Australian pilots can work for US regionals.
 

In a conversation today with a recruiter from Skywest (USA, not oz), he mentioned that they are now sponsoring Australian pilots to obtain work visas.

I think a basic ATPL is all that is required.

I am out of touch with the oz scene and this may be common knowledge to you folk down under but I thought it was interesting.

I suspect some of the other regionals probably sponsor as well and some are upgrading in less than 12 months.

Something to consider for a young guy or gal looking for something different.

cheers

There is a special E3 visa as part of one of the free trade agreements between the US and Australia. To get it you basically just need an offer of a job in the US so no massive green card issues etc.......

The definition of “specialty occupation” is one that requires:
- A theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge; and

- The attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

First page of the E3 VISA requirements, doubt many would qualify.

Why???
Almost every pilot I fly with would meet those qualifications.

Are you telling me that all your pilots have Batchelor or higher degrees?

Very few Airline pilots I know have degrees!

Bullwinkle

Many I fly with, including myself do possess a Bachelors degree. However, many of whom do not possess degrees in aviation.

The recruiter mentioned they had approval to employ pilots for only 3 countries, Australia being one.

I suspect it may be an arrangement thats different to the usual visa stream?

Which means they can't find enough locals willing to do the job. Hmmm, I wonder why that is? It wouldn't have anything to do with the salary package on offer would it?

Unless things have changed dramatically in recent times, the worst Aussie Regional for wages and conditions, would be light years ahead of any American counterpart.

Tell 'em their dreaming.

I think they offer food stamps too, so you should be able to source a meal every now and then...

I have an ATPL, a B.Sc, and about 15kg extra around my guts.

Maybe I should apply! :E

On regional wages you will be bunked up four to a room, bathroom time needs to be booked to accommodated the eight pilots sharing the one apartment.

Fortunately as schedules differ this isn't as big a problem as it would be if everyone was 9-5.

The varieties of instant noodles available these days makes living on them less of a chore than a few years ago.

Take up dumpster diving, you would be amazed at what supermarkets throw out, most of which is still edible.

Pot calling Kettle
 

With the vitriol on PPrune regarding entry of foreign pilots from overseas getting visas to work in New Zealand and Aussie I wonder what the American pilots think of alien pilots flying in the USA.

"It wouldn't have anything to do with the salary package on offer would it?"

Yes, the wages are lower than oz.

But a young pilot starting out looking for a first jet job will have plenty of time to chase the dollars later.

Maybe broadening ones horizons by climbing out of the ozzie pond can be . . . . fun.

Or is that discouraged?

c100driver

The fine print is (or its equivalent)


Seriously, if anyone interested is unemployed in Aust or in a dead end job they should seize the opportunity while it is available.

If you have not visited the US previously visit for 2-3 weeks and have a look around. You may be surprised !

You do not need a US Passport or an ATP to fly with a regional. You can even have some disabilities provided you can sit in a seat with the shoulder harness fastened.

One carrier (250 a/c) I am aware of has the following requirements.

Age 21 to 46
Minimum CPL
Minimum 1200 hours total time (some as low as 500)
Minimum 200 hours multi engine (some as low as 100)
Minimum 100 hours instrument

Indentured servitude comes to mind!

The visa is also renewable every two years for an indefinite period of time. So you can basically work on it for as long as you’re employed. By contrast, the H1B visa is valid for up to 10 years. However, you should note that the e3 visa is not a dual-intent visa, so applicants must reasonably demonstrate non-immigrant intent before they can get one.

Filing fees for this type of visa are also significantly lower than the ones for the H1B. And while the e3 visa technically is a temporary work permit, it’s renewable every two years; meaning you can remain in the U.S. indefinitely so long as you’re employed with the sponsoring company.

I'm currently in the US on an E3 in a non flying aviation job, and have a buddy heading here soon to take a position in a flying job on the E3 as well. It's an awesome visa, and can be obtained in a matter of weeks. No cost involved besides the visa interview, and as mentioned above, indefinitely renewable as long as your employed.

I think the best part about it for younger guys and girls looking to take up a position at a regional here is that, yes, the starting wage and conditions are horrid but looking further beyond that, the opportunities available after gaining some hours and experience can not be matched, certainly not in Australia by any means.

My company here has a 23 year old in the right seat of a Citation X business jet, absolutely smashing the hours and earning 70k a year to do it.

Great for a young person, the cost of living along with lower taxes would mean you're probably better off than living in Australia, especially Sydney.
Also if you meet a nice gal there and get married the major Airlines will recruit you .
Nothing bad here....

oicur12 . . Can I assume you are 1 and the same regardless of the "again"?

Thank you for going to the effort in posting this, although I have 7,000TT, 3,000+ Twin Command etc all on Saabs/Q400 I would seriously consider a posting in Seattle if a DEC was possible.

biglanchow

Ring the recruiters at Horizon, they have crew based in SEA and fly the Q400.

Some are paying a sign on bonus if you are typed.

Dont know about upgrade times though.