In my Indoc about 14 months ago there were 3-4 guys that were 63

I’m flying in Africa, Single pilot, single engine, turbine, IFR... but not using my FAA License for that. However I did my last FAA check-ride / IFR renewal in November, in the USA, although it was just in a C-208 Simulator. I have a single /mulit-engine FAA license, and a current FAA medical.
I didn’t know there was a paper license, had the plastic one since 2005.
7,000 hours total time, but only 500 multi-engine / multi crew (twin otter).

That’s amazing they are taking chaps in the 60s! But I suppose the young chaps don’t stay any longer...I guess they just get some jet time and move on.

Thanks for all the info folks....I’ll look into it more after New-Year stuff get sorted!

I can't remember when they made the switch from paper to plastic but it was within recent years.

Sounds like you're good to go if you want to be regional bait. Your age is more likely advantage than hindrance.

Hi, Does anyone know if an Australian degree makes you eligible for the 1000TT requirement or only USA approved schools?
Emailed Skywest and no reply.
Cheers

Bumble,

Only THESE US schools are FAA approved to make people eligible for rATPs:

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/...ority_List.pdf

I'm not sure whether Envoy sponsors the E3 visa, but looks like things are getting desperate over there. Sign on bonuses are now up to $45K USD if you have previous airline experience.

https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/n...g-bonuses.html

The majors will be hiring big time in 2018 so I guess the regionals are in panic mode now.

Last time when I spoke to Envoy they said they don't hire on E3s. It's a shame really as I saw them as a viable option.

Does anyone know if there are restrictions for Aussies being upgraded to Capt at all? I vaguely recall reading somewhere that Aussies may be held back or restricted in some way. I presume not, however would like to hear it from someone with a level of insight.

no restrictions on upgrades

I’m an Aussie working at Envoy (green card not E3). The union put the kybosh on E3’s at Envoy, I would have cleaned up on internal referrals otherwise.

No restrictions on upgrades for E3’s elsewhere that I’ve heard of at all. Perhaps you might be confusing the fact that Aussies on E3’s can’t flow through to mainline on the flow agreements with wholly owned airlines. Reason being even though the flow through is contractual, technically you’re starting with a new employer which requires a new E3 visa. No major is putting on or has the need for any E3 visa holders in the US.

Takes about 2-3 weeks, the hold up is usually at the CASA end. Also make sure you pay CASA the fee otherwise they will reject doing the verification.

As for the medical you need an FAA medical to get your FAA license, there’s a few doctors in Australia that can do your FAA class 1.

Bank of America are the easiest to deal with.

Has anyone got any recommendations for health insurance. You can get it after 60 days with Skywest but what about before this. I can get travel insurance, but was wondering if there was a cheaper option.

re FAA verification
 

The Verification is done by appointment with an FAA inspector who then approves it for processing which can take a few weeks.

Once its verified, an inspector usually issues a "temporary" and
then it can take months before the permanent licence or rating is mailed.

Ramjet

Ummmmm totally incorrect.

You only need to meet with at FSDO with a POI if you want a PRIVATE license issued on the basis of your foreign license. This is usually for people that want go on a flying holiday around the US without having to do a Flight test. Totally irrelevant to prospective Aussies wanting to go straight to an ATP.

In the case of going to work for a regional and going straight to an ATP, there is no need at all to have a Private license issued. all you need is the letter of verification of your license (as well as originals of your license) and the minimum ATP experience requirements. The only difference between a US guy with an FAA CPL and an Aussie going into the ATP license test, is the Aussie guy has to have the letter of verification in hand, that’s it!

Once you get the verification from CASA do you send that to the FAA for their verification, or show up for the FAA flight test with the CASA one?

None of the above.

You initiate the verification process by sending in a form to the FAA (it’s on their website somewhere), then the FAA will contact casa requesting your quals/records. CASA won’t release anything to the FAA until you you pay the CASA fee, funnily enough the FAA doesn’t charge you anything for the process.

Then all you need is the FAA letter (valid within 6 months of being issued) and your FAA medical to do ge Flight test. You obviously need your casa original docs and logbooks to verify aeronautical experience is met. These are provided to the testing officer on the day of your flight test.

This is in addition to any TSA requirements for Sim training or Flight training etc.

I went through the above twice in the last two years. Once to switch my Aussie helicopter ATPL to FAA rotorcraft-ATP and then again to switch my Aussie CPL/IPC to FAA-ATP-MEL when I joined a regional after flying firefighting helos for a summer when I first moved to the US.

Ok cheers Havick.
How long did the FAA take to request verification from CASA? If I send the forms simultaneously will that work? (The CASA form says it’ll be returned if there’s no request from FAA).

I think it took about a week before CASA received the FAA request. I would send in the casa form and fee payment a few days after submitting the FAA form by email. CASA will take your money but if you pay casa too early they have a 14 or 21 day rule where if the FAA hasn’t sent them the request you will lose your money and resubmit.

Of course they do... cheers.

Is anyone working for or considering heading over too CommutAir?
If so how do you find the company to work for?

xaos03,

Here's a link to some info if you haven't seen it already:

https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/commutair/

And...in post #378 of this thread, someone said Commutair told him they don't pay sign-on bonuses to Aussies. If that's still the case, it sure goes in the negative column.

Good luck in the hunt.