working (jobs) in America?
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Listen up people. This thread was seriously unacceptable. The kind of abuse shown here will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in similar fashion anywhere on PPRuNe.
The thread is clearly capable of good debate and will be interesting to a lot of people. Tell it how it is and allow people to have an opinion without recourse to slanging matches. Enjoy.
PPP
The thread is clearly capable of good debate and will be interesting to a lot of people. Tell it how it is and allow people to have an opinion without recourse to slanging matches. Enjoy.
PPP
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...
I know bafanguy personally, and maybe the white wine got to him a little. What else are you supposed to do when your retired? Nothing wrong with tying one on. I didnt even get to read what he posted. Dang.
Well, done with a four day trip, its off to get shanghai'ed. Hopefully I wont come back and post anti-"insert your nation here" comments.
P.S.----We've got a new cat in the house, i hate it, it keeps biting my feet, im about to put it in the blender.
Well, done with a four day trip, its off to get shanghai'ed. Hopefully I wont come back and post anti-"insert your nation here" comments.
P.S.----We've got a new cat in the house, i hate it, it keeps biting my feet, im about to put it in the blender.
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What I found
I'm British and I have no real desire to work in the UK long term, but I'm aware that its more likely that I'll get onto a JAR25 jet aircraft much quicker here. Personally I just think 'chav' (that's equivalent to '909' or 'trailer trash' to any Americans reading this) culture is taking over.
I did all my training in the US, LA to be exact and to be honest the general aviation there is second to none, very few restrictions and the culture there is 'get out and do it', simplicity and for everyone opposed to the 'learn the theory' and aviation looked at with exclusivity akin to membership of an exclusive golf club like it is in some circles here.
Yes there a great deal of things about the American culture that are excellent and a great deal that leave a lot to be desired. Personally for me the pro's outweighed the cons. I lived in London for 2 years and there were many differences from where I grew up, some advantageous, some adverse however I decided for me it offered more than it took.
As a British citizen and a commercial pilot to boot, its not easy to establish yourself there. The US military floods the market every year with highly trained pilots when their service is up. Also, as I mentioned before general aviation there is so strong that another tidal wave of willing employees come from there too.
In the wake of 9/11 there is a tendency to go for US citizens, as a UK citizen I couldn't even go on a control tower tour. Any company hiring you has to justify to the DoT/INS why they are opting for you over a US citizen and what you offer that can't be satisfied from the indigenous employee pool.
It is a bit galling that having a degree, British, speaking English as a first language, having over 50k GBP in the bank and assets totaling 150k, having an FAA CPL/IR, HIV free (they check that as part of a medical), served in the UK armed forces and a nice chap into the bargain doesn't have any sway with the US authorities.
In the light of the UK being the biggest supporter of the US' often flawed foreign policy, entering into a war with them, etc. that we are not given a favoured position in the eyes of their immigration service whereas if you have Irish citizenship you have an opportunity to enter the Green card lottery, basically because the Irish lobby has more sway and it has been determined that too many people of Anglo-Saxon decent are in the US already and the idea behind the lottery is to diversify the population.
However that's the situation and no point spending too much time dwelling on it, might as well just deal with it.
The options currently open include doing a marriage of convenience but that opens you to blackmail and deportation if you let your guard slip and an unrestricted passport is the first thing most airlines ask for. A marriage for true love would be a nice alternative. Another is investment in a US firm or business but you have to satisfy certain criteria which would be hard to manage if you are also trying to establish a career as a commercial pilot. The third is family sponsorship, and in a similar vein the fourth is company sponsorship but extremely hard for the reasons given above.
I am patriotic to a degree but I do see myself living in a host of other countries through my flying career.
I did all my training in the US, LA to be exact and to be honest the general aviation there is second to none, very few restrictions and the culture there is 'get out and do it', simplicity and for everyone opposed to the 'learn the theory' and aviation looked at with exclusivity akin to membership of an exclusive golf club like it is in some circles here.
Yes there a great deal of things about the American culture that are excellent and a great deal that leave a lot to be desired. Personally for me the pro's outweighed the cons. I lived in London for 2 years and there were many differences from where I grew up, some advantageous, some adverse however I decided for me it offered more than it took.
As a British citizen and a commercial pilot to boot, its not easy to establish yourself there. The US military floods the market every year with highly trained pilots when their service is up. Also, as I mentioned before general aviation there is so strong that another tidal wave of willing employees come from there too.
In the wake of 9/11 there is a tendency to go for US citizens, as a UK citizen I couldn't even go on a control tower tour. Any company hiring you has to justify to the DoT/INS why they are opting for you over a US citizen and what you offer that can't be satisfied from the indigenous employee pool.
It is a bit galling that having a degree, British, speaking English as a first language, having over 50k GBP in the bank and assets totaling 150k, having an FAA CPL/IR, HIV free (they check that as part of a medical), served in the UK armed forces and a nice chap into the bargain doesn't have any sway with the US authorities.
In the light of the UK being the biggest supporter of the US' often flawed foreign policy, entering into a war with them, etc. that we are not given a favoured position in the eyes of their immigration service whereas if you have Irish citizenship you have an opportunity to enter the Green card lottery, basically because the Irish lobby has more sway and it has been determined that too many people of Anglo-Saxon decent are in the US already and the idea behind the lottery is to diversify the population.
However that's the situation and no point spending too much time dwelling on it, might as well just deal with it.
The options currently open include doing a marriage of convenience but that opens you to blackmail and deportation if you let your guard slip and an unrestricted passport is the first thing most airlines ask for. A marriage for true love would be a nice alternative. Another is investment in a US firm or business but you have to satisfy certain criteria which would be hard to manage if you are also trying to establish a career as a commercial pilot. The third is family sponsorship, and in a similar vein the fourth is company sponsorship but extremely hard for the reasons given above.
I am patriotic to a degree but I do see myself living in a host of other countries through my flying career.
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scameron77, excellent post, and pretty much sums up the situation of being a non-greencard holder trying to work in the US. Even having family in the US doesn't even help the chances of entering the US as a legal resident - i've been waiting for just about 5 years now since my initial application for a family-based VISA and things are going nowhere - fast. All applications seemed to have come to a halt at the National Visa Center who have now changed the application processing date to 1997 - not very promising i have to say. With all that said, i wish you the Best of British luck!
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Jobs in USA
Hi Every One 
I am an Asian and at times find it difficult to understand what you guys and gals are are saying.Well I know most of you are european, I go through almost every Pilot Job websites on the net and is amazed by the number of job oppertunities available in USA for low time pilots.So why is it
I find so many Americans searching for jobs elswhere and surely for europeans it can't be difficult to get a work permit/Green card to work there with the apperent piolt shortage in US.
Please help me out here if I am wrong.
Happy Flying
Bala
I am an Asian and at times find it difficult to understand what you guys and gals are are saying.Well I know most of you are european, I go through almost every Pilot Job websites on the net and is amazed by the number of job oppertunities available in USA for low time pilots.So why is it
I find so many Americans searching for jobs elswhere and surely for europeans it can't be difficult to get a work permit/Green card to work there with the apperent piolt shortage in US.
Please help me out here if I am wrong.
Happy Flying
Bala
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Originally Posted by swidd
mcgoo, I'm looking at atleast 20 recent job postings on climbto350.com and planejobs.com for which I'm easily qualified, and with enough pay to maintain the percentage of fat in my body. Obtaining work is simply a matter of being willing to relocate. While you may be right that some people have problems finding work, I dont observe the same to be true: there are lots of jobs out there, and many companies I've called around to are having problems filling their positions (especially for flight instructors).
Its really hard to find a job here just because there are just not enough companies for the pilots available.. I wouldnt mind working anywhere in the world flying anything to build my time and get over the 1,500 mark..
Just dont know where to look to be honest!!!
I have a friend that has told that there are 2 pilot jobs waiting for me in the states but i cant even go as i dont have a green card
In the USA it might be easy to get a job from what i have been told but its not so in Greece..
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Jobs in USA
Originally Posted by iamanaussiemavrick
HI,
I am also eager to know about this thread.
Nice findings Bala..
Longing for reply
kanak
I am also eager to know about this thread.
Nice findings Bala..
Longing for reply
kanak
It is good to know that I am not alone in my observation.Guys/Gals just go through sky jobs. net and see for your self. It is filled with jobs for low time pilots there was a recent post for republican airways F/O s.But everyone is asking for Green card(post 9/11 requirement I suppose). So why are people saying there are no jobs even for US pilots please tell me
I am lost.
Good Luck
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Flying careers in the USA
Hi all,
I don't know if you can help me at all, but I am also considering going to the United States to study for my ATPL course.
However, if I were to study there, would I get the same licence as I would as if I were to study in Europe, and would it be valid here - Alternatively, if I were to aqquire my licences in Europe, would the still be accepted if I were to return to Europe after the course has been completed?
Secondly, if I were to come to the USA and decided to stay after getting my ATPL, being a foreign citizen, would my employment chances be affected not being American - Another thing, what legislation procedures would I have to have to obtain to work?
Gracias,
Scarebus
I don't know if you can help me at all, but I am also considering going to the United States to study for my ATPL course.
However, if I were to study there, would I get the same licence as I would as if I were to study in Europe, and would it be valid here - Alternatively, if I were to aqquire my licences in Europe, would the still be accepted if I were to return to Europe after the course has been completed?
Secondly, if I were to come to the USA and decided to stay after getting my ATPL, being a foreign citizen, would my employment chances be affected not being American - Another thing, what legislation procedures would I have to have to obtain to work?
Gracias,
Scarebus
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And are you coming here to get your FAA ATPL ?
However, if I were to study there, would I get the same licence as I would as if I were to study in Europe, and would it be valid here - Alternatively, if I were to aqquire my licences in Europe, would the still be accepted if I were to return to Europe after the course has been completed?
Here in the US, we have the FAA ATPL.
The FAA ATP is needed for Captains here, but to fly anywhere in Europe, for an airline, as a captain, the JAA ATPL is needed.
So if you're gonna work in Europe for a European airline, dont even bother getting an FAA ATPL.
Secondly, if I were to come to the USA and decided to stay after getting my ATPL, being a foreign citizen, would my employment chances be affected not being American - Another thing, what legislation procedures would I have to have to obtain to work?
Gracias,
Scarebus
Gracias,
Scarebus
I can GUARANTEE you that airlines in the US willl NOT sponsor you or offer a work permit.
All of them require at least a "right to live and work in the US."
And believe me, those regs won't change anytime soon. We still have thousands of pilots on furlough from 9/11.
There is no shortage of pilots here.
Delta announced they'd hire 200 pilots this year, and so far they've gotten over 10,000 resumes from all sorts of pilots in America... regional airline pilots, small 135 cargo operators, military pilots, corporate pilots, etc. etc.
Anyway, to answer your question, unless you have a right to live AND to work in the United States, don't expect to get hired at a US airline.
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Airline sponsored green cards? I'm afraid not.
It is true, most regional carriers in the U.S. are hurting for pilots at the moment due to growth/attrition (SkyWest planning to hire 70/mo, Comair 60/mo, American Eagle 700 for the year, Republic Airways 1,000, the list goes on...).
But NO U.S. airline will sponsor a foreign national for permanent residency and here's why: the process is TOO LONG and EXPENSIVE, with emphasis on the time line.
Even if the airline would be nice enough to drop a few big ones, AND find a way to legally sponsor a foreigner without taking a job away from an American (which it won't, since it will find, with relative ease, an American counterpart without the immigration baggage), currently the wait, depending on the region you are from, (for EB3 category) is 2-4 years BEFORE you can even submit the last phase of the PR petition to the INS.
And before all that, the airline has gone through at least 6 months of advertising, in a preferably national newspaper or other media, for your position, after which if no American pilots were found, or the airline could prove it still needed the foreigner for the last available slot, the paperwork would wonder weeks through Dept.of Labor.
And yet, the real bottleneck will be waiting for new visa numbers to be issued by Congress, and due to thousands of backlog cases, the wait for those numbers is the above mentioned 2-4 years. To make matters more interesting, there's no guarantee of number of new visas that are issued per month/year, so predicting waiting time ends up being pure lottery.
Other green card categories have much shorter waiting times, but unless the airline can prove that your Master's/Ph.D is necessary for the position, or your outstanding research, professional athlete credentials or the million dollar investment are a must, well, you're stuck with the other few hundred thousand immigrants with bachelor's and 3-5 years of work experience in a "skilled" or "professional" level...
Now imagine an airline going through this 4-5 year process and min. of $2,000-3000 in INS and advertising fees (excluding lawyer fees) to get ONE foreigner on board.
Currently pilot's are starting training within 2-3 weeks of the interview, in some instances within a week. On occasion, a pilot with a green card might still be swimming in glue due to an added TSA background check that could push back one's starting date another month. An airline doesn't have the time, the money nor the patience. Remember, we as pilots are labor, highly skilled, but still labor. No need for the airline to jump through all the hoops, especially the burning ones, just for us.
And yes, this is from personal experience. After 10 years and thousands and thousands of top dolla, finally with a green card, I am with a regional carrier in the U.S. How did it work out for me? Have a wife who has that Master's and good relations with her non-airline company = VERY LUCKY.
Didn't mean to pee in your cheerios but this U.S. immigration stuff is super tough. Before you make the move, educate yourself, research, learn and then you can go try the lottery.
Cheers,
-T-
But NO U.S. airline will sponsor a foreign national for permanent residency and here's why: the process is TOO LONG and EXPENSIVE, with emphasis on the time line.
Even if the airline would be nice enough to drop a few big ones, AND find a way to legally sponsor a foreigner without taking a job away from an American (which it won't, since it will find, with relative ease, an American counterpart without the immigration baggage), currently the wait, depending on the region you are from, (for EB3 category) is 2-4 years BEFORE you can even submit the last phase of the PR petition to the INS.
And before all that, the airline has gone through at least 6 months of advertising, in a preferably national newspaper or other media, for your position, after which if no American pilots were found, or the airline could prove it still needed the foreigner for the last available slot, the paperwork would wonder weeks through Dept.of Labor.
And yet, the real bottleneck will be waiting for new visa numbers to be issued by Congress, and due to thousands of backlog cases, the wait for those numbers is the above mentioned 2-4 years. To make matters more interesting, there's no guarantee of number of new visas that are issued per month/year, so predicting waiting time ends up being pure lottery.
Other green card categories have much shorter waiting times, but unless the airline can prove that your Master's/Ph.D is necessary for the position, or your outstanding research, professional athlete credentials or the million dollar investment are a must, well, you're stuck with the other few hundred thousand immigrants with bachelor's and 3-5 years of work experience in a "skilled" or "professional" level...
Now imagine an airline going through this 4-5 year process and min. of $2,000-3000 in INS and advertising fees (excluding lawyer fees) to get ONE foreigner on board.
Currently pilot's are starting training within 2-3 weeks of the interview, in some instances within a week. On occasion, a pilot with a green card might still be swimming in glue due to an added TSA background check that could push back one's starting date another month. An airline doesn't have the time, the money nor the patience. Remember, we as pilots are labor, highly skilled, but still labor. No need for the airline to jump through all the hoops, especially the burning ones, just for us.
And yes, this is from personal experience. After 10 years and thousands and thousands of top dolla, finally with a green card, I am with a regional carrier in the U.S. How did it work out for me? Have a wife who has that Master's and good relations with her non-airline company = VERY LUCKY.
Didn't mean to pee in your cheerios but this U.S. immigration stuff is super tough. Before you make the move, educate yourself, research, learn and then you can go try the lottery.
Cheers,
-T-
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hi,
I suggest to all wanabees pilots to forget the USA for flying training.You are unwelcome.
there are no job for you unless you marry a girl or have family there who can sponsor you for a green card.
and even with a green card, all you will get is a flight instructor job paid peanuts... if lucky, you will maybe fly a regional turboprop for 5 years at 1500$/month and pay over 30% tax to a government who send GIs to kill babies and women in Iraq,....
the best would be to go to a peaceful country like Canada, fuel and plane are cheap, and "cold experience" is well seen from EU airlines.
It is easier to get a visa in Canada than the USA, and there are plenty of jobs there ,on sea planes to make your hours.
when back with a Canadian license, you just have to enroll at Bristol groundschool or oxford or... and convert your license.
you can work on your ATPL when working in Canada.(residential course)
you need to fly around 10-15 hours in a light multi for your JAA IR ATPL.
with a Canadian license , you can easily convert to a US license.Canada is a wonderful country when you can fly a plane during winter time, and get bush experience.
if I had to redo it again, I would give a look at canada...
I have friends who have Canadian license and got jobs on eavy jet in europe after their license conversion from canadian to JAR.
I suggest to all wanabees pilots to forget the USA for flying training.You are unwelcome.
there are no job for you unless you marry a girl or have family there who can sponsor you for a green card.
and even with a green card, all you will get is a flight instructor job paid peanuts... if lucky, you will maybe fly a regional turboprop for 5 years at 1500$/month and pay over 30% tax to a government who send GIs to kill babies and women in Iraq,....
the best would be to go to a peaceful country like Canada, fuel and plane are cheap, and "cold experience" is well seen from EU airlines.
It is easier to get a visa in Canada than the USA, and there are plenty of jobs there ,on sea planes to make your hours.
when back with a Canadian license, you just have to enroll at Bristol groundschool or oxford or... and convert your license.
you can work on your ATPL when working in Canada.(residential course)
you need to fly around 10-15 hours in a light multi for your JAA IR ATPL.
with a Canadian license , you can easily convert to a US license.Canada is a wonderful country when you can fly a plane during winter time, and get bush experience.
if I had to redo it again, I would give a look at canada...
I have friends who have Canadian license and got jobs on eavy jet in europe after their license conversion from canadian to JAR.
Last edited by dartagnan; 29th Jan 2007 at 09:40.
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Jobs in Charter or Cargo
Heyy Everybody
I am planning to get CPL in USA as a foreign. Does the charter or cargo campany supply work permission for foreigner to legally work in USA. Is it possible to be pilot in a charter or cargo company with PPL. Do i have to get CPL for charter or cargo company?
I am planning to get CPL in USA as a foreign. Does the charter or cargo campany supply work permission for foreigner to legally work in USA. Is it possible to be pilot in a charter or cargo company with PPL. Do i have to get CPL for charter or cargo company?
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PPL Vs CPL
Heyy Everybody
I am planning to get CPL in USA as a foreign. Does the charter or cargo campany supply work permission for foreigner to legally work in USA. Is it possible to be pilot in a charter or cargo company with PPL. Do i have to get CPL for charter or cargo company?
Unfortunately the answer is NO as far as some Charter/Cargo company providing "Work Permit"
Also, NO, you can't fly for a Charter or Cargo Co. with a PPL.
CPL/Multi-Enging Rating is required (If ME A/C is being used)
Also, keep in mind Charter & Cargo outfits fall under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 135....
So in most cases I35 mins are required.....
Hope this answers your questions
Good Luck!
I am planning to get CPL in USA as a foreign. Does the charter or cargo campany supply work permission for foreigner to legally work in USA. Is it possible to be pilot in a charter or cargo company with PPL. Do i have to get CPL for charter or cargo company?
Unfortunately the answer is NO as far as some Charter/Cargo company providing "Work Permit"
Also, NO, you can't fly for a Charter or Cargo Co. with a PPL.
CPL/Multi-Enging Rating is required (If ME A/C is being used)
Also, keep in mind Charter & Cargo outfits fall under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 135....
So in most cases I35 mins are required.....
Hope this answers your questions
Good Luck!
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Can foreigners find pilot jobs in the US?
I'm currently living in the US, and at a cross-roads in my life and most bent towards engineering (cause I spend 6 years getting degrees) but my heart has always belonged in the air.
I have my FAA PPL and some IR training and about 130 hours. I just found out one of my top choices in schools (ATP) only accepted US Citizens for their airline training program, so that kindo killed my hopes a bit.
I do know euros come to do flight training in the US, I'd like to hear from you if you have any schools that would train and perhaps even hire foreign nationals afterwards.
Also, any foreigners working in US market?
Thanx
SC
I have my FAA PPL and some IR training and about 130 hours. I just found out one of my top choices in schools (ATP) only accepted US Citizens for their airline training program, so that kindo killed my hopes a bit.
I do know euros come to do flight training in the US, I'd like to hear from you if you have any schools that would train and perhaps even hire foreign nationals afterwards.
Also, any foreigners working in US market?
Thanx
SC
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Pilot Jobs in USA..What Visa??
Hi All,
Im just enquiring about flying in the US..
Do you need a Green card, or citizenship only or will an airline sponsor you for a working visa such as a H1B etc...or have those days gone?
(FAA licences required I know)
If anyone has info about this please post something...as its hard to get any information...
Thanks!!
Im just enquiring about flying in the US..
Do you need a Green card, or citizenship only or will an airline sponsor you for a working visa such as a H1B etc...or have those days gone?
(FAA licences required I know)
If anyone has info about this please post something...as its hard to get any information...
Thanks!!
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no work visa, very hard to get it. YOu don't necesseray need to have green card, or to be US citizen to work in US. I'm a flight instructor in US without green card, but I have work permit for certain amount of time. If you are going to go to the airlines, yes you need to have a green card.
VERRY HARD TO GET H1B AS A PILOT.
I'm pretty sure we will soon see more H1b sponsers pilot in US pretty soon. There is a shortage at the moment so, it will be interesting.
My advice is to find a good US girl (if you can find anywhere) and get married.
Good Luck,
VERRY HARD TO GET H1B AS A PILOT.
I'm pretty sure we will soon see more H1b sponsers pilot in US pretty soon. There is a shortage at the moment so, it will be interesting.
My advice is to find a good US girl (if you can find anywhere)
and get married.Good Luck,
Stay Away from USA
My advice is to stay away from the USA!!!
You definitely DO NOT want to work here unless you are extremely well qualified and type rated with experience in airliners or corporate jets as otherwise the only jobs you will be qualified for are basically badly paid FO internships at the regionals where YOU PAY to be there and work.
All the small freight companies and regional airlines pay apalllingly bad and you will not make enough to be able to afford rent and food in most places.
For example ALL regionals will pay less than $1800 USD/month base salary and that is to be an FO on a 50pax+ regional jet such as a CRJ or EMB 135.
Even after 3-5yrs with the company you will still be making less than 25- 30,000/year.
The regionals are screaming out for pilots who want to work for nothing and are having trouble finding them so they are dropping their hiring minimums to 800-1000hrs total and 50-100 hrs multi engine. I have read 5 letters to editors in mags in the last 6 months from regional pilots who simply quit because they cannot survive on these "salaries".
I just lost the part time corporate and charter turboprop job I had as the owners are selling the plane and I have been unable to find another small turboprop position or biz jet FO position.
Most employers want you to be already qualified on the exact make and model aircraft they are hiring for and require type ratings and school usually within the previous 12mo before you can even email a resume.
After 25yrs of sacrifice , moving to the other side of the world and HUGE financial losses I am facing never flying again as I simply can no longer afford to work for nothing and make no money now I am in my early forties.
Better pay , conditions and benefits in Europe for sure so my advice is to stay there and give it your best shot.
You definitely DO NOT want to work here unless you are extremely well qualified and type rated with experience in airliners or corporate jets as otherwise the only jobs you will be qualified for are basically badly paid FO internships at the regionals where YOU PAY to be there and work.
All the small freight companies and regional airlines pay apalllingly bad and you will not make enough to be able to afford rent and food in most places.
For example ALL regionals will pay less than $1800 USD/month base salary and that is to be an FO on a 50pax+ regional jet such as a CRJ or EMB 135.
Even after 3-5yrs with the company you will still be making less than 25- 30,000/year.
The regionals are screaming out for pilots who want to work for nothing and are having trouble finding them so they are dropping their hiring minimums to 800-1000hrs total and 50-100 hrs multi engine. I have read 5 letters to editors in mags in the last 6 months from regional pilots who simply quit because they cannot survive on these "salaries".
I just lost the part time corporate and charter turboprop job I had as the owners are selling the plane and I have been unable to find another small turboprop position or biz jet FO position.
Most employers want you to be already qualified on the exact make and model aircraft they are hiring for and require type ratings and school usually within the previous 12mo before you can even email a resume.
After 25yrs of sacrifice , moving to the other side of the world and HUGE financial losses I am facing never flying again as I simply can no longer afford to work for nothing and make no money now I am in my early forties.
Better pay , conditions and benefits in Europe for sure so my advice is to stay there and give it your best shot.
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Becoming a pilot in the US or UK/EU?
Hi, I know this thread will probably get moved somewhere and I know you guys are probably fed up with the same questions from different users but I just want to ask something.
Im not up there with the aviation industry in the US let alone my own country (Scotland) but im set in a new job as Cabin Crew and can now save money to have at least 3 or 4 flying lessons per month. I dont know whether to save and pay in a lump sum and go to the states or stay here or whatever. I dont even know which license to get either FAA or JAA.
Which country can offer me a good quality of life to live comfortably and not have crappy work ethics? It doesn't bother me which type of flying i mean i quite fancy cargo/corporate/misc and or airlines, can you work without an ATPL in cargo and corporate?
Just want to know some ins and outs so i dont make a big mistake and waste money because money is precious.
America really appeals to me because of the climate, and their way of life seems alot better than in the UK, maybe someone on this forum who has worked/lived there can prove me wrong, i just need some opinions.
So really am i better to pay as i go and get the JAA or save and go to America and get the FAA or JAA license?
Kindest regards to everyone, your opinions will be very much appreciated.
Take care.
Commander1
Im not up there with the aviation industry in the US let alone my own country (Scotland) but im set in a new job as Cabin Crew and can now save money to have at least 3 or 4 flying lessons per month. I dont know whether to save and pay in a lump sum and go to the states or stay here or whatever. I dont even know which license to get either FAA or JAA.
Which country can offer me a good quality of life to live comfortably and not have crappy work ethics? It doesn't bother me which type of flying i mean i quite fancy cargo/corporate/misc and or airlines, can you work without an ATPL in cargo and corporate?
Just want to know some ins and outs so i dont make a big mistake and waste money because money is precious.
America really appeals to me because of the climate, and their way of life seems alot better than in the UK, maybe someone on this forum who has worked/lived there can prove me wrong, i just need some opinions.
So really am i better to pay as i go and get the JAA or save and go to America and get the FAA or JAA license?
Kindest regards to everyone, your opinions will be very much appreciated.
Take care.
Commander1
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Age: 48
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Hi Commander1
I have lived in the US for about 6 years now and I like it a lot. I am not actually in professional aviation, but currently finishing my commercial/IR. I do however know a bit about the flying industry over here. Firstly, it is quite different (especially with respect to the terms and conditions). The natural progression over here after attaining all the relevant licences is to instruct and then try to gain emplyment in a regional airline. At the moment, the regionals are growing at a fast rate and one can expect to start applying for a job with around 750 total/70-100 multi. Once employment is gained at a multi, once can then stay and upgrade to gain the precious P1 time that will hopefully propell you to the majors/Corporate etc. However, the pay generally for a regional FO is horrendous, averaging about $20k/year for teh first year. It's feasible, if not desirable to make it through a couple of hard years, but if you're married and/or have children, it's going to be tough. I think overall, the pilot industry is a little more rosy over in the UK and it's possible to get into your first pilot position with fewer hours (certainly if you buy a type and go with Ryan etc.). It could certainly be an adventure for you coming over here, but it will be a long slog through all the licences and then possibly a poorly paid regional job for a couple of years. You also refered to "crappy work ethics" and unfortunately you'll find these at a number of the regionals these days. I would say that if you're young enough and without strings, it may work for you, as I tink there will be an increase in demand for commercial flight in the long run, but it could be costly for you if you decide to return to the UK and convert all your licences back over. Thee's also the small issue of needing US citizenship; do you have that? Anyway, I wish you luck with your training and future endeavours
EiNY
I have lived in the US for about 6 years now and I like it a lot. I am not actually in professional aviation, but currently finishing my commercial/IR. I do however know a bit about the flying industry over here. Firstly, it is quite different (especially with respect to the terms and conditions). The natural progression over here after attaining all the relevant licences is to instruct and then try to gain emplyment in a regional airline. At the moment, the regionals are growing at a fast rate and one can expect to start applying for a job with around 750 total/70-100 multi. Once employment is gained at a multi, once can then stay and upgrade to gain the precious P1 time that will hopefully propell you to the majors/Corporate etc. However, the pay generally for a regional FO is horrendous, averaging about $20k/year for teh first year. It's feasible, if not desirable to make it through a couple of hard years, but if you're married and/or have children, it's going to be tough. I think overall, the pilot industry is a little more rosy over in the UK and it's possible to get into your first pilot position with fewer hours (certainly if you buy a type and go with Ryan etc.). It could certainly be an adventure for you coming over here, but it will be a long slog through all the licences and then possibly a poorly paid regional job for a couple of years. You also refered to "crappy work ethics" and unfortunately you'll find these at a number of the regionals these days. I would say that if you're young enough and without strings, it may work for you, as I tink there will be an increase in demand for commercial flight in the long run, but it could be costly for you if you decide to return to the UK and convert all your licences back over. Thee's also the small issue of needing US citizenship; do you have that? Anyway, I wish you luck with your training and future endeavours
EiNY