Australian pilots can work for US regionals.
It looks like cLeArIcE and I have traveled the same the same parts of the world and I understand completely, where he had reservations. I married a local and I’ve made my peace with it but with small kids, I’d definitely agree with his thoughts about kids growing up in the US vs Oz.
Fair question. I honestly can't put my finger on big things. For me it's lots of little things that probably seem trivial and stupid to others, but mattered to me. I was based in the mid West, but my experience may have Been very different if I had lived on the west coast. I do regret not giving that a try. I'd say to people just try it. You'll probably love it. Just go in with your eye's open. It's a great industry over there and the best thing is, no oztranaughts. You Will have experienced real weather, real terrain, cold weather ops, real ATC at the busiest and most complex airports in the world with (mostly) great crews.
If you come back, you will find it hard not to laugh when your colleague briefs you that the BKN008 in Sydney this morning is "a threat."
But I didn't like everything. Some things that come to mind;
1. The amount of degenerates and sketchy individuals everywhere. You always feel on guard and never safe. Even in nice areas.
2. The quality of fresh food is awful unless you pay a fortune for it. Everything is packed full of preservatives or fructose corn syrup. Bread is disgusting and don't even mention the coffee.
3. My wife and I were thinking of kid's and I'd never ever want my child to go to an American School. Even if they don't get shot, the level of education appeared a little... lacking. (Yes I am aware Australia is becoming more more dumbed down too).
4. Culture of working comes first, and taking sick days, mental health days etc is so frowned upon. (Look at some of the flow through agreements).
5. Lots Of things (outside of aviation) are very backwards.
6. Healthcare.
7. Many personal things I missed such as Sport etc which has nothing to do with the US and everything to do with me.
But, all of that is personal opinion and potentially meaningless to anybody else. I've lived In the UK, spent large amount of time in Asia etc and loved it, but I found the US the hardest to live in.
If you come back, you will find it hard not to laugh when your colleague briefs you that the BKN008 in Sydney this morning is "a threat."
But I didn't like everything. Some things that come to mind;
1. The amount of degenerates and sketchy individuals everywhere. You always feel on guard and never safe. Even in nice areas.
2. The quality of fresh food is awful unless you pay a fortune for it. Everything is packed full of preservatives or fructose corn syrup. Bread is disgusting and don't even mention the coffee.
3. My wife and I were thinking of kid's and I'd never ever want my child to go to an American School. Even if they don't get shot, the level of education appeared a little... lacking. (Yes I am aware Australia is becoming more more dumbed down too).
4. Culture of working comes first, and taking sick days, mental health days etc is so frowned upon. (Look at some of the flow through agreements).
5. Lots Of things (outside of aviation) are very backwards.
6. Healthcare.
7. Many personal things I missed such as Sport etc which has nothing to do with the US and everything to do with me.
But, all of that is personal opinion and potentially meaningless to anybody else. I've lived In the UK, spent large amount of time in Asia etc and loved it, but I found the US the hardest to live in.
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National Airlines
This has occurred to a friend.
Those looking at going to the US, National have hired some Ex-Emirates Crew Manager and she is trying to get people to take a contract out of Dubai, no E3.
So those interested just be aware. People are rejecting it once they find out what is promised is not turning out to be reality. Contract even says despite what they are told that transferring from the Dubai contract to the E3 will occur, once you sign the Dubai contract, whatever is promised holds no weight and you are stuck and will not get the E3.
Those looking at going to the US, National have hired some Ex-Emirates Crew Manager and she is trying to get people to take a contract out of Dubai, no E3.
So those interested just be aware. People are rejecting it once they find out what is promised is not turning out to be reality. Contract even says despite what they are told that transferring from the Dubai contract to the E3 will occur, once you sign the Dubai contract, whatever is promised holds no weight and you are stuck and will not get the E3.
Fair question. I honestly can't put my finger on big things. For me it's lots of little things that probably seem trivial and stupid to others, but mattered to me. I was based in the mid West, but my experience may have Been very different if I had lived on the west coast. I do regret not giving that a try. I'd say to people just try it. You'll probably love it. Just go in with your eye's open. It's a great industry over there and the best thing is, no oztranaughts. You Will have experienced real weather, real terrain, cold weather ops, real ATC at the busiest and most complex airports in the world with (mostly) great crews.
If you come back, you will find it hard not to laugh when your colleague briefs you that the BKN008 in Sydney this morning is "a threat."
But I didn't like everything. Some things that come to mind;
1. The amount of degenerates and sketchy individuals everywhere. You always feel on guard and never safe. Even in nice areas.
2. The quality of fresh food is awful unless you pay a fortune for it. Everything is packed full of preservatives or fructose corn syrup. Bread is disgusting and don't even mention the coffee.
3. My wife and I were thinking of kid's and I'd never ever want my child to go to an American School. Even if they don't get shot, the level of education appeared a little... lacking. (Yes I am aware Australia is becoming more more dumbed down too).
4. Culture of working comes first, and taking sick days, mental health days etc is so frowned upon. (Look at some of the flow through agreements).
5. Lots Of things (outside of aviation) are very backwards.
6. Healthcare.
7. Many personal things I missed such as Sport etc which has nothing to do with the US and everything to do with me.
But, all of that is personal opinion and potentially meaningless to anybody else. I've lived In the UK, spent large amount of time in Asia etc and loved it, but I found the US the hardest to live in.
If you come back, you will find it hard not to laugh when your colleague briefs you that the BKN008 in Sydney this morning is "a threat."
But I didn't like everything. Some things that come to mind;
1. The amount of degenerates and sketchy individuals everywhere. You always feel on guard and never safe. Even in nice areas.
2. The quality of fresh food is awful unless you pay a fortune for it. Everything is packed full of preservatives or fructose corn syrup. Bread is disgusting and don't even mention the coffee.
3. My wife and I were thinking of kid's and I'd never ever want my child to go to an American School. Even if they don't get shot, the level of education appeared a little... lacking. (Yes I am aware Australia is becoming more more dumbed down too).
4. Culture of working comes first, and taking sick days, mental health days etc is so frowned upon. (Look at some of the flow through agreements).
5. Lots Of things (outside of aviation) are very backwards.
6. Healthcare.
7. Many personal things I missed such as Sport etc which has nothing to do with the US and everything to do with me.
But, all of that is personal opinion and potentially meaningless to anybody else. I've lived In the UK, spent large amount of time in Asia etc and loved it, but I found the US the hardest to live in.
cLeArIcE,
Thanks for your answer. Always good to hear a different opinion.
Sounds like you did what 80+% of regional pilots do: get in...get the time...get the heck out. Your "out" was just a lot farther away !
Thanks for your answer. Always good to hear a different opinion.
Sounds like you did what 80+% of regional pilots do: get in...get the time...get the heck out. Your "out" was just a lot farther away !
This has occurred to a friend.
Those looking at going to the US, National have hired some Ex-Emirates Crew Manager and she is trying to get people to take a contract out of Dubai, no E3.
So those interested just be aware. People are rejecting it once they find out what is promised is not turning out to be reality. Contract even says despite what they are told that transferring from the Dubai contract to the E3 will occur, once you sign the Dubai contract, whatever is promised holds no weight and you are stuck and will not get the E3.
Those looking at going to the US, National have hired some Ex-Emirates Crew Manager and she is trying to get people to take a contract out of Dubai, no E3.
So those interested just be aware. People are rejecting it once they find out what is promised is not turning out to be reality. Contract even says despite what they are told that transferring from the Dubai contract to the E3 will occur, once you sign the Dubai contract, whatever is promised holds no weight and you are stuck and will not get the E3.
As far as the reasons for returning. Clearice painted a good perspective. I think I’d be actively looking to go home by now if we hadn’t won the GC lottery. Wife is pregnant at the moment and I’m not looking forward to when he goes to school.
Aviation here is incredible, and that’s the only reason why we’re here. I feel very fortunate to have somewhere to run back to if needed. It’s not so outlandish to think that the economic success the US has won’t change in our lifetimes, especially when you see the kind of society it’s built upon. I definitely feel sorry for people born here into low income families.
I’d be very veeeery careful with taking a position like this unless it is under the CBA in the US.
As far as the reasons for returning. Clearice painted a good perspective. I think I’d be actively looking to go home by now if we hadn’t won the GC lottery. Wife is pregnant at the moment and I’m not looking forward to when he goes to school.
Aviation here is incredible, and that’s the only reason why we’re here. I feel very fortunate to have somewhere to run back to if needed. It’s not so outlandish to think that the economic success the US has won’t change in our lifetimes, especially when you see the kind of society it’s built upon. I definitely feel sorry for people born here into low income families.
As far as the reasons for returning. Clearice painted a good perspective. I think I’d be actively looking to go home by now if we hadn’t won the GC lottery. Wife is pregnant at the moment and I’m not looking forward to when he goes to school.
Aviation here is incredible, and that’s the only reason why we’re here. I feel very fortunate to have somewhere to run back to if needed. It’s not so outlandish to think that the economic success the US has won’t change in our lifetimes, especially when you see the kind of society it’s built upon. I definitely feel sorry for people born here into low income families.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have the same concerns but there are a few things that I try to remind myself of; firstly, he’s growing up with two international gypsies and he’ll be innately aware of the world outside these borders, simply because of that. I’m sure you’ll travel with him and that will only serve to reinforce that awareness. Lastly, I have more than a few friends here that are extremely smart, kind people, who understand that there’s a big world out there and realise nothing is perfect, no matter where you live. And they were educated in the US.
If you feel like some beers next time you're in ORD I'd be happy to oblige
As someone who actually did it I'll give you my take. Yes I am one of those few E3s that came back and got a job in Australia. That was my choice..Great job, great flying but living in the USA long term was not for me..I did not enjoy that part. Other's loved, it each to their own. Going through the process of getting a job back here after my USA experience was generally positive. Certainly was never looked at as "cheating" etc. Nor did I ever receive any "Dey Turk er jerbs" type of treatment from anyone in the US.
I will however offer this advice, have an out or an end game. Majors may never happen nor may the E3 be sustainable long term. Yes you may get lucky with the lottery or you might settle down with a local (my wife may not have approved of this option). But as some said, you've got some FO or PIC time at a part 121, what now? Whens the next down turn etc.
I think everyone in Aus will hire plenty this year (subject to COVID, WW3, market crash etc) and anyone that wants to come home will be in with a massive shot.
I will however offer this advice, have an out or an end game. Majors may never happen nor may the E3 be sustainable long term. Yes you may get lucky with the lottery or you might settle down with a local (my wife may not have approved of this option). But as some said, you've got some FO or PIC time at a part 121, what now? Whens the next down turn etc.
I think everyone in Aus will hire plenty this year (subject to COVID, WW3, market crash etc) and anyone that wants to come home will be in with a massive shot.
Some things have changed recently regarding flow to UA via the Aviate program (CommutAir and GoJet). No interview required now, it’s an automatic flow upon enrolment into the program. From what I was told by CommutAir, Aussie pilots who get a green card from CommutAir after completing the command upgrade are able to enrol in the Aviate program.
Atlas is not for the faint of heart. You can be on the road for 18 days straight and you can have days off, somewhere other than home, so you can continue on your trip. If you have a family or significant other that you actually like, think very hard about whether you want to put them through it.
if you’re young, don’t haven any responsibilities and don’t mind putting your body through the constant fatigue of constant time zone changes, go for it.
if you’re young, don’t haven any responsibilities and don’t mind putting your body through the constant fatigue of constant time zone changes, go for it.
Some things have changed recently regarding flow to UA via the Aviate program (CommutAir and GoJet). No interview required now, it’s an automatic flow upon enrolment into the program. From what I was told by CommutAir, Aussie pilots who get a green card from CommutAir after completing the command upgrade are able to enrol in the Aviate program.