Australian pilots can work for US regionals.
You may be familiar with Airline Pilot Central. If not, they have a Commutair form where you might get some info. I didn't read enough of it to see if the E3 subject came up:
https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/commutair/
This is correct. Guys already there are all good to keep renewing Visas as they desire but sadly no more new hire Aussies anymore. Have heard there are a few very disappointing reasons behind this unfortunately involving guys and gals misrepresenting their experience in their log books and at interview and going over with inadequate hours while attempting to slip through the cracks. Second hand info from some mates there as I don't work for them but would truly hope that it is not true.
It was brought up in the past on this thread about people knowingly trying to jump through US consulate hurdles and get E3 Visas without sufficient qualifications, so perhaps if these claims are true, things have finally come to a head at SkyWest. You have to wonder who may be next to cut the Aussies IF these stories are true?
Any SKW pilots here know more?
It was brought up in the past on this thread about people knowingly trying to jump through US consulate hurdles and get E3 Visas without sufficient qualifications, so perhaps if these claims are true, things have finally come to a head at SkyWest. You have to wonder who may be next to cut the Aussies IF these stories are true?
Any SKW pilots here know more?
So who does that leave taking E3s now ? I see Commutair mentions it on their career page. Piedmont used to take E3s, right ? But it's not on their career page (can't remember if it ever was).
They all seem to say "legally authorized to work in the US" or words to that effect but it's hard to know what that means. So there may be some regionals still taking E3s but not saying so outright on their websites ?
Hard to keep track of who's doing what.
As far as people falsifying their flight time, are there documented cases of that ?
They all seem to say "legally authorized to work in the US" or words to that effect but it's hard to know what that means. So there may be some regionals still taking E3s but not saying so outright on their websites ?
Hard to keep track of who's doing what.
As far as people falsifying their flight time, are there documented cases of that ?
So who does that leave taking E3s now ? I see Commutair mentions it on their career page. Piedmont used to take E3s, right ? But it's not on their career page (can't remember if it ever was).
They all seem to say "legally authorized to work in the US" or words to that effect but it's hard to know what that means. So there may be some regionals still taking E3s but not saying so outright on their websites ?
Hard to keep track of who's doing what.
As far as people falsifying their flight time, are there documented cases of that ?
They all seem to say "legally authorized to work in the US" or words to that effect but it's hard to know what that means. So there may be some regionals still taking E3s but not saying so outright on their websites ?
Hard to keep track of who's doing what.
As far as people falsifying their flight time, are there documented cases of that ?
The above listed are in no way recommendations for working there.
I've heard rumours about the false flight time thing but nothing else.
I think its more due to the fact that people are lining up to get in again after we got our raise.
umop apisdn,
It looks like there are still a few places for people to take a run at the US regional thing. Hard to understand why carriers that'll take E3s won't just say so on their hiring website. Commutair was only one I saw after a quick trip through several regional websites.
I'm not sure what ExpressJet is up to hiring-wise. Losing the Delta flying sorta shook things up.
It looks like there are still a few places for people to take a run at the US regional thing. Hard to understand why carriers that'll take E3s won't just say so on their hiring website. Commutair was only one I saw after a quick trip through several regional websites.
I'm not sure what ExpressJet is up to hiring-wise. Losing the Delta flying sorta shook things up.
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I spoke to a lady in the pilot recruitment section today, it's confirmed, that the airline isn't sponsoring new OZ pilot's on E3 visas anymore,
as from last week.
The lady mentioned, there's NO timeline, IF or WHEN, the airline will reintroduce sponsorship for E3 visas in the future.
It's an absolute disappointment to hear and read what's happened, as the airline heavily advertised for OZ pilot's during the last 12 months, with regular ads appearing monthly.
The airlines has close to 450 planes and 4,600 pilots, with a good number, of turn over, of pilot's each year.
Mesa and Commutair, are the only airlines that have a special section on their websites, in relation to E3 pilot candidates.
as from last week.
The lady mentioned, there's NO timeline, IF or WHEN, the airline will reintroduce sponsorship for E3 visas in the future.
It's an absolute disappointment to hear and read what's happened, as the airline heavily advertised for OZ pilot's during the last 12 months, with regular ads appearing monthly.
The airlines has close to 450 planes and 4,600 pilots, with a good number, of turn over, of pilot's each year.
Mesa and Commutair, are the only airlines that have a special section on their websites, in relation to E3 pilot candidates.
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I was on the phone for a minute, the lady mentioned, the airline isn't sponsoring, any new E3 applicants from Australia anymore, this has started last week.
I asked, whether this was interim measure, the lady mentioned, there's no timeline, IF or WHEN, the company will resume E3 visa sponsorship.
You know yourself (GAforlife), any OZ pilot that's there, will have their E3's renewed, because they can do the job well and the company has invested in their training.
It's such a disappointment hearing and reading what's happened, because, they're such a big operator, nearly 4,700 pilots (Captains and copilots), 450 planes,
up to 800 pilots leave the company a year ( go to other operators or fired), the company constantly recruits new applicants, it's really upsetting to hear that, new
applicants from OZ, WON'T be considered for NEW flight crew opportunities, in the future.
The company is such a great operator.
Mesa ( about 140 planes) and Commutair ( eventually climbing to 60 planes), have special sections on their website, in relation to E3 visa applicants.
I've heard feedback from other Ozzie's in OZ, that were thinking of going to the U.S regionals this year (2018), Piedmont and Go jets, responded positively, to their application, and DO E3's, although there's NO info on their website.
The pilot shortage in the U.S, hasn't started yet, but there will be a shortage in the coming years, according to retirement forecasts, Both here in OZ and U.S.
There will always be opportunities available now and in the future.
CommutAir is still actively hiring Aussies. For anyone that is interested, I am always shamelessly looking for referral bonuses 
so I can put you in contact with a recruiter, and also happy to answer a few questions about the process.
Socks
so I can put you in contact with a recruiter, and also happy to answer a few questions about the process.Socks
Still advertising as of today AUS time http://www.afap.org.au/pilot-jobs/pilot-job/3737/EMB145%20Non%20Type%20Rated%20First%20Officers%20United%20St ates%20Of%20America
just in case anyone is interested, C5 have an ad on afap.
just in case anyone is interested, C5 have an ad on afap.
It seems like the only way into a major, at the moment, is to go to Piedmont and wait for flow through. I think that's the only AA regionalr airline that offers flow and E3.
For any majors or even any lcc's to seriously open the door to E3's, the aviation industry here would probably already be in a death roll.
The fact is that no amount of Australian and Irish could have any serious impact on the trajectory of the aviation industry, irrespective of which way it goes.
At the moment we are a band-aid solution to low wages in the regional industry, which I think is pretty evident, as Skywest stopped taking E3 new hires almost as soon as they put the pay up.
For any majors or even any lcc's to seriously open the door to E3's, the aviation industry here would probably already be in a death roll.
The fact is that no amount of Australian and Irish could have any serious impact on the trajectory of the aviation industry, irrespective of which way it goes.
At the moment we are a band-aid solution to low wages in the regional industry, which I think is pretty evident, as Skywest stopped taking E3 new hires almost as soon as they put the pay up.
Interesting. While the E3 is still a valid option to other industries according to that article, it's clear the party is going to be fast coming to a stop for us Aussie aviators sadly. Skywest no longer sponsoring was a huge blow and I hear through the grapevine Mesa is also considering cutting sponsorship and now Express Jet/Commutair are on the verge of quite possibly being one entity you have to wonder what that will result in re; staffing needs.
I think it will be intriguing as to what hurdles future E3 renewals/initials will face and how carefully qualifications will actually be checked now. I believe it was previously mentioned about the requirement for X years work experience (10 I think it was) as an actual employed commercial pilot or a bachelors in aviation that some were bypassing at the consulate with no issue but more were starting to hit brick walls at the interview of late demanding proof of work and education history from the FOs I have spoken with at my company. One fellow who was not a degree holder ended up taking just under 4 months obtaining all the proof of work experience from his previous employers that was demanded of him after initial rejection, certainly is a far cry from 2 years ago!
Hope those who plan to attempt the process have some success still. Safe flying.
I think it will be intriguing as to what hurdles future E3 renewals/initials will face and how carefully qualifications will actually be checked now. I believe it was previously mentioned about the requirement for X years work experience (10 I think it was) as an actual employed commercial pilot or a bachelors in aviation that some were bypassing at the consulate with no issue but more were starting to hit brick walls at the interview of late demanding proof of work and education history from the FOs I have spoken with at my company. One fellow who was not a degree holder ended up taking just under 4 months obtaining all the proof of work experience from his previous employers that was demanded of him after initial rejection, certainly is a far cry from 2 years ago!
Hope those who plan to attempt the process have some success still. Safe flying.
...it's clear the party is going to be fast coming to a stop for us Aussie aviators sadly. Skywest no longer sponsoring was a huge blow and I hear through the grapevine Mesa is also considering cutting sponsorship and now Express Jet/Commutair are on the verge of quite possibly being one entity you have to wonder what that will result in re; staffing needs.
Yep, I've wondered if this E3-regional thing was slowing down if not stopping. Indications are that something is happening but prognostication is tricky. Many regionals are having no trouble getting candidates and training pipelines are seriously backed up. Throw in an economic slowdown and this E3 route could come to a stop.
If a guy can get on board ASAP (even at a crappier airline), it might be good to do that. You're likely just using it for a steppingstone anyway so less-than-ideal conditions might to tolerable short term.
And the Express Jet/Commutair shell game will be interesting to watch:
https://crankyflier.com/2018/12/20/t...o-complicated/
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Funny how there were so many complains about 457 visa in Oz for qualified pilots a few years ago...And now we all assume E3 should be easy, welcome the US being a migrant Mr Alien...
discus,
Last time I checked many US regionals were struggling to crew aircraft. When you get hired on an E3 they make sure that is the job you end up doing.
A transport company I worked at was hiring 457 visa holders as managers and then had them driving trucks.
That's the difference.
Last time I checked many US regionals were struggling to crew aircraft. When you get hired on an E3 they make sure that is the job you end up doing.
A transport company I worked at was hiring 457 visa holders as managers and then had them driving trucks.
That's the difference.
LW,
Yep, I've wondered if this E3-regional thing was slowing down if not stopping. Indications are that something is happening but prognostication is tricky. Many regionals are having no trouble getting candidates and training pipelines are seriously backed up. Throw in an economic slowdown and this E3 route could come to a stop
Yep, I've wondered if this E3-regional thing was slowing down if not stopping. Indications are that something is happening but prognostication is tricky. Many regionals are having no trouble getting candidates and training pipelines are seriously backed up. Throw in an economic slowdown and this E3 route could come to a stop
From a few mates there, I believe Skywest has fully committed to retaining their current Aussies and renewing them indefinitely at this stage which is nice for those guys - though now they are filling classes no problems I would guess they are hoping most will gradually begin to drop off and go home as they get jobs back down under given the headache they have supposedly had with some of the less honest applicants in their E3 program and the contract immigration company they use.
I often wonder what will happen if the economy really tanks, as it has slowly begun doing already. Do the temporary E3 workers get furloughed first or will it be done by seniority?
If a carrier is represented by ALPA, furloughs would be by seniority. Should they decide to get rid of their E3 pilots, they would just not renew their visas. I don't know that ALPA controls any of that.
Here's a rhetorical question:
Commutair still says on the website they take E3s. Should an Aussie come there and stick it out long enough to qualify for a shot at United via the Career Path Program (CPP), would they be able to go to UAL ? Here's the scoop on the CPP. Lots of hurdles to jump and squares to fill but no mention of how E3s are treated.
United Career Path Program - Home Page
LW,
If a carrier is represented by ALPA, furloughs would be by seniority. Should they decide to get rid of their E3 pilots, they would just not renew their visas. I don't know that ALPA controls any of that.
Here's a rhetorical question:
Commutair still says on the website they take E3s. Should an Aussie come there and stick it out long enough to qualify for a shot at United via the Career Path Program (CPP), would they be able to go to UAL ? Here's the scoop on the CPP. Lots of hurdles to jump and squares to fill but no mention of how E3s are treated.
United Career Path Program - Home Page
If a carrier is represented by ALPA, furloughs would be by seniority. Should they decide to get rid of their E3 pilots, they would just not renew their visas. I don't know that ALPA controls any of that.
Here's a rhetorical question:
Commutair still says on the website they take E3s. Should an Aussie come there and stick it out long enough to qualify for a shot at United via the Career Path Program (CPP), would they be able to go to UAL ? Here's the scoop on the CPP. Lots of hurdles to jump and squares to fill but no mention of how E3s are treated.
United Career Path Program - Home Page
The CPP and flow programs have intrigued me also, logically I can't see it happening. The E3 Visa is tied to one employer, they would have to get United on board and willing to sponsor them which I don't believe they currently do or plan to according to the stats I have seen - I could be wrong though. Just again seems like it would be inviting a brutal war from the locals when they found their coveted mainline jobs were going to temporary resident foreigners.
Are E3s there on some slight variation of employment contract? or does UA stipulate somewhere deep in their employment contract that an applicant requires a US passport etc? I honestly don't know but it is a very good question bafanguy!
