Asian and African job market
 

Im recently qualified on the ATR 42/72, a type popular in Asia and Africa.
I have sent CV's to all operators in these areas with little response although recruitment seems to be taking place.
How do you get into these markets when you are living in Europe, Will i finally get contacted or is it the case you have to turn up there and put yourself about.

It's always the same problem if you don't have experience and get hired through an agency...

You have no work permit
You don't speak the language
You have no license validation or local license
The locals try to protect their jobs
The locals will fly for a much lower salary then you

etc...

that is true and airlines in these regions probably do prefer to hire through agencies. I have noticed that the experience required has fallen over recent months, does this mean that they arent filling the jobs with local
applicants and will turn their attentions to elsewhere?

In aviation its seems that getting a job; you need either need luck or its about who you know.

The further away from where you live the harder it is to get a job less you have had more than 5 years experience.

Unfortunately im based in the UK and i chose the ATR because it was popular in the asian and african markets. Knowing the right people is 50% of the battle and maybe the only way that newbies like me can get a foot in. So maybe sending CV's out and hoping on replies is a bit optimistic.

@aaron
Hi did you do a self funded ATR rating?
From what I've seen the main thing is luck...

yes it was a self sponsored rating, although i got a good deal on it. People will argue it isnt a good deal or else i wouldnt be posting.
I have to say that i have only been searching for an ATR position for a month now. I have held the FATPL for two years now so thought that now is the time to try make things happen.

The general requirement is to have a minimum number of hours on type to convert your license. Usually, this is a minimum of 500 hours on type and 1,500hrs total time, but some airlines seem to be permitted to hire with as little as 300 hours on type.

Indeed, for the ATR, at least one operator requires specific experience on the 72, 42 experience doesn't count!

Non type rated entrants usually have to go through the airlines specific cadet entry program, be trained on certified simulators with state licensed instructors and examiners. If you have no hours on type, then this is an option. If you already have a rating with no hours then it is conceivable that you maybe credited some reduction on the full program at somebodies discretion.

Does that mean that the airlines can hire people with no time on type or is it an issue that you need the time on type to get the work visa.I am aware that some countries are not allowed to hire expat FO's because of goverment rules. I have also seen companies who only advertise that you require the type rating to apply.

The visa situation depends on the current situation. Malaysia and Indonesia, for example have banned FO expats in the past but are now (or were recently) hiring again.

Who and where?

Mainly the African companies didnt specify the hour requirements.
Alot of companies say "must be type rated "but i suppose this doesnt mean they are going to take somebody with no time on type.
I was aware that Malaysia and Indonesia were restricted on local FO's. Are you aware if they are allowing expat FO's again.

no FO in malaysia and indonesia.

have you seen the number of unemployed pilots in Malaysia? thousand!!!:{

Both Garuda and Malaysia Airlines were recruiting in the last few months. FOs and Capts, but with lots of experience. Lionair had been recruiting PTFs through CAE for a while.

Just to prove the point:
B737EFIS/NG First Officers - 1401105967 - Flight Jobs

A quick search for Asian ATR operators doesn't seem to bode well. Vietnam airlines have been looking for ATR crew on and off for a long time, but they still have not reduced their requirements. Firefly stipulate that you must me Malaysian.

Here's a list:
Air Carrier Info - PILOT CAREER CENTRE

One missing is this lot:
Airbagan Cockpit Crew / Myanmar Airline / Your Air Line in Myanmar / Asia Airline

Another:
REF 1042: ATR72 First Officers - 1401109357 - Flight Jobs.

This is the most accessible I could see if you have the total time.
Pilot Job - Overland Airways - PILOT CAREER CENTRE

Yes, i have come across these jobs aswell before and submitted applications to the companies even though i fall short on the time on type.
Right place, right time is the hope.
One of the reasons that i started this thread was because i feel that sending CV's out will probably come to nothing. I wondered how some people may of got work in these markets in the past with little Total time.

Went out to whatever poxy third world African country they were targeting, hung around the towns where the jobs are, swept hangar floors, bought beers for chief pilots, generally kissed ass and lo and behold a few weeks later they were in paid employment.

Buying TR's is speculative at best even in the Euro 737/A320 market - but if your plan is honestly to get into an ATR in Africa / Asia and you've just bought a UK type rating for a UK licence with no time on type, then you have done nothing but utterly squander your money.

Every respectable turboprop operator in Asia / Africa that operates half decent modern gear like ATRs, already has a line a mile long of experienced and hard working GA pilots, locals and expats, already working for the smaller operators in country, making the good networking connections and they are just about invariably first in line for any jobs that come up.

Anyway, now that you've spent the money, you need to act fast before you get too uncurrent. If your game plan only consists of sitting on your ass in Europe sending CV's to third world operators, and complaining on pprune about lack of response to your CV's, then you are naive beyond all possible comprehension. Get on a plane and get out there to the country you want to fly in and start talking to people, and do it quickly.

true words there Luke,
my advice is go knock on doors! I did it twice in my career, both invloved going to far flung places and I got a job. If i was you try Cebupac in Philpines, there are now hiring foreign F/O's with 500 TT as minimum and thats for ATR/Airbus jobs.There offfice is easy to find at Manila airport.

First of all, im not complaining about not recieving replies to my CV's.I
mentioned that i wasnt expecting replies. The whole point of the thread was to see how people were getting work, which you did mention thankyou guys.
And without turning this thread into a debate about SSTR it was not the intention to end up in this position. Hence me not wanting to sit on my Arse in Europe and doing something about it.

heres the info.
COMPANY: Cebu Pacific Air DATE: Feb 07, 2011
POSITION: Pilots - A319 / A320 / ATR 72-500 (Pasay City)
DESCRIPTION: Responsibilities

* Safe handling of aircraft controls by assisting the Captain in all phases of flight.



Requirements

* ICAO recognized ATPL (acceptable to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)
* At least 500 hours of flying time
* Minimum of 500 hours on civil registered transport aircraft certificated for multi-crew operations
* College degree holder
* Basic computer literacy

I've got a few mates that fly/have flown ATRs all over african on contract. I have to say most of these guy but not all went in with about c1500 hrs TT and c500 hrs twin. The one thing the ALL did was put in the leg work. Maybe it's because Africa is a bit old fashend but you've got no chance unless you see them face to face. I don't think any of them went in with TRs but I can't be sure of that.

Go for it:cool:

Ive decided that thats what im going to do. I am going to look to see were my best chance is going to be {based on people im currently speaking too} and spend some of my last money on a plane ticket to try my luck. Dont try dont get.!