to advertise here to go with Skywest because he's getting a referral, let him. People can make up their own minds, christ. Now to clear something up. Piedmont is undergoing massive change so there is now a waiting list up till Dec 17/Jan 18. Piedmont do not have the E3 thing down pat as someone said but they are getting better at it. Skywest on the other hand is proficient at E3's. PDT is transitioning to a jet fleet where as Skywest has it down pat, hence one of the reasons PDT is slow in training as tprop guys need to also be trained on the jet. The pay at PDT is a minimum of $60k US, which includes bonus but in your second year you also get a FO bonus or you upgrade and get the captains wage plus a bonus, so ur wage goes up. When you figure out the system captains are earning $100k+US easily, some $150k here. So, if you're an Aussie and you want to stay in Oz and keep arguing the finer points of what one of the US/Oz pilots are saying, just don't. Do your own research, let people say what they want to say and just move on for gods sake.

[gogga1]

Hey guys,

Did my interview today for the E3 and it was their first time ever doing it so a bit of confusion. They asked me to bring more documents, they requested a DS-156E form and that the employer need to explain WHY it is a specialised occupation.

Now doing research on the DS-156E form, its only required if you are doing an E1 or E2 visa for treat trader/investor, they don't mention anywhere on the US Immigration websites that an E3 visa applicant need that form. Any of you who did the E3 Visa process got the same request?

Secondly the "proof that the employment is a speciality occupation" where do I get this? Should I just get the HR from the company that Im going for email me that you need ATP minimums-will that cover "speciality occupation"? I read somewhere that "speciality occupation" means that the job you are going for needs to require a degree, which the regionals in the US don't require.

[Icarus2001]

The pay at PDT is a minimum of $60k US, which includes bonus

Bottom line is we are all having a ball in our our regionals, earning a livable wage

Very happy for you. That would be AUD$76,000pa as a jet FO.

[VH DSJ]

Originally Posted by gogga1

Hey guys,

Did my interview today for the E3 and it was their first time ever doing it so a bit of confusion. They asked me to bring more documents, they requested a DS-156E form and that the employer need to explain WHY it is a specialised occupation.

Their first time ever doing the E3? Which US consulate is this? All they asked for the E3 visa interview 12 months ago was a letter from your US employer and the Labor Condition Application from the US Department of Labor. That was it. This was at the US consulates in Melbourne and Sydney.

[gogga1]

Im in South Africa at the moment, is the one in Johannesburg unfortunately so firtst time for them.

Originally Posted by VH DSJ

Their first time ever doing the E3? Which US consulate is this? All they asked for the E3 visa interview 12 months ago was a letter from your US employer and the Labor Condition Application from the US Department of Labor. That was it. This was at the US consulates in Melbourne and Sydney.

[going_up]

Originally Posted by Jet Hopper

I am an Aussie on E3 and work for Piedmont. It's funny reading all the dicks on here who want to put all the E3 holders down because of whatever were saying. Bottom line is we are all having a ball in our our regionals, earning a livable wage but with great prospects and free jet training, no bonds and a pretty reasonable free flight package. Ive got mates at Skywest and they love it, Ive got a mate at Endeavour and he loves it, I'm at Piedmont and Im enjoying it. Whatever any pilot in Oz thinks we're the ones flying jets with no training bonds and upgrades to captain in about 1 to 2 years. Plus we don't have to deal with any moronic Aussie HR people who keep pissing on Pilots like they are sub human and putting us through hell to get jobs that they then turn around and say we need more pilots for whilst not giving the jobs to us. That's the insane part, not wether one guy wants you to join Skywest because he is or isn't getting a small referral fee. Seriously guys it's so stupid how we continue to have a go at people. Do your own homework and go or don't go but if someone wants to advertise here to go with Skywest because he's getting a referral, let him. People can make up their own minds, christ. Now to clear something up. Piedmont is undergoing massive change so there is now a waiting list up till Dec 17/Jan 18. Piedmont do not have the E3 thing down pat as someone said but they are getting better at it. Skywest on the other hand is proficient at E3's. PDT is transitioning to a jet fleet where as Skywest has it down pat, hence one of the reasons PDT is slow in training as tprop guys need to also be trained on the jet. The pay at PDT is a minimum of $60k US, which includes bonus but in your second year you also get a FO bonus or you upgrade and get the captains wage plus a bonus, so ur wage goes up. When you figure out the system captains are earning $100k+US easily, some $150k here. So, if you're an Aussie and you want to stay in Oz and keep arguing the finer points of what one of the US/Oz pilots are saying, just don't. Do your own research, let people say what they want to say and just move on for gods sake.

100% agree'd!!! Even at $76,000AUD/year as a FO, life is awesome! On that money, you can still buy a house, have two nice cars, and have a pretty good life! I've heard a lot of PDT, how are the class sizes? Skywest is filling so many classes, but the bad thing is that the ERJ is over staffed and the CRJ side is under staffed. The good things about being on the CRJ is that their is so much flying to be done, that if you are so inclined, you can smash 1,000hours/year.
Even with my wife not working, we are saving heaps of money here at Skywest. Not too mention that arriving to work each day knowing you do what you love, building excellent experience and my upgrade is literally a couple of months away. Jet hopper, you are so darn correct! A lot of Aussie guys that won't leave Australia and have never worked in a airline tend to sit here and make/find excuses or justifications as to why coming to the US is not a good idea. I bet they say this from their flight school computer, logging a few more 172 or PA44 hours each week, after being on the Q-Link hold file for two years and still expecting a call. PDT screwed around their first Aussie applicant pretty bad, his offer was rescinded by PDT and was told to re-apply after 6 months.

All I can say for those considering coming across, it is worth it. I love flying with all the local pilot, no egos like back home.