Career in EK or work for regional in the USA? Help me guys.
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He has a Greencard
US Majors do not look especially kindly on non US flying. There are plenty of ex Emirates & Cathy drivers siting right seat in RJs to build the 121 time the majors require. 135 time may help a little; but the easiest way is to join a regional.
Pay isn't too bad; joining bonuses can be >$20k. Live in base and there's plenty of money to be made.
I moved from a US regional to LCC in 3 years and couldn't be happier. Brand new Aircraft and great money compared to Europe.
Note as a G/C holder money earned in the sandpit is taxable in the US.. check with a tax pro.
PM for more..
Cheers!
Join Date: Oct 2012
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Simple non sarcastic answer... Go to the US. 12,000 is money, sure, but it will be worth the investment. The QOL at EK is really rough and a lot of people get burnt out quickly, the money there also isn't as a good as you think it is. Regional Airline schedules flying long haul exist there, 120+ hours per month in the plane. The UAE just added a 5% VAT to basically everything in 2018 and wages didn't rise accordingly, so it's getting incredibly expensive there.
Fun country, I go there often and always enjoy it, but that's it, I wouldn't want to work for an airline there. Here in the US your quality of life will be so much better, pay will suck at first, but it time it will improve and you will be happy you sucked it up. When I go to the UAE it's for vacation to see friends, that's it.
A lot more to be said, but the only way I'd recommend EK is if you needed/wanted to live in the Middle East or Turkey. Then I would recommend it to avoid the crazy commute. Besides that? USA.
Good luck.
Fun country, I go there often and always enjoy it, but that's it, I wouldn't want to work for an airline there. Here in the US your quality of life will be so much better, pay will suck at first, but it time it will improve and you will be happy you sucked it up. When I go to the UAE it's for vacation to see friends, that's it.
A lot more to be said, but the only way I'd recommend EK is if you needed/wanted to live in the Middle East or Turkey. Then I would recommend it to avoid the crazy commute. Besides that? USA.
Good luck.
It shouldn't cost $12k to convert. you only need an FAA CPL + IR. The regionals will cover all the ATP costs, including accommodation and the CTP-ATP training that is now required before sitting the ATP theory exam. Regionals will also do the ATP checkride as part of the type rating.
Converting to CPL/IR is 'training as required'. Maybe several $k, but hardly $12k. Pick a small school at a small airfield with cheap rates and good availability. You may gave to do TSA insecurity bull**** (US citizens don't, foreigners do, but green card holders? No idea)
Converting to CPL/IR is 'training as required'. Maybe several $k, but hardly $12k. Pick a small school at a small airfield with cheap rates and good availability. You may gave to do TSA insecurity bull**** (US citizens don't, foreigners do, but green card holders? No idea)
Last edited by Tinstaafl; 2nd Jun 2019 at 13:39. Reason: Spilling erors.
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Aviator 35,
I went through the same, I moved to the US with a Green Card, no EK job offer and 3 kids.
PM me if you want an honest inside look.
I completely regret what I did, you have more going for you compared to my situation when i moved.
Taxes, health insurance on non legacies or high-end LCCs plus family with kids will suck you blood to the last drop if you do the regional thing.
If you are single or you wife work it is better.
I went through the same, I moved to the US with a Green Card, no EK job offer and 3 kids.
PM me if you want an honest inside look.
I completely regret what I did, you have more going for you compared to my situation when i moved.
Taxes, health insurance on non legacies or high-end LCCs plus family with kids will suck you blood to the last drop if you do the regional thing.
If you are single or you wife work it is better.
Last edited by A320 CURSED; 2nd Jun 2019 at 15:47.
It shouldn't cost $12k to convert. you only need an FAA CPL + IR. The regionals will cover all the ATP costs, including accommodation and the CTP-ATP training that is now required before sitting the ATP theory exam. Regionals will also do the ATP checkride as part of the type rating.
I may have misinterpreted your comments, but to my knowledge, if a person goes to the regionals taking Aussies, an FAA ticket isn't required. They take Aussies right off the boat with only CASA tickets and the training process gets them an FAA ATPL and type.
I'm assuming aviator35 would be handled the same way and only an assumption on my part. Of course, if he goes a non-regional route or a "non-Aussie" regional, the process will likely be different...and more expensive. The more knowledgeable can correct my understanding if needed.
The regional route restricts his list of potential employers. And, yes, regional life offers some lean years.
Converting to CPL/IR is 'training as required'. Maybe several $k, but hardly $12k. Pick a small school at a small airfield with cheap rates and good availability. You may gave to do TSA insecurity bull**** (US citizens don't, foreigners do, but green card holders? No idea)
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